Tobias in "Sweeney Todd"

#1

Tobias in "Sweeney Todd"

Posted: 11/30/04 at 1:35pm

Hey, guys! Very recently a dream came true and I have been cast as Tobias in "Sweeney Todd". I've wanted to play the character for ten years now and have thought long and hard about him and his motives. However, I was wondering if you guys had any insights that I may not have thought of. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Love,
Joshie

P.S. - Does anyone know where I can find pictures of Ken Jennings as Tobias? I have searched and searched the web to no avail. I've got the DVD so I can always see him there, but I'd love to see pictures of the original production with he and Cariou if at all possible.

Thanks!
Me

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My lip gloss is poppin'...

#2

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:11pm

Congrats! Toby is my favorite character in Sweeney Todd aside from all of the other favorites. I have extensively looked in the past for pictures with Ken Jennings as Toby, but I haven't found any.

A few months ago I found a good interview with Ken Jennings from '79 regarding the role, etc. He mentioned how he thought that Toby was mad the whole time and not just at the end or something like that.

Good luck!

Racetrack.

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"The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most; we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long"-Edgar in King Lear

#3

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:13pm

Is he the kid in love with Joannah?

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"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

#4

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:17pm

Toby?

I'm trying to remember if Toby and Johanna ever appear together on stage or if he even knows who she is.

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"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

#5

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:19pm

Ohhhhh, duh! He is the short guy that is like a son to Mrs. Lovett.

I only watched this for the first time last week. Sorry if my knowledge in SWEENY TODD is not up to par with yours. I had always thought the DVD was concert only, but was told there are two (even 3 if you count the film).

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"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

#6

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:20pm

No Toby is the "little boy" who was Pirelli's assisstant and then started working for Mrs. Lovett. He's the one who sang "Not While I'm Around" and found out all about what Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett were up to. The guy who is in love with Johanna is Antony Hope the sailor.

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"The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most; we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long"-Edgar in King Lear

#7

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:21pm

Toby is my dream role to end all.

And 'Not While I'm Around' is my absolute favorite song to sing. Ever.

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"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."

The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.

#8

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:23pm

It's okay. No worries. There's the '83 film and then the one in 2000(I think that was the year). Both are really good. It takes awhile to figure out who the characters are. No worries.

Racetrack.

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"The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most; we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long"-Edgar in King Lear

#9

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:24pm

Mine too. I love Not While I'm Around. I would play Toby if I could, but I can't.

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"The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most; we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long"-Edgar in King Lear

#10

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:27pm

It's a great character and good luck with it. I directed a production of "Sweeney Todd" and I don't think there is another musical out there that is better. While other popular musicals will fade after their runs on Broadway, "Sweeney Todd" will continue to be seen as the masterpiece that it is.

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"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 07:27 PM

#11

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:52pm

check your PM.

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"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#12

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/1/04 at 2:11am

I was cast in this show a few years ago in a semi-pro company. Sadly, I got the part of Tobias because I knew the casting director, not because I was better than the other kid. Because I was friends with the other kid, I turned the role down so he could have it. I'm a hardcore bass, I couldn't hit the notes anyway. I kinda regret it now reading this thread!

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"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson

#13

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/1/04 at 9:27am

This would have to be one of my dream roles too!
Although Sweeney is my dream role...too bad I'm a lyrical Tenor!
I think the key to Toby is that he is a very physical character, ie once you can understand his physicality the rest of the character will come. I often think of him as somewhat of a disabled child, and if I ever played this role I would draw from some of the disabled people I have known and worked with over the years. (not that he actually has a disability, aside from being a simpleton)

#14

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/1/04 at 11:29am

I had the thrill of playing 'Tobes' Last year. One of my Fondest theatre moments. Loved It.

#15

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/1/04 at 3:08pm

Hey, guys, thanks so much for all of your help! I really appreciate it.
My next question: Does anyone know where I can find *any* pictures of *any* Tobias? Right now I only have Neil Patrick Harris and Ken Jennings (on video) as a starting point and would like a few more options and ideas to work with. I've done a google search with not much success.

~Joshie

P.S. - I just wanna' say how much I adore you guys!

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My lip gloss is poppin'...

#16

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/1/04 at 3:08pm

OOPS! So sorry about the double post --- my computer at work has been giving me problems all week. ARGH!

~Joshie

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My lip gloss is poppin'...

Updated On: 12/1/04 at 03:08 PM

#17

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/1/04 at 7:07pm

Eh no problem. Thank you. Umm have you done a google search for pictures? I found a bunch months ago that weren't of Ken Jennings or Neil Patrick Harris as Toby. I'll see if I can find any pictures.

I have a good interview that I found with Ken Jennings about Sweeney Todd. www.treehold.com/topics/musicthea/sondheim/kenjennings.html
He talks about playing Toby, the experience with the production, etc. Pretty good.

Racetrack.

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"The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most; we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long"-Edgar in King Lear

#18

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/3/04 at 12:15pm

You may want to concentrate on the concert version of Sweeney with Patti Lupone and Neil Patrick Harris as Tobias. I have read many reviews that state the Neil played the "ultimate Tobias" and he got the role just as it was meant to be portrayed. Maybe if you study that DVD you can gain something from it. It might be a good start for you.

By the way, congrats on the role!!

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"The Lord's my employer and now He's my lawyer so do what you dare."

#19

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/3/04 at 12:20pm

YOu have the best song in the show!!!! BREAK A LEG!

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"It's our time, breathe it in, worlds to change and worlds to win. Our turn, coming through. Me and you, pal, me and you!" -Merrily We Roll Along

#20

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/3/04 at 1:23pm

Regarding the pics- just search google for "toby sweeney" on the image search.

Regarding the character- don't look too deeply into him. Realize that fact that he is, after all, crazy. Most of them are. At the came time, don't create a characature of a crazy person. He needs some depth, but not too much.

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"I am ready to disclaim my opinion, even of yesterday, even of 10 minutes ago, because all opinions are relative. One lives in a field of influences, one is influenced by everyone one meets, everything is an exchange of influences, all opinions are derivative. Once you deal a new deck of cards, you've got a new deck of cards." — Peter Brook

#21

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/4/04 at 7:59am

Try to find pictures/recordings of Eddie Korbich as Toby in the fabulous Circle in the Square production. He was BRILLIANT!

#22

re: Tobias in 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 12/4/04 at 12:57pm

Speaking of the Circle in the Square production, did any of you happen to see it? What was it like? The only thing I have to judge this production by is Forbidden Broadway's "Teeny Todd". Any elaborations would be appreciated.

~Joshie

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My lip gloss is poppin'...