The potency of Sweeney Todd's score

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 7:55am

I am looking forward to Sweeney, very much so actually (even with the casting of LuPone). However, I am worried by one thing. As a HUGE fan of the score, i am worry it will be somewhat diminished by the lack of an orchestra similar in scope to those which have come before this revival. I am thinking that somehow this can't be, since this revival was such a hit in London. I would just hate to see the music be production element that suffers. Could someone please explain if this will be the case, and if not , why it will work?

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 2:19pm

BUMP!

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 9/12/05 at 3:19pm

First let me say that I love Lupone as Mrs Lovett. I read the libretto before I saw any production then I saw the concert on TV and she performed the role exactly how I envisioned it, being delightfuly evil to the core. I don't mind Landsberry's but she's far from a favorite. Now reguarding the the small "orchestra" being used in the revival, I think it will work very well. Sweeney Todd does marvelusly on a smaller scale, like a chamber musical. I have great faith in it plus it was a huge hit over seas, I really look forward to this production.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 9/13/05 at 1:20am

I had the same reservations before attending the 1989 Circle-in-the-Square production ("TEENY TODD") done with 2 syths & a percussionist. But even though some of the louder passages were not quite as powerful, overall the show was just as effective. Different, but still valid.

A really well written show can survive such a deconstruction.