Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

[IamErik771]

Has anyone ever seen this show? It is a rather... unconventional musical about a deranged barber who wants revenge on society. He carries out his plan by re-opening his barbershop, slitting the throats of his customers, and then giving the bodies to his assistant, who cooks them into pies and serves them to her customers. The scary thing is that it's based on a dime novel which claims to be based on a true story! Here is a more detailed synopsis of the plot. (http://www.nodanw.com/shows_s/sweeney_todd.htm) Caution: It gives away the ending. ;)

It's a disturbing concept for a musical, yes. But it's also a very well-done show. The show has been recorded and released on DVD, and there will soon be a big-screen film as well. The play was written and composed by Stephen Sondheim. He also wrote the lyrics for West Side Story, and wrote the score and lyrics for many shows including A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, and Merrily We Roll Along.

[wolfwynd]

Sweeney Todd is love!! I love this musical prolly a bit too much lol! I'm not a big fan of Angela Lansbury or Len Cariou but I loved it when it came to my town - Sweeney was played by Lydon Terricini and Mrs Lovett by Jenny Galloway (Madame Thendier in 10th Anniversary Les Mis!) My fave song is Ephiphany (My Friends) it makes me laugh coz he's talking to his razors... *blinks*

[IamErik771]

Hooray! Somebody replied! :D

I've never actually gotten to see the show, but I have seen short clips that were used in the PBS Broadway documentary. I've also heard the cast recording. I liked Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Lovett, but thought Len Cariou was a bit emotionless. I immensely prefer George Hearn (who I saw in the clips on the documentary).

Some of my favorite lines from ST:

"To seek revenge may lead to hell, but everyone does it and seldom as well as Sweeney... Sweeney Todd... The demon barber of Fleet Street"

"We won't discriminate great from small. No, we'll serve anyone, meaning anyone, and to anyone at all!"

"Soon, you will drip precious rubies..."

"Those who thought him a simple clod were soon reconsidering under the sod..."

"It's fop... Finest in the shop. And we have a shepherd's pie peppered with actual shepherd on top!" :D

[The Phantom]

The only way I know of the story of Sweeny Todd is through the movie Jersey Girl where Gertie wants to see Cats on Broadway but can't, so she goes to Sweeney Tood. She ends up doing a number from Sweeney Todd for a elementary school talent show and scars the heck out the audience. ;)

[IamErik771]

I never saw that movie, but I just might want to rent it now! Do you know what song/scene she did?

I was in a video store the other day, and I saw a DVD for a Sweeney Todd film that was made in 1936! Amazon.com link (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002W4U0W/qid=1122081011/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/002-6929935-2399230?v=glance&s=dvd) According to the synopsis on the back cover, this film is what inspired Stephen Sondheim to create the musical. The film was directed by George King and stars Tod Slaughter (great name, huh?) as Sweeney. Has anyone seen this film?

[Kristin Chenoweth]

I've not seen that film, but I saw the revival in New York in March. And let me say that Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris were a remarkable team. It was just a...pardon the pun...killer performance.

I love "Johanna," it's a beautiful piece of music, and the vocals done by the revival cast are hauntingly wonderful. Although it comes in second to "Not While I'm Around," which holds a very special place in my heart due to striking very close to a situation I experienced with a friend.

Admittedly, I was really freaked out when I saw it, and wasn't sure I liked it. Of course, I was also veeery sick when I saw it, and miserable, so that could have accounted for it too. But anyway, on the way to school every day after we got back, we listened to it in the car, and I realized I liked it. So yeah. Good show. Big fan.

[Oiseau de Chanson]

I have fallen in love with this show!!!! The premise is a little sick, but dark comedy is good. 'Johanna' is beautiful, and 'Not While I'm Around'. I also love 'A Little Priest'. It's so disgustingly funny. Funny in a disgusting way. Funny and disgusting. Whatever. :) I would love to see the show! I've been listening to the AccuBroadway internet station and looove Sweeney so much!!! Michael Cerveris!Sweeney = love!! He is amazing. I think it was genius having the cast also do the orchestration. But they totally got robbed at the Tony's. :)

I've been love love LOVING watching clips on YouTube. There's lots!! :D

And I think the music in this show is simply gorgeous!

[Christine Daaé]

I saw the show in April, and I LOVED IT. "Green Finch and Linnet Bird" has been stuck in my head ever since.

