Sweeney Todd recordings- Page 2

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 1:20am

*basks in the Love of Sweeney*


is anyone else seeing any irony here?

[JoshuaEads]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 2:31am

Oh my --- things have suddenly gotten a little kinky since I've been away. Ah well, when in Rome... ::joins in with the Sweeney love::

At any rate, Paradox, we'll have to agree to disagree on this one I think. Yes, it is funny how different people have completely different opinions on one subject. Interesting...

To me, Angela seemed to just be "going through the motions" in the tv version. I could see that she was very tired and very "over it", if you will. Also, her little "jigs" during "Priest" tended to wear on my nerves. This being said, I will admit that I could sense how amazing she must have been when she was still fresh in the role...and I'm sure Cariou was a better match for her particular portrayal.

Betsy Joslyn seemed to overshoot a bit of her notes, but I really enjoyed the craziness in her characterization. The way she pounces around during "Kiss Me" (which I believe has been mentioned on this thread before) was priceless and perfect. I could understand and connect with every little thought that seemed to be going through her head. Chris Gronendaal, on the other hand, was not what I would have expected to see. I won't say that he was bad, I just sensed that he was a little out of his element. I wasn't overly impressed with Gavis Gaines, either. Has he had extensive cosmetic surgery done? He kept reminding me of Jennifer Coolidge's character in "Cinderella Story". You know, "It's the botox. I can't show emotion for another hour and a half" or whatever? Sorry, that was uncalled for - it's been a long weekend and it's only going to get longer!

Anyway, I've typed too much already and should have been in bed hours ago. You guys take care and keep spreadin' that love, y'all!!!

Love,
Joshie

P.S. - I won't go into my opinions on NPH/Tobias right now. It would take too much time and I'm in no frame of mind to express my thoughts completely. I promise I'll get back to that soon.

~Me

[thibodeaux]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 12:06pm

I didn't feel like Angela was "over it". I felt she was terribly connected and rooted in Mrs. Lovett...You could tell she was tired, yes, but as we all know, Sweeney is not an easy, fluffy show to go through night after night; but I think Angela kept amazing composure and was absolutely HILARIOUS. Her subtleties within the character were brilliant.

More Sweeney love!

*cracks open a can of SWEENEY: A Different Kind of Energy Drink*

One for everybody!!

[pab]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 2:54pm

I think that for the most part the cast of the TV production was brilliant. My only reservations were with Betsy Joslyn and Chris Gronendaal. I thought that Betsy's head would explode during "Green Finch" as her eyes got wider and wider each time she tried to hit the high notes. Chris bothered me, from an acting standpoint. When he breaks open the birdcage and tosses it on the ground, I just didn't buy it and his accent was also a little lame, especially after remembering what Victor Garber had done with that role on stage in the original Broadway production. As for Hearn, Landsbury and the rest of the cast, I'd say they were simply brilliant!

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 8:09pm

Thankyou Pab!

That's exactly what I think too...

and in regards to betsy joslyn:
"Maybe it's just her eyes...you would almost think it is Sarah Brightman performing the role..."

[JoshuaEads]

Posted: 1/3/05 at 2:01am

Just bumping up! I promise I'll reply at some point tomorrow (err...later today, actually...) After an all day marathon rehearsal I'm exhausted. Take care and rejoice in the Sweeney Love!!!



Love,
Joshie

[paradox_error]

Posted: 1/3/05 at 4:19am

*basks in Sweeney love once more!*

[PramsAclams]

Posted: 1/3/05 at 2:21pm

The concert recording is great. The DVD is not so good because it doesn't have Audra. I like when she says "Ticka ticka ticka"

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 1/3/05 at 3:55pm

I own both DVD versions and both CD recordings (I'm kinda obsessed with this show, can you tell?). The Lansbury DVD is a much better buy than the LuPone version, simply because it's a fully staged production rather than a concert. Also, George Hearn is the appropriate age in the Lansbury version, versus being WAY too old when he did with LuPone.

However, as far as CDs I recommend the LuPone recording, because although I'm sure Len Cariou acted the role wonderfully, I'm not a big fan of his singing voice. Also, it's fun to hear all the audience reactions (laughter, applause) on the LuPone CD. You really feel like you're in the audience.

BTW, Ken Jennings was about 32 when he played Tobias(!). Personally, since the character's supposed to be in his early-mid teens, why don't people ever use an actual teenager? The music is difficult but a kid could still do it if he worked hard enough and had enough training.

[JoshuaEads]

Posted: 1/3/05 at 6:20pm

Hmm, I've never really thought of Tobias as particularly young. I always thought of him more as a (pardon the expression) "Forrest-Gumpy" young adult.
More on that in a while. Must...get...to...rehearsal!

Love,
Joshie

::Sprays around the "Sweeney Love: Summer Breeze" can::

[Bal]

Posted: 1/3/05 at 8:13pm

I would put the character of Tobias, regardless of what it's 'supposed to be', as a naive young man in his very late teens-very early twenties who just wants to please everyone and do everything right.

I love me some NPH.

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 1/4/05 at 6:00am

I feel much the same when I listen to the Philharmonic Concert recording as most Americans must do listening to the Whistle Down the Wind OLC. Whilst Sondheim's music is as amazing as ever (not something that could acutally be said of WDTW) those accents drive me round the bend!!! Patti LuPone wanders through the UK via cliche-ville, rarely hitting London. And 'Pirelli' was supposed to be Irish - so why does he sound like he comes from the highlands of Scotland? George Hearn mercifully doesn't even try. I love everything else - the audience reactions, Audra (naturally!), the orchestra and the chorus; however the awful diction of LuPone completely ruins it for me I'm afraid . . .

And the moral is . . . get the Lansbury version! Updated On: 1/4/05 at 06:00 AM