Sweeney 3.0 (ish) — Page 2

egnarotsew said: "3GamesToLove said: "Anyone sat in the mezzanine/balcony since they removed the pie counter over the summer?"

I sat in the balcony the othernight."

We were in the 2nd row of the Balcony on Sunday (matinee). I'd say at most 5% of the action happens out of your sight, and you're much less likely to get "acted at" up there (but not impossible) as you are down on the floor.



Incredible what they've done to that theater. Every time we go to Barrow Street it's like a new building.

Saw the show earlier this week. Holy crap I had a great time. Carolee is going to remain in my head as thr difinitive Mrs Lovett. I can't imagine anyone nailing the role more perfectly. Joanna also really blew me away, she was moving and funny which is bizarre because I never think of it as a comedic role. Hugh Panero's voice is silky and smooth and full of intent, but he's spent too much time acting with a mask in front of his face, because his face was mostly flat. This somehow took very little away from my enjoyment, so I can't complain.

It was reported earlier in this thread that it is a regular occurrence and it happened at our showing

I know this has been asked before, but I'd like to hear some other opinions.

I'm going to see Sweeney in a few weeks. We'll be in the twisting seats (B8 and B9) and will be enjoying some pie before the show. I have never seen the show in any form, aside from catching Johnny Depp for 3 or 4 minutes when flipping channels on TV. I don't know the music. I have a very vague understanding of the plot.

Should I go in cold? Should I watch the movie first? Should I listen to the music first? Should I catch one of the original productions on YouTube? What do you all think will be most enjoyable for this version of the show? Typically I don't even read full reviews when going to see a movie because I hate spoilers, but I also don't want to be too lost if I can't see/hear/understand what is going on at the show.

Also, and it has been a while (and this may be a silly question), but what are people wearing to Off-Broadway shows? The last Broadway show I saw (Color Purple), it was pretty varied but I probably wouldn't show up in jeans. We'll be hanging out a bit in Manhattan a bit before the show -- is this a bit more casual or do people still tend to dress a bit?

Thanks!

Got to see this on Saturday.

In a word, I loved it. This might be my all-time favorite production of Sweeney. It's that intense and that good.

Carolee Carmello is without a doubt my favorite Lovett that I've seen live (I've only seen the filmed production of Lansbury). This is possibly the best performance of her career, and one that could easily win her a Tony if it were on Broadway. She's absolutely outstanding. I love her asides to the audience. She's a loopy Nellie (more in the Lansbury mold), as opposed to the cold, calculating Nellie that Patti played. But my gosh is she outstanding.

Hugh sings like a dream, but he's not a particularly menacing Sweeney. I wasn't wild about his acting, but what a voice.

I mostly enjoyed the rest of the cast, particularly the new Anthony, Jake Boyd, who also has an outstanding voice. The only one I didn't care for is the new Judge Turpin, Michael James Leslie.

This is a wonderful production from top to bottom, though I could see how the lack of scene changes in act 2 would be confusing to those who don't already know the show. The man in front of me, for instance, was confused when Johanna, Beadle, and the Judge reappeared in act 2, as he was under the impression they were already dead (the actors doubled as ensemble members in the act 2 opener, but didn't really change costumes).

All in all, a wonderful afternoon in the pie shop. Worth full price just to see Carmello, but the rest of the show is great, too.

zod2 said: "I know this has been asked before, but I'd like to hear some other opinions.

I'm going to see Sweeney in a few weeks. We'll be in the twisting seats (B8 and B9) and will be enjoying some pie before the show. I have never seen the show in any form, aside from catching Johnny Depp for 3 or 4 minuteswhen flipping channels on TV. I don't know the music. I have a very vague understanding of the plot.

Should I go in cold? Should I watch the movie first? Should I listen to the music first? Should I catch one of the original productions on YouTube? What do you all think will be most enjoyable for this version of the show? Typically I don't even read full reviews when going to see a movie because I hate spoilers, but I also don't want to be too lost if I can't see/hear/understand what is going on at the show.

Also, and it has been a while (and this may be a silly question), but what are people wearing to Off-Broadway shows? The last Broadway show I saw (Color Purple), it was pretty varied but I probably wouldn't show up in jeans. We'll be hanging out a bit in Manhattan a bit before the show -- is this a bit more casual or do people still tend to dress a bit?

Thanks!"

I would say that the show is not hard to follow. I saw the Cerveris/Lupone production cold and I was fine. The exception is if you struggle with quick delivery of lyrics. Then I might brush up a little bit but you'd be equally fine watching the show and then going home to listen to one of the other albums. That is, you'll be able to understand it no matter what but you could choose to better appreciate the nuances and wit of the lyrics better either before or after you see the show. For example, A Little Priest has a lot of great jokes that you might not get on first hearing but that song is also not that fast, you just have to be paying attention. Kiss Me is also hilarious but you need a Johanna and Anthony who enunciate.

In my experience, people dress pretty casually for off-Broadway. I like to at least look presentable but I've seen so many people even at Broadway shows wearing T-shirts and jeans. The last time I went to the Barrow St Theater people were dressed casually but that was a while ago. I don't know if people are dressing up more now that this production has become more of a hot ticket.

I am in the same boat now, with Panaro out on my date. I have three upcoming short trips (Nov/Dec/Jan), but a friend's son is in the cast and he'll be out over the holidays, so December's out; plus my husband, who digs ST) would miss it if I exchanged for a girls' trip in January. So in the end, we decided to keep thatNovember date. Danny Rothman does seem to have a good (baritone!) voice so we'll see how he is as an actor....

Just heard that Carolee is leaving February 25th. Any rumors on who her replacement might be?

gleek4114 said: "Just heard that Carolee is leaving February 25th. Any rumors on who her replacement might be?"

K A T H Y F I T Z G E R A L D

Sweeney Todd 4.0??https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Thom-Sesma-Sally-Ann-Triplett-to-Take-Over-the-Pie-Shop-in-Barrow-Street-Theatres-SWEENEY-TODD-20180103

I too am so stoked for Billy Harrigan Tighe! I saw him as Elder Price 3 times - he's wonderful.