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

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.

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.

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

Some Reviews

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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

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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.