What instrument will LuPone's Lovett play?- Page 3

[Tirso de Molina]

Posted: 4/28/05 at 10:09pm

I saw it in London; it was brilliant. Very, VERY exciting stuff. Also, some of the actors specifically learned to play their instruments for the production, while others (like the young man who played Anthony and was a conservatory-trained cellist) already had the expertise.

I'm only troubled by the idea of transferring this intimate production into a big theater -- at the Whitehall in London, the small space made the performance very immediate; I was in the front row, which was on the stage level, and the action was happening about 7 feet straight in front of me.

I *do* hope it succeeds on Bway, though. It's one of the best Sweeney's I've seen.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 4/28/05 at 10:43pm

This is absolutely one of my favorite musicals of all time. Let's say tied for first with a couple of others. I was just excited about a Sweeney Revival to begin with...as I've never seen it performed live, and now that Cerveris and LuPone are on I'm thrilled, but I was always iffy about this concept. But now that I'm reading comments from those who have seen this in London and looking at these pictures, it looks and sounds like a brilliant, unique, thrilling experience, and I'm excited beyond words.

Here's hoping it works here just as well as it did in London. From what I'm reading, it does sound like the transfer of such a production to a Broadway house will be a challenge.
Updated On: 4/28/05 at 10:43 PM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 1:01am

The instrumentation as I remember it for London:

Sweeney: Clarinet/Percussion
Pirelli/Fogg (played by one actress): Piano/Accordion
Beggar Woman -- Clarinet
Tobias: Flute/Piano
Mrs. Lovett: Trumpet/Percussion
Judge: Flute
Anthony: Cello/Violin
Joanna: Cello/Piccalo
Beadle: Percussion/Violin.

Now when the show transferred to the West End, they added an "ensemble" of 4. When they did that, Sweeney stopped playing an instrument.

The Broadway production is using the 9 person version -- they aren't adding in the ensemble, and its already been said that Cerveris is playing guitar and LuPone horn/cello.

Hope that helps.

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 2:11am

This production of Sweeney, which I saw in its second preview at the very intimate Trafalgar Studios before it became the toast of the West End season and made the big transfer, was one of the most incredible and inventive productions I have ever seen, and, like many have been saying, one of the best things I saw when I was over there. I'm really excited to see it here, and I'm relieved to hear that Patti can, in fact, play an instrument, and they're not forgoing the vision and just hiring her because she's Patti LuPone.

Michael Bennett: I don't remember Sweeney playing an instrument, for some reason. Did he really? And am I mistaken, or was there also an upright bass (the one played with a bow, not a slap bass) that was played by both Antony/Beadle/Johanna?

[KMEP05]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 2:18am

i believe she will be playing the tuba.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 11:35am

flaem --

I think you are correct about the upright bass. I think you're also correct that the Beadle played it occassionally as well. Almost the entire cast played more then one instrument, which was a pretty great feat. Wonder what they will do with swings/standbys.

[DAME]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 11:56am

I saw this in London last December and was blown away. Extremely inventive ( perhaps a tad much). I will say I am disspointed with Lupone being in the show. but that is just a matter of my personal opinion. Go. You will enjoy.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 2:23pm

Saw LuPone at Lincoln Center and she was definitely a riot, and vocally sound (Mrs. Lovett doesnt need the prettiest voice.) But her accent was all over the place. If this is going to be an intimate evening of many people's favorite musical, she better work on that as well as her tuba playing

And I am a big fan of hers! Was really excited by a Cyndi Lauper version...maybe she can take over the role?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 2:26pm

The tuba thing was a joke -- she's playing a trumpet.....Karen Mann in London played a trumpet, and was required to pick it up and put it down a lot. Somehow I see a tuba being a little more...cumbersome.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 2:38pm

...but funny!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 2:40pm

Yeah I'd love to see Patti LuPone through her tuba at the stage manager during her usual three-week-into-performance tirade.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 2:52pm

I actually would be shocked if she doesnt already play an instrument even if she may need brushing up.

Did you see her at the end of Passion's telecast? She was positively goofy! I thought she was incredible in the role and she was SO excited...maybe her difficult diva days are over and she misses the stage enough to politely get through a Bway run.