Sweeney Todd; Filmimg starts feb 5th- Page 7

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 4:42pm

Though I don't think Streep is up to it, this is a really great role. Does Helen Mirren sing??? I would love to see a Chalize Theron-transformation of Catherine Zeta Jones for this role.

I hope Kidman stays far away.

[Wildcard]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 5:29pm

It is possible that Meryl was just scared of the role. She has wanted to appear in a musical for such a long time and I find it odd that she would turn it down now that she has the offer to star in one. However, while she can sing, she isn't necessarily the best singer and appearing in a film of a Sondheim musical is quite a challenge.

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 5:44pm

I always pictured Meryl the next Bette Davis, in that "I don't care what I look like, as long as I look like the character" kinda way.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 6:00pm

Oh, I think Streep could sing Lovett no problem - at least for film. She also had no problem singing some tricky songs in front of hundreds of people this summer during MOTHER COURAGE, so I doubt she's not doing SWEENEY because of the singing demands.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 6:08pm

It would seem unlikely that she'd have any problem singing it to me, too.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 6:11pm

I dont' think there's anything about the role Meryl Streep couldn't handle. Other than contractual problems, or the tiny difference in vision, who knows why she would leave.

I still think Cyndi Lauper would do a great job. Toni Collette would do well, as well.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 6:23pm

Actually, Meryl really wanted to do it. But due to the fast tracking of the film, she was not able to get out of a previous committment. She most definately can sing the role and certainly is not afraid of it...

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 7:16pm

Going off her vocals on the ME AND MY GIRL recording, I think Thompson would have a lot of difficulty singing the SWEENEY score, even for film, but she is just about perfect in every other way.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 7:22pm

Going by Streep's vocals on Postcards from the Edge, I would have felt the same about her.

Perhaps Thompson's voice can be brought forth as Streep's has. The base is certainly there.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 7:24pm

Very true.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 7:53pm

I just went back and read the Collette rumor. I am a big fan, but I don't see her in this role. Not now, anyway.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 10/17/06 at 11:43pm

Tim Burton's on Leno tonight (promoting The Nightmare Before Christmas re-release, I guess). I wonder if he'll mention Sweeney.