Why I won't be interested in attending the SWEENEY TODD revival

[morosco]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:08pm

I firmly believe that a production of SWEENEY TODD without a full orchestra is a complete waste of time no matter how brilliant the performances or the direction. This concept is a fancy automobile without an engine.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:10pm

This is a very closed-minded way of looking at the revival. Just think of how boring it would be if directors just kept doing the same show the same way for every revival.

[morosco]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:13pm

"Just think of how boring it would be if directors just kept doing the same show the same way for every revival."
I'm open to new and different productions. I'm NOT into eliminating the orchestra.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:14pm

Have you even seen a production of SWEENEY TODD without a full orchestra?

[morosco]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:16pm

"Have you even seen a production of SWEENEY TODD without a full orchestra?"
Yes. Two dinner theatres come to mind.

[Plum]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:18pm

I would love, love, love to hear Sweeney's score performed by a full orchestra someday, but until then, this sounds like a very promising production. I'm not going to pass it up.

[Elizabeth_DeBris]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:23pm

I'm with Plum, except that I may have to pass it up, because I'm still at my parents' mercy when it comes to what shows I can see, and if they don't have an interest in it, we're not seeing it. Unfortunately, my mom thinks that the Sweeney's score is "obnoxious." *Headdesk*

Morosco, I'm guessing the two dinner theatres you saw didn't follow the same staging that this new production will use. Don't you think perhaps it's best to reserve judgement until you've actually seen it?

[morosco]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:25pm

Just imagine that lush score played with the following instruments:

Cymbal, triangle, trumpet, glockenspiel, flute, cello, penny whistle, double bass, piano, accordian, and clarinet.

ugh

[Joshua488]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:27pm

Well, Broadway isn't a regional dinner theatre.

How about you give it a chance before your 'final judgment'? Perhaps once you actually have some basis for your decision, it will be more well-received. Just a suggestion... Then you can rant all you want about it.

[morosco]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:27pm

I'm shocked that no one is alarmed about the elimination of the orchestra!?! This is one of the greatest musicals and it's being reduced to this?

Lowered expectations?

[morosco]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:30pm

"How about you give it a chance before your 'final judgment'? Perhaps once you actually have some basis for your decision, it will be more well-received. Just a suggestion..."
Nope. I'm not interested in seeing it.
"Then you can rant all you want about it."
Fair advice. I'm done ranting. The end.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:30pm

No. We're just open to trying new things. I'm sure some people here aren't happy about it, but they are more open-minded and willing to actually give it a chance before they express their frustration. You should try it!

[Elizabeth_DeBris]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:33pm

Well, generally it's easier to judge things when you've... y'know... experienced them.

Anyway, "lowered expectations" might very well factor into it. Personally, I'd rather see Sweeney Todd with NO orchestra than some of the shows that are currently playing. But I can't speak for everyone.
Updated On: 3/22/05 at 08:33 PM

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:34pm

I wouldn't write it off, morosco. Since the original prod in '79 I have seen all types of SWEENEYS...huge opera company prods to tiny intimate stagings. If it is well acted and sung (and played) it works.

I must admit I was a little worried going in to see the 1989 revival at Circle in the Square (TEENY TODD)which had a cast of 14 and 3 musicians. It was brilliant! Very different from the Broadway and NYCO versions, but just as valid.

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:36pm

Here's what I don't get: If the cast will also be the orchestra, how can they play and sing at the same time?

[Plum]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:39pm

Maybe some of us think there's more to the show than the orchestra. I don't see this as being part of the larger trend of screwing over pit orchestras- it's a production in which the actors play the instruments as an artistic choice more than a financial one.

[Mattio98]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:51pm

I posted on another thread about being wary of the small number of instruments but I don't think it will stop me from seeing this production.

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:53pm

I dont have a problem with the "small orchestra", I DO have a problem with the Actors playing them onstage. What point to the plot or story does this add! I dont get it. I just dont. Ive said it before, it seems so "mmm I wonder what we could do to sweeney that could get us some major attention...OH lets have actors play them as well!!!!" I think this hurts the show in many ways. ALSO theres only 9 people in this production....there needs to be at least 13...Sweeney kills 2 people and 1 person comes into the shop with their son/daughter/family member and they both are let out of the shop unharmed. Um then theres the 9 principles, who cannot be killed in "Johanna"...so WHO does he kill!?

Reponse from Director:" I HAVE A BRILLIANT IDEA!!! LETS BE SYMBOLIC! AND TDUMP BUCKETTS OF BLOOD INTO A COFFIN! EVERYBODY WILL GET IT, EVEN PEOPLE WHO HAVNT SEEN IT BEFORE!!!! IM SO SMART..LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME.


sorry, im just so utterly appalled we are going to have to wait ANOTHER 20 years for a GOOD broadway revival.

[Plum]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:56pm

Well, it worked for a whole lot of people. Heaven forbid we should do things any way but the original way. (And it was Prince more than Sondheim who wanted to make things so epic and huge, by the way.)

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:58pm

HOW IS IT AN ARTISTIC CHOCE TO HAVE THE ACTORS PLAY THE INSTRAMENTS! I CANT FOR THE LIFE OF ME THINK OF ONE SYMBOLIC OR OBVIOUS REASON WHY THIS WORKS!!!!!!!

(i think it works for Caberet, i think becuase at a sleezy caberet, it would be possible for the performers to also help out and play in the band.)

Posted: 3/22/05 at 8:59pm

i dont think it should be done the original way.
by all means change it.
I was just in a small production of Sweeney with a small orchestra, at a semi professional company, and it was WONDERFUL. but this idea does NOT serve the plot!!!! why be symbolic when you dont need to be!!!!

[Plum]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 9:00pm

You know what? I have no idea why one would have the actors play the instruments. But I'm willing to believe the people who loved it and at least wait and see before screaming about how horrible it is.

Posted: 3/22/05 at 9:13pm

my main frustration is that there wont be another revival on broadway for around 20 years!! I dont know if I can handle waiting that long.

[Plum]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 9:23pm

Why 20 years? This revival is coming what- 10 years? after the last one. Besides, there's theater outside of Broadway. Good theater, even. :)

[StarL925]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 9:25pm

When and where is the revival? And how long is it set to run?