Sweeney Todd recordings

[thibodeaux]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:14pm

Does anyone know if Sweeney Todd in concert has a cast recording on disc? Or is it just video?

And does anyone have a copy of Patti LuPone singing "Worst Piest In London"?

Which production should I buy? The TV version with Angela Lansbury or the concert version with Patti LuPone?

And what happened to Len Cariou? He was the original Sweeney, no? So how come George Hearn played Sweeney in the TV version AND the concert version?

Reply or PM me if you can help! Thank!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:29pm

As for the DVD versions, I'd say, if you can, get them both. Maybe start out with the Lansbury version and then check out the LuPone version because it's neat to see how their interpretations differ. I know there is a CD of the concert (from a different performance of the DVD, though), but I believe it's out of print.
Updated On: 12/31/04 at 07:29 PM

[thibodeaux]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:32pm

I've seen the Lansbury version before and I bought the OBCR with her...I think I may go with the concert...

(Also 'cuz NPH is a cutie-pie. . .Though it's hard for me to picture him as Tobias Rigg, what with the guy in the TV version being so small and young-looking and all...)

Thanks !!

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:35pm

You won't be disappointed if you go with the concert version. Everyone is fantastic, and once you watch it you can't imagine anyone else but NPH as Tobias.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:37pm

Well, it is choosing between perfection and uber-perfection.

The supporting cast in the concert version is better.
But Lansbury still is and forever will be the definitive Lovett, so for that you need the TV verion.

However, either way you get George Hearn, so it's win-win.

But get both because both are wonderful.

[Kris2]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 7:52pm

Agreed with StickToPriest.

The Lansbury-Hearn one, you also get to see the whole show staged. Character-wise, she IS Mrs. Lovett. Lupone sings with much more powerful vocals, but Angela owns the character. It also might help to get the Lansbury version if you are unfamiliar with the show. They can't act everything out on the concert DVD, but the concert cast is stronger as a whole.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 9:27pm

am I the ONLY one who doesnt like NPH in the role of Tobias? Updated On: 12/31/04 at 09:27 PM

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 12:32am

The Sweeney Concert was recorded and released on CD, but it's not the same performance that's on DVD.

The new Sweeney disc is a recording of one of the Lincoln Center performances, and was released in a limited pressing. It's still available from Footlight (but it's terribly expensive). However, it is not the same performance as the DVD. If I recall correctly, the DVD was shot in San Francisco, at a later date, albeit with the same leads.

[JoshuaEads]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 3:21am

No, TheaterGuy, you're not alone. As much as I adore NPH I just didn't buy his portrayal of Tobias. In my humble opinion, Ken Jennings was very good and his characterization was so complete and interesting. NPH seemed a little too sure and knowing at all times. Then again, the role holds such a special place in my heart that it's difficult for me to buy into anything "different". Anyway, just my two cents! HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

Love,
Joshie

P.S. - Ken Jennings looked anything but young in the tv version. To me he appeared to be about mid-twenties (wasn't he actually 22 or so? I can't remember...), which worked for the character on so many levels (again, in my humblest of humble opinions. )

~Me

Updated On: 1/1/05 at 03:21 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 3:27am

agreed in EVERY way.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 4:15am

"And what happened to Len Cariou? He was the original Sweeney, no? So how come George Hearn played Sweeney in the TV version AND the concert version?"

Len Cariou played Sweeney on Broadway, but the TV version is of the Tour cast. So Len Cariou was not recorded.

The Sweeney on the concert recording was supposed to be Bryn Terfel, but he had to pull out, and George Hearn was called in to reprise his role.

SticktoPriest is absolutely correct. The supporting cast is MUCH better on the concert version (Johanna is hideous, and Anthony not much better in the TV cast).

And I rather like NPH as Toby. The concert version is quite different to the tour version in that the characters are more "knowing". Patti LuPone as Mrs. Lovett is far more canny than Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Lovett. She KNOWS what she is, whereas I think the Lansbury Lovett is blinded by greed. I find the concert production to be a much rawer, earthy and blatantly sexual production of the show. So for NPH to be more "knowing" fits in with the direction of the show.

Just my 2 cents...

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:49am

I do prefer George Hearn's portrayal of Sweeney in the Tour version. Something about the Concert Version is not quite the same...I can't put my finger on it.

also Pirelli is far superior in the Concert Version, and it includes Johanna (Judge Turpin) and the jo, my-jing Beggar Woman's song.

So do what I did, and buy both. Make your own opinion.

[thibodeaux]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 12:12pm

I've seen the TV version a few times...

I really liked Joanna; I thought she was dreadfully intense--especially in "Kiss Me" which, IMO, is one of the most difficult musical theatre songs I've ever seen performed...

I went to look for the concert version DVD today at Barnes & Novle and Best Buy--but neither place had it. Blast!!

Thanks for all your input and advice guys; much appreciated

[Staci1818]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 1:28pm

Amazon has it. I'm placing an order for it soon.... I'll proably buy the concert version and/or a cd soon afterwards

[JoshuaEads]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 1:50pm

Paradox, point taken and appreciated. I do, however, feel that, while it is okay for someone like Mrs. Lovett to be fully aware of herself, Tobias should truly be innocent. I think he serves the story better when played as a counter balance to those around him. He's really the only one who isn't driven by greed of some sort.

I was thrilled with Patti's performance. It was really nice to see Mrs. Lovett embrace herself as the epitome of evil. No regrets, no qualms, just in it for what she needs out of the moment. I think that this is one case where straying from the original (i.e. Angela) worked in her favor. Then again, most people don't agree. Oh well, that's life.

As for Hearn...hmm...while obviously older I thought his performance was slightly more passionate and less methodical in the concert recording. Also, it was nice to hear someone such as Patti equal him vocally. To me, Angela's vocals tended to get a little lost when belting alongside Hearn.

Wow, an intelligent debate...I'm enjoying this.

~Joshua

[Chazds9]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 2:15pm

For the DVD's if you can only get one, go with the 1982ish PBS version with Angela Lansbury and George Hearn. You've got a lot of original cast members in it, and you get to see the whole musical, where as in the concert version you don't. I'd go with the Lansbury/Hearn version all the way. As for Len Cariou, he was the Original Sweeney Todd, yes, but George Hearn is amazing in the role too, most will say better. A lot of times someone can do a role and own it just as much as the actor who did the original, say Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, well George Hearn as Sweeney Todd is an example of that also. As for a recording of Patti Lupone singing the Worst Pies in London, well amazon.com had Sweeney Todd live at the New York Philharmonic with that cast, and I bought the last copy, however from what I understand just by glancing at there is a recording of that live performance too. Good Luck.

Updated On: 1/1/05 at 02:15 PM

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 6:15pm

I for one am a huge fan of Patti, but as has been said, Angelia is the definitive Mrs. Lovett. While Patti is undoubtedly a better singer, I don't think Angela's vocals are lost at all. Everything about Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett is perfect. While Hearn does have a sublimely beautiful voice, I think Lansbury easily steals the show.
That is what is wonderful about the concert version. Nobody steals the show, because all of the performers are so wonderful. Patti's Lovett is great, Hearn's Sweeney wonderful (although I would actually say THIS performance is the more methodical performance. Isn't it interesting how opinions differ?) and Davis Gaines, Victoria Clark, NPH etc all give wonderful, inspired performances.

But I don't think NPH as Toby was too knowing at all. There is supposed to be an element of understanding; "Two quid was in it, two or three..." If he was completely blind to everything then he wouldn't be locked in the basement in the first place.
I think the majority of his blindness is a sub-conscious decision to ignore reality. Why else would he continue to "grind the meat" after everything he witnessed.

And I have never been able to warm to Johanna in the TV version. Maybe it's just her eyes...you would almost think it is Sarah Brightman performing the role...

This is my favourite thread currently. No Wicked, no Brooklyn, just Sondheim!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 6:19pm

Must. Bump up. Sondheim.

[thibodeaux]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 8:30pm

I think Sweeney Todd is probably one of Sondheim's best musicals...It's so subtle in terms musicality---in what melodies are repeated but with different words (like between "Kiss Me" between Beadle and Turpin---'excuse me, my lord, may i request, my lord, permission, my lord, to speak---' repeated when turpin visits todd...i just think it's swell!)

Yea, Sondheim is a great topic

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:26pm

Sweeney Todd is not just one of Sondheim's best musicals, it is one of THE best musicals ever written. Full stop.

~edit~ HOW could I forget to put a full stop after saying "full stop"?!?!?! Updated On: 1/1/05 at 09:26 PM

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:27pm

"...it is one of THE best musicals ever written. Full stop."

Amen.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:30pm

Mmmmmm Sweeny Todd love.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:04pm

There can never be enough Sweeney Todd loving! Updated On: 1/1/05 at 10:04 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:56pm

I think I want some Sweeny Todd love right now.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:58pm

*bathes everyone in Sweeney love*