Why I won't be interested in attending the SWEENEY TODD revival- Page 2

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:29pm

Theaterguy will you please shut up about the concept of the instruments not being integral to the plot. You keep ranting about this and you haven't even seen the production. If you don't like the concept you don't have to attend, but for the people who do go, they will experience a fascinating night of the theatre and a brilliant take on the material.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:08pm

Anyone thinking a reduction of orchestral forces from 26 to 9 performed by the cast is based solely on artistic reasons needs to remove the rose-colored glasses.

[Plum]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:14pm

But...they're such pretty glasses.

I didn't say solely, I said mostly. Or at least that's what I'm hoping it is. My glasses are a kind of light pink.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:26pm

All I know is that the London critics -- who are a much meaner and nastier bunch than the ones we have in New York -- LOVED it. It's not the Prince version (which is brilliant and readily available on DVD), not the recent concert (which is also readily available on DVD), and not the Schulman "Teeny Todd" from 1989, but it's own innovative re-thinking of one of musical theatre's landmark shows. Everyone, critics and audiences alike, was blown away by it last year, so I think it's premature to criticize the concept before you've even seen it.

Updated On: 3/22/05 at 11:26 PM

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:30pm

I agree, I have seen it done many differnt ways. I saw a community production that was incredible, the set concept changed and there was not a full orchestra.

Earlier on this board someone said that they wont see another reival till 20 years later. I hope so lol then I can actually play todd.

[pab]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:44pm

Some Reviews

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:46pm

I'll still see the revival if I can, but I've previously seen "Sweeney" done with a severely down-sized orchestra, and much of the score was lost.

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:48pm

Michael Bennett: Dont tell me to shut up. Sweeney is my favorite show in creation, If I want to rant about this production, let me do so. Frankly im shocked nobody is agreeing with me. Oh well.

Margo: I have only read 1 review, it was in the Sondhiem review, and it was DEFIENTLY a pan. They said the singing/acting was weak, and the production is nearly impossible to follow unless you know it well before seeing.

The pictures I saw, had Sweeney (or was it the judge) in a leather jackett, and Mrs. Lovett in well, a mini skirt. Ummm? NOT victorian london. does someone know if they are setting this show in todays time? (I dont think people go to a barber to get shaved anymore...I could be wrong)

Another problem I have is Johanna's hair color. Lets see , they refer to her BLONDE hair many times in the show. And even have a complete song naming different shades of blonde...Why is she a burnette? To say "Look at me look at me we're gunna be DIFFERENT?" or just to confuse the hell out of us? or what? Did they change the lyrics? So confused.

The real problem I have is that its going to Broadway. I wouldnt care AT ALL, (infact i would be GLAD) if it toured, or set up an open ended production somewhere...but the fact that its going to broadway angers me. We wont get to see Bernie or others ever do this show on broadway. (And the reason i saw approx 20 years is becuase of history...the circle on the square production was 89. 16 years ago...approx 20) I really want to see a bigger (maybe not as big as the original) production, with new staging, and a killer cast of Broadway knowns. Disagree with me all you want, but this truley saddens me.


PS: the circle on the square production only had 3 musicians, and all the were playing Phynthisizers. Giving it a very Techno sound. (I have heard recordings of this production, and it is painful to listen to...not becuase of the talent, but becuase of this rinky dink orchestra)
Updated On: 3/22/05 at 11:48 PM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 12:40am

Dude! Relax! See what happens!

[Sporkie]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 12:47am

I think from what I've read that it will be really interesting-the fact that people are so dead-set against it proves that it will really be different. Different is good, and encourages more innovation, even if this one doesn't work out. It's exellent when people go to new things, because it brings out and encourages freshness.

[TG4802]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 12:50am

If I hear the phrase "artistic concept"one more time I think I may explode. This is Sondheim for god's sake. It's about the score. Why short change it? Does anyone really believe that the visual presentation will make up for the lack of depth musically? It's about how the score serves the book and how the book serves the score. I'm a fan of the Maestro's work and this to me is an aberration.

[jim coleman]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 1:08am

I admit that I am dismayed by the news about the orchestra in this new version, having conducted the full version over 600 times on Broadway, the National Tour, the DVD with Lansbury and Hearn, New York City Opera and various other opera company productions. The score is so dramatic that is really needs that full sound. It all sounds like a gimmick to me. I won't be seeing it, that's for sure. Before you all jump on me about this, I admit to being narrow-munded when it comes to this. This is one of the greatest scores written for the Broadway stage, and it should be treated with the respect it deserves.

[Sporkie]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 1:17am

My favorite part of Sondheim is going into the words. I enjoy them the most, and I love the clever rhmes, the homonyms and rhyme schemes- I basically think if sondheim did the words, they have a grace about them that is more important to my personal enjoyment than the music- so I don't view this as as apopalyptic as you people do. Although I'm very impressed with Jim Coleman, and I apprecite that other people really love the score more than I do. So I'm feeling ambivalent about this

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 1:17am

I'm still confused; if the actors are also the orchestra, how can they sing and play instruments at the same time?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 1:18am

All I have to say Theaterguy is that Sondheim adores this production and there is no way it would be transfering to New York without his blessing. He is incredibly stringent with his tastes regarding SWEENEY, having prevented the production from the London Opera to transfer to Los Angeles because he hated it so much.

If Sondheim is thrilled with this production, who are we to question it?

And for the record, and I've answered your question about this before -- its set in an insane asylum. The entire production is completely avant garde. If you want to know more specifics, you are welcome to PM me, but as in all things, evaluating something based on pictures and heresay is not going to give you an accurate representation AT ALL of how the show works.
____________________________________________________________

Updated On: 3/23/05 at 01:18 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 1:47am

P.S. For anyone bemoaning the fact that this revival will keep a "large" production of the show from playing New York for twenty years, you can ease your fears. The show is in rep at New York City Opera and they recreate the original Prince staging with a huge orchestra every ten years. Maybe Bernadette Peters will do that production.

And for the record, in my notes from the London Playbill Sondheim is quoted as saying he prefers SWEENEY TODD to be done as an intimate chamber musical, and that the largeness of the original production was 100 percent Hal Prince's idea.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 1:57am

Wow, so many people are so quick to judge.
I am excited about this new production. I absolutely adore Sweeney Todd and I think the new direction may bring something interesting to the show. Of course, I don't know this, but I'm fascinated about it, and since I already love the show, I'll probably be seeing it. Personally, I love shows when they have smaller orchestrations, and although I love the original, I'm really interested to see how the brilliant score turns out with a chamber orchestra.

~Steven

[Justice]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 2:05am

When a smaller version of SW premiered at Circle in the Square, it got panned by audiences and critics. Forbidden B'way even recorded their version of it, as you all know...
Personally, I do not think it is close minded of someone to not want to see a show that works for them with a full orchestra. I agree, because it is the orchestrations that make me like the show. I have the Trotter Trio version of the show, and I HATE it. I may be crucified because I have no desire to see the revival, but so what - I already know, from the descriptions that it's not my cup of tea.

Updated On: 3/23/05 at 02:05 AM

[paradox_error]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 2:08am

Thankyou for those reviews Pab.

Reading through them just makes me want to see this production.

I'm with Sondheim, this is an intimate musical.

Though I do love it when it's performed by a Symphony Orchestra...

Posted: 3/23/05 at 2:16am

exactly what jim coleman said.


And Michael, I want to clarify I have NO problem with an small intamite production. Infact I prefer it that way. However, I think its time for a medium, semi large production. With brand new staging. Even I am kind of sick of the Prince staging. I have a problem with the concept, not the size factor. (I dont think ANYBODY is fighting the size) also, sondhiem has only seen a video of the recent london production. The Sweeney that sondhiem adores the most is the 1993 RNT production Staring Alun Armstrong (original Thenardier...beat Alan Cumming's Emcee for the Olivier for his performance in Sweeney) and Julia McKenzie. I think your a little confused...I have never read that sondhiem adores the recent production.

[wildcat]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 2:18am

I presume the actors won't be playing instruments WHILE they're singing; perhaps they accompany the other characters' songs.

There was a most satisfactory British production of CAROUSEL done regionally some years ago starring Michael Feast with only piano accompaniament, and the set was a single carousel horse. It threw the focus entirely on the characters and the situation, much like the excellent tryout production of SUNSET BOULEVARD at Sydmonton. Sometimes different aspects of a piece can be revealed by throwing a different light on it. Although I must admit I had no interest in hearing THE MOST HAPPY FELLA performed with only two pianos...

[paradox_error]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 2:44am

Don't knock until you've seen.

And anyway, all this whinging is going to change diddly-squat. The production is coming to Broadway, whether you like it or not...

[wildcat]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 3:01am

Not if we all go to the airport and link arms on the tarmac. Those damn Poms will NEVER get past us!!!

[paradox_error]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 3:07am

It's times like these a little ditty comes into my head:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

[wildcat]

Posted: 3/23/05 at 3:09am

Ah, shaddup with your Polish pop songs...