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

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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!

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.

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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.

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.

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.)

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.

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