Someday I would love to play Johanna Barker. Her songs are so beautiful . . .

Anywho. Yesh. It was dark and disturbing, but I loved it.

~ Zelda

[Learn2BLonely]

I fell in love with this show when I saw it. It was fantastic. I can't wait to see Johnny Depp in the movie version.

[Masked Shadows]

Oh! I love this musical! I only saw the musical version one time at our local theatre and it was amazing for a local production. The assistant, Tobias, was played by Telly Leung which got the show alot of hype and everyone wanted to see it which was great. I loved all the music in the show but I don't really remember any songs specifically. As for the plot, as disgusting and depressing as it is I still think it's an amazing show. I'm hoping to go see this show on Broadway someday

Steve! You saved my life! I could not remember what movie it was that the little girl went to see Sweeney Todd! Thank you.

[IamErik771]

Last night, I had quite possibly my greatest live theatre experience thus far: seeing Sweeney Todd live at Hawaii's Army Community Theatre. I had been dreaming about that night for weeks, and was thrilled to finally get a chance to see this show live after months of listening to cast recordings and watching the DVD. So, here's my review of that performance. As always, there are going to be spoilers... Read at your own risk. ;)

When I entered the theatre, I noticed that the set currently on stage was that of the bakehouse (i.e. the final scene), complete with the meatgrinder in the center of the stage. The sets were even more elaborate than the ones on the DVD version, and looked like they were made of real brick. I found myself wondering which version of the opening "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" they were going to do, and once the show started, I realized they were doing one completely different from those I'd seen or read about before.

During the opening, when the organ was playing, they did a quick flash-forward to the ending, in which Sweeney is cradling the Beggar Woman's dead body. As Tobias slashed Sweeney's throat, the shrill sound of the factory whistle was heard, and the first Ballad segment began.

The chorus was good and able to remain in sync, but the soloists were often difficult to hear - I'm guessing they could only afford mics for the principal actors. The orchestra did fairly well, but I thought it needed a bit more balance - there were far too many brasses and not enough woodwinds. I was a bit disappointed that they left out the oboe solo before "No Place Like London," but not much overall had to be cut.

The principal actors were excellent, and quite well-suited for their roles. Before the performance began, I read in the program that Larry Paxton (Sweeney) was a lyric tenor. I had only ever heard Sweeney sung by a baritone, so I was curious about whether anything would have to be changed to suit his vocal range. Surprisingly, very little actually was. Some of his lowest lines were raised an octave, and "Epiphany" was changed to the same key that it's in on the DVD, but nothing else really had to be altered. His acting was absolutely brilliant - I'd rate it right up there with George Hearn's portrayal. My only quibble acting-wise is that I don't think he seemed furious enough during "Epiphany." He seemed more distraught than angry or insane. Still, some parts of his performance in this role made me think that he could make a rather good ALW Phantom one day.

Stefanie Smart (Mrs. Lovett) was an absolute marvel to watch in the role of the crazed baker. Her voice and acting were flawless, and although she didn't seem quite as crazy as Angela Lansbury's original version of the character, she seemed perfectly suited for the role. She (and also Pirelli) had toned down her accent a bit - she still had a pretty distinctive cockney accent, but my dad thought it was much easier to understand what she was saying much of the time. Since much of the show's power and humour comes from the lyrics, I'd consider that a good thing.

The most interesting casting decision was the husband-wife-daughter team of John (Judge Turpin), Lorna (Beggar Woman), and Megan (Johanna) Mount. All three of them have been operatically trained, and so I was expecting fabulous performances from them. They didn't disappoint at all. Megan's portrayal of Johanna was absolutely brilliant - she had a lovely voice, and she acted the part very well. Lorna's Beggar Woman had the appropriate mix of pathos and psychosis. John's portrayal of the Judge was appropriately chilling and lecherous. However, I felt his solo lacked a certain degree of passion, though that may be due to the fact that he was confined to a tiny platform on the stage for that scene. He more than made up for it in "Pretty Women," though.

Scott Moura (Pirelli) and Gene DeFrancis (the Beadle) were quite excellent, and for reasons that those who know Sweeney can probably guess, I thought it was a rather neat touch to have Pirelli be bald. ^_^ Unfortunately, they didn't keep the tooth-pulling scene, but I didn't miss it as much as I thought I would. Terry Howell, Jr. (Anthony) was okay, but had some pitch issues. He was also slightly off during parts of "Kiss Me," but that's understandable - it's a rather difficult song to keep up with, especially at the tempo they were going at. However, I was glad that they put "Johanna" (Act 1) in the same key as on the DVD, while keeping "Green Finch and Linnet Bird" and "Ah, Miss" in the original keys. Yeah, I'm slightly OCD about that sort of thing. :P

The real show-stopper, however, was Justin Hashimoto as Tobias. He's only 16, but had extraordinary professionalism in the role. His rendition of "Not While I'm Around" is the only one so far that managed to literally bring tears to my eyes. His descent into insanity at the end was also extremely well-done. I'll be truly surprised if he isn't nominated for some sort of award next spring.

There were, however, some technical glitches. The principal actors' radio mics weren't always working properly, and several clicks and pops could be heard. At some points, the actors were picking up each other's voices on their mics, making them sound a bit too loud. Tobias's cut out completely during the final part of "God, That's Good," so that was quite disappointing. Also, at one point near the end, when the stagehands were moving the pie-shop set, it bumped against a wall, and I heard breaking glass... x_x Didn't sound too good.

Overall, I'd give this production a B+. Very good overall, and some things to improve on for future performances. I look forward to going again on the 15th, and hope that the technical problems can be resolved by then.

[fireflyjunction]

Well I won't say I love this musical, since it really is sick and twisted, but I do have fond memories of it since I got to play Johanna in the local summer production about two years ago! I'm sure it wasn't anywhere near as great as the major productions, (that barber chair ate up nearly all of our prop money to give you a clue as to how low budget this was) but the audience didn't seem to mind. Opening night was rather funny, some people in the audience mistook the first shrill whistle blast as some sort of emergency siren and tried to evacuate the theatre causing chaos. It took about fifteen minutes for the Stage Manager to convince everybody they were NOT about to die and get them back in their seats!

[rosebud]

Well, I've never seen the musical, but I've read the synopsis and listened to the music over and over again! The storyline is rather...uh...disturbing, but the music is gorgeous! Poor Tobias, he was one of my more favorite characters. After the beggar woman, of course.:)

[YoungGiry]

Originally posted by rosebud
Poor Tobias, he was one of my more favorite characters. After the beggar woman, of course.:)

Yay, another person who likes the Beggar woman! I was beggining to think I was the only one. ;)

I adore this musical. I think the story is fascinating, and the music and lyrics are exceptional. I was lucky enough to see the Broadway revival of it, which was absolutely amazing, capturing the emotional heart of the story so purely that one can be completely overwhelmed by the emotion of it.

[IamErik771]

Ooh, awesome! I've never gotten to see the Broadway revival, although I have the recording and have seen a few clips on YouTube. I adore Michael Cerveris' voice. My main problem with Len Cariou in the original recording was that his voice seemed far too bright for the role, but Michael has such a wonderfully lush and dark tone that I think he may be my favorite in the role.

Patti LuPone . . . I thought she was all right, but I preferred it when she seemed totally insane, like in the concert DVD with George Hearn. In the revival, she seemed way too sane and composed. The fact that nearly all her songs are put into lower keys also annoys me a bit, since she definitely can hit the high notes.


And now . . . For those of you who haven't heard already, Sweeney Todd is being made into a movie, directed by Tim Burton and due for release next Christmas! So far, the cast list runs thus:

Sweeney Todd: Johnny Depp
Mrs. Lovett: Helena Bonham Carter
Judge Turpin: Alan Rickman
Pirelli: Sacha Baron Cohen (Da Ali G Show, Borat)
Beggar Woman: Laura Michelle Kelly
Unconfirmed Role (possibly Beadle): Anthony Head (Buffy)
Unconfirmed Role (possibly Fogg): Christopher Lee

All of the above actors have been approved by Stephen Sondheim (the composer). I'm really interested in seeing who they choose for the roles of Anthony, Johanna, and Tobias. I think for Anthony, someone like Patrick Wilson would get my vote. For Johanna . . . Other than someone who's played her on stage, I really don't know. Not many Hollywood actresses can sing soprano, after all.

And for Tobias . . . The rumor right now is Freddie Highmore, which would be typical of Burton. And besides, the libretto for the stage show never specified how old he's supposed to be.

[YoungGiry]

I like both Angela Lansbury and Patti LuPone's portrayals of Mrs. Lovett. I think that they both have their pros and cons, and each lends a slightly different tone to the show.

I thought the rumour was that Christopher Lee was being considered for the Beadle, not Fogg. But either way, it's interesting. I'm pretty sure that the acting of the actors chosen will be good, but I'm worried about the singing. I know that Sondheim has approved them, but I still feel uneasy...

[Bella]

i saw the revival of it back in march/feb of last year. i went with my chorus group from my school. I loved how the actors and actresses did the characters, stage crew, AND the orchestra! my fav song is most definately Green Finch and Linnet Bird....the day we saw the show, Patti had done an excellent performance...i still have teh tix somewhere lol.

when i saw that Giles (anthony Head) is possibly going to star in ST: DBoFS...i was shocked. I dont think i can ever get over him playing giles....lol...its awesome though how he's getting other roles besides remaining as Giles.

[Erik]

Ooooh Sweeney Todd!

I bought the Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris version soundtrack the other day and I've got to tell you, it's spectacular. I can't wait for the movie! I think that the fact that they're beginning to cast people like Johnny Depp (*drool*) in leading roles in musicals is definently going to bring a whole new audience into the addicting world of musicals. I'm very excited to see if the musical scene gets even bigger and, hopefully, more respected.

My favourite songs in the musical are *clears throat*: "Pirelli's Miracle Elixer" "The Worst Pies in London", "Kiss Me", "A Little Priest", and "Green Finch and Linnet Bird". Of course, I love all of the songs, but those are a few of my favourites. Hee hee. I love "A Little Priest" most, I think, but that opinion changes daily so pay no attention to that temporary note XD

My favourite quotes:

"It was a gate! It's the gate! We don't have a gate."

"Sir, I did love you, even as I saw you, even as it did not matter that I did not know your name"

"Wouldn't do in my shop! Just the thought of it's enough to make you sick. And I'm telling you them pussy cats is quick!"

Just to name a few XD

Okies, I shut up now. *scoots away*

[MaskedNicci]

I'm with Samness, here. I just downloaded the revival cast off of Napster a few days ago (*ahem* Along with a dozen or so other musicals that I've been putting off listening to because of this and that) and I couldn't stop listening to 'A Little Priest' repeatedly! You have to get some sort of mental health for this kind of love, I'm sure!

I randomnly walk up to my sister, hold out an empty palm, and say, "'Ere, 'ot from the oven. What is it? It's Priest...have a little priest...."

She doesn't find it as amusing as I do.

Green Finch and Linnet Bird is my second favorite, merely because I can't get it out of my head for the life of me.

I look forward to snatching ahold of other adaptions of this. Mrs.Lovett is gold!

[Wonder Wombat]

Oof.

I have the movie, with Angela Lansbury as Mrs Lovett.

We got it one Halloween to play A Little Priest at the trick-or-treat-ers. Dad dressed up as Alfred Packer and we made a little chalkboard with all sorts of sick dishes and prices--Bloody Marys, Lady's Slippers, Spiced Patty. It was fun. Mom didn't think so, especially when we went to the grocery store and bought a couple of cheap dog bones to put by the chalkboard on a platter. She said he was poisoning my mind.

But it was awesome.

And my sister and I routinely sing "How do you know that it's grocer? Look a little closer, it's green" while we do the dishes.

Mom loves that.

It's sort of a twisted musical, true. But then, I've actually noticed that the best librettos--and the best music--tend to dwell within twisted storylines. Or "sad" or "emo" ones. As in Phantom, Les Mis, Martin Guerre, Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, etc.

Odd, that is.

[lightupbroadway]

I was so upset when I found out ST was being made into a musical movie. I love the revival cast, and the last thing I want is for it to be another popular Johnny Depp movie. Can he even sing? And why is Alan Rickman JT?! I love him, but after the movie comes out I just know I'll forever have this creepy mental picture of him...

And I don't know if I feel comforted by the fact that Sodheim approved the cast... Webber was in charge of his musical's movie cast, and look how that turned out.

Ah well...we'll see in two years...

[Lord Moe]

I LOVE SWEENEY TODD!!

It has such an exceptional story, and the character development of Sweeney is awesome.

But I have to say, if I could play one part in that show I would want to be Beadle Bamfort. His vocal part is so cool (though extremely difficult).

[Taka]

Actually, the factoid that says that Sondheim approved of each cast member is a myth. Check IMBD for more details.


That being said, I still remain optimistic. I can't wait to see Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman together in the same movie.

[MllePaula]

I have very mixed feelings about the "Sweeney Todd" film.

I'm trying very hard to keep an open mind until I actually see the entire film, but the few clips and trailers I've seen aren't really impressing me. I can't quite put my finger on what's missing, but "Epiphany" isn't having any emotional impact on me.

I love "Sweeney Todd" in general. I'd say it's my second favorite Sondheim musical. I saw the revival last year and loved it, except for Patti Lupone's awful diction.

[A_Single_Rose]

I had heard of and seen the name Sweeney Todd in places and it wasn't until I first saw the trailer for the new movie did I actually googled it. I read the synopsis on Sweeney Todd and I was immediately interested in seeing the show.
I then checked it out on Youtube and immediately fell in love with the show in a strange, creepy way.

I'm not too impressed with the vocals in the new movie. They're alright, but not ideal for the show. Helena Bonham Carter has a small, weak voice and Johnny Depp seems to try a rock band sort of voice. Alan Rickman, from what I have heard so far, is just ok. Sacha sounded pretty good, but again, not ideal. I'd still like to see the movie, though. I hope the acting makes up for the mediocre vocals.

[XMusicIsDeceivingX]

I just saw the movie last weekend and I have mixed feelings. The music and costuming and sets were great, and I do love Depp as Sweeney! However, I could have done without so much blood. In fact I could have done without any blood. The stage show is better, but the movie is very good all the same. Isn't that always the case??

[Katzenklavier]

First of all, I only recently got into Sweeney Todd. And I loved it so much that I've been adding it to my repertoire of knowledge ever since. Just as you, I had quite the conflict about Tim Burton's movie. First of all, I feel Burton is horribly overrated. Talented, but overrated. His movies tend to be stylistically dark but as fluffy as a Spielberg. I loved Ed Wood and a few of his other works, but....meh. And The Nightmare Before Christmas wasn't even directed by him.

This movie pleasantly surprised. For once, the dark style and story went together seamlessly. As you said, the atmosphere is a work of genius. Dark, claustrophobic, and every bit as grimy and grotesque as the characters. However, it was too focused on being grimy that it completely neglected the comic aspect. Which is very important to the story, I feel. It's just not the same without the cheerful singing and dancing during murder and cannibalism. "Down by the Sea" came the closest to it, but "A Little Priest" was utterly disappointing.

And then there was the casting. It kind of pissed me off they couldn't find people who could sing. Don't get me wrong - Depp and Carter are both fantastic actors. But it IS a musical with an absolutely gorgeous operatic score to boot. I get chills every time I hear George Hearn belt those curses in that deep rich baritone. It just didn't live up to its potential without that singing talent. I get it was a matter of practicality, since both actors have a box office lure. Yet I feel they didn't have to make the two main characters "sexy." They're SUPPOSED to be hideous and disgusting and grotesque. And that's the way I like it.

Still, I thought did amazing jobs in the acting component. I actually liked Helena's performance - her Lovett was suitably pathetic and pitiable. She has so much expression in her eyes. But this is coming from a Helena fan here. I can't help it. I state this honestly when I say there is no other celebrity who better fits my physical ideal. Pale, with dark eyes and hair, and just a gorgeously unique bone structure. So maybe my opinion is biased. But Depp surprised me too. He managed to be both exaggerated and restrained. And I have to say his singing voice was nicer than Rickman's or Carter's. Can't believe I'm saying that, as I thought Rickman's singing voice would be as sexy as his speaking.

[Phantom's_last_rose]

OMG!OMG!OMG! I LOVE THE MOVIE OF THAT SHOW AND IT COMES OUT SOON YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY *incredibly happy smile* :):):)

[Phantom's_last_rose]

I just saw the movie last weekend and I have mixed feelings. The music and costuming and sets were great, and I do love Depp as Sweeney! However, I could have done without so much blood. In fact I could have done without any blood. The stage show is better, but the movie is very good all the same. Isn't that always the case??

I am a horror movie fan so just in my humble opinion I thought the blood was awesome. But once again I am a huge horror movie fan so I like really bloody seens *evil smile*

[The Countess]

Ah Sweeney Todd truely is amazing.

My high school is actually doing it next year (shame that I'll be in middle school :( ). I can't wait to see the actual stage version then.