What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
#0What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 7:19am
With Sweeney Todd leaving us this weekend, I thought I would put my 2 cents in about what I liked and didn’t like the most about the revival.
WITH SPOILERS
What I liked: The cast works as a unified whole, giving a group of incredibly passionate and committed performances. I also liked the fact that, with no set changes and all the actors and musicians on view at all times, the production feels very immediate. The cast has to keep it up all the way through.
What I didn’t like: Since Tobias is all twitchy and crazy from the very beginning, Tobias never “becomes mad” at the end. I really missed the pathos of his transformation. Also, I personally found that my feelings of sympathy towards Toby were much lower in this version with his different character arc.
Overall, I really enjoyed the revival and it was one of my favorite shows of the year.
"What was the name of that cheese that I like?"
"you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start"
"well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"
VeuveClicquot
Broadway Star Joined: 11/2/04
#1re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 8:49am
Huh.
Interesting.
I should have seen this production more than once. It blew me away the first time I saw it, so I didn't really get a chance to examine it closely. But I hear you.
EltonJ
Understudy Joined: 6/16/06
#2re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 9:02am
There is still time VC to see it again...
CANT WAIT TO SEE IT FOR THE 3rd TIME. SUNDAY ROW BB!
mejusthavingfun
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/12/06
VeuveClicquot
Broadway Star Joined: 11/2/04
#4re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 9:48am
"I hated Patti Lupone"
Why, exactly? Please explain.
#5re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 9:58am
Just because Tobias is twitching etc during the entire show, doens't mean that his madness at the end is surpressed or diminished.
His madness at the end does not focus on his twitching and stuttering, ti focuses on his brain functions, or lack thereof. Let me explan, his madness is prevalent when he sings patty cake, because his brain can't handle the situation and he reacts oddly.
I'm quite shocked that you found this version of Tobias less powerful. I felt more for this mentally ill boy in pajamas then I ever did seeing a person in what looks like a clown suit.
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird
To Kill A Mockingbird
VeuveClicquot
Broadway Star Joined: 11/2/04
#6re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:02am
"I felt more for this mentally ill boy in pajamas then I ever did seeing a person in what looks like a clown suit." That's a lovely description, geek.
I can't get over this LuPone hater. Honestly, I've seen her do crap. (Anything Goes, her solo concert at Lincoln Center), but this Sweeney was devestating. And so was her performance.
mejusthavingfun
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/12/06
#7re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:44am
I just thought it was like any other college production I've seen with her. The tuba was the only difference. Her accent is terrible. She just wasn't exceptional as is constantly posted on here. Lansbury was amazing in the role.
Updated On: 9/1/06 at 10:44 AM
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#8re: What I liked and didn't like about Sweeney Todd
Posted: 9/1/06 at 11:12amThe final performance will be (I believe) my 4th time....twice with Patti, once with Judy. I enjoyed Judy more than Patti. I don't really think that the sexed-up Mrs. Lovett fits. Judy's more matronly and blood-thirsty portrayal suited the production better. I'm not really one of Patti's big fans (I do love the Evita CD), but she's a great performer.
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