Sweeney Todd on TCM

[malletgirl02]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 2:09pm

Sweeney Todd is on TCM right now. It is the one that was filmed with George Hearn and Angela Lansbury.

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 2:30pm

Ugh, I really do hate the modified Johanna keys in this version.

[GoSmileLaughCryClap]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 2:46pm

Betsy Joslyn made some interesting character choices. She plays Johanna as if she's a meth addict.
It looks like her eyes are going to - LITERALLY - pop out of her head.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 4:25pm

I hate Betsy Joslyn's voice in this. It is too shrill for my ears. Also not a fan of Cris Groenendaal's hair. It just didn't look right for the setting.

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 4:43pm

Yes, they both seem like total misfires and are the main reason I rarely watch the taped performance (though I can't resist when TCM airs it).

[Wynbish]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 4:56pm

I can never get past Betsy's voice. I can't tell what's an off note she's singing and what's just Sondheim writing an "interesting" note.

And I'm sure it comes down to if it suits one's taste, but George Hearn, who I love, is too screamy of a Sweeney

[theatregeek6]

Posted: 10/25/14 at 10:01pm

Recorded it and watching now. Anything I get to see the live version of a show I am happy

[Fantod]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 2:21am

On the topic of Sweeney Todd, I just got back from a great production of the show by Theatreworks, Silicon Valley. It was set in the 1940's, which is detrimental to the material because it is basically a criticism of Victorian England, but I thought that the whole cast was very good, with the woman who played Mrs. Lovett and the man who played Tobias both being exceptional. I quite enjoy the show itself, though it will never be one of my favorites, and though the music is not very attractive and I would never play it at home (save for 2 songs), it fits the show really well and is well written. Go if you like the show and live in the area, or go if you have never seen it before. It is a great introduction to the piece.
EDIT: I also went to eat tapas before the show at Cascal and had some amazing mushroom empanadas and some delicious chocolate soufflé. I would recommend that restaurant if you are looking for somewhere to eat.
Updated On: 10/26/14 at 02:21 AM

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 2:27am

I'll never get Betsy Joslyn. There's absolutely no record or soundboard I've heard of her singing that has made me think she's not an atrocious actress/singer. How I wish this had been taped with Victor Garber and Sarah Rice.

[South Florida]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 8:38am

That was fun, but the sound was awful.

[inception]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 1:59pm

On the topic of Sweeney Todd, wikipedia points out that the French language premier is currently taking place in Quebec City.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 4:24pm

You know, it's been several years since I've watched this video all the way through and I thought you guys must be overstating the issues with Betsy Joslyn's vocals. But you weren't. Just rewatched some of it and I can't believe how ghastly her vocals are. I think we all know what Randy Jackson would say about them. I still like the rather nutty portrayal, but those vocals are just painful.

As for the sound. It seems pretty decent on the dvd I have, but I hate that they all but silenced the audience. It's theatre - we want to hear their reaction.

[morosco]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 4:39pm

Act 2 during the madhouse sequence when Joslyn keeps shrilly singing GREENFINCHANDLINNETBIRD GREENFINCHANDLINNETBIRD GREENFINCHANDLINNETBIRD is enough to make one throw their remote at the screen.

I don't think that there are too many people who sang that role better than Sarah Rice except for maybe Harolyn Blackwell. Listen to her final note.


Green Finch and Linnet Bird - Harolyn Blackwell Updated On: 10/26/14 at 04:39 PM

[HorseTears]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 4:47pm

Harolyn Blackwell is exquisite. She also sings my favorite "Summertime" in Porgy & Bess.

[Musical Master]

Posted: 10/26/14 at 7:10pm

Chris, to my opinion is better than Victor Garber but I agree about Betsy Joslyn being really shrill and ghastly for my tastes. She's sounds like if Snow White got into a secret stash of "rock flour" or something.

Updated On: 10/26/14 at 07:10 PM