Sweeney Todd Film

I can remember reading an article where the interviewer discussed the possibility of a film of Sweeney Todd with Mr. Sondheim, and the possibility of any new material for the film.

Stephen replied that the score is complete, but that he is very unsatisfied with "Wait" and would like to write a new song to replace it.

I was just listening to Patti Lupone wrapping her voice around this song, and was reminded of how much I love this song. It is one of the highlights of what I think is one of the greatest scores ever written.

Now that it does look like Sweeny Todd may just grace the Silver Screen, this song might be replaced. I would be devastated to see this song go...

If I remember correctly, Stephen cited that the song is completely lacking in theatricality and that he didn't like the way it had turned out...

Would anyone else hate to see this song go, or does anyone agree with Mr. Sondheim?

Updated On: 3/19/05 at 02:41 PM

We have to trust Steve. He knows what he's doing.

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I love the song, I think it is quite integral to the score, and adore the orchestrations in both recordings...

It is a real gem of a song, any other composer would be thrilled to have something of this quality...But not Steve...

No matter, anything about Sweeney is appreciated!

I agree, Sweeney would be extremely scary...In fact it never fails to scare me, and I have seen both versions so many times!

I also love WAIT. I have conducted the show around 700 performances by now, and think it is just right for that moment in the show. And whoever mentioned the orchestration is right on, it is absolutely beautiful. I undeerstand that Sam Mendes is going to direct the film.

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I'd be extremely suprised if the Judge Turpin's "Johanna" made it to the film version. Eek.

I also remember that article. I think he said the reason why he wasn't satisfied with it was because it developed this almost Latin beat underneath it. It is seductive in a way and I also agree the song is essential and just fine the way it is. I actually took part in those NY Sweeney concerts and it was terrific watching Patti coo that song every night.

And as much as I love Sondheim, sometimes the over-complexity can get too much.

What is beautiful about songs like Johanna, Wait, Not While I'm Around, No One Is Alone, Losing My Mind, Good Thing Going etc is that they put a break in the pace and let the audience catch up.

Anyone who claims Sondheim doesn't know about melody hasn't listened to these songs, and many others

Well the real question is what songs will fit into the overall directorial concept of the film. Not all of them will make the cut -- Sondheim said at WALL TO WALL that John Logan's script is brilliant, and mentioned that a number was being restored -- which I imagine is the Judge's "Joanna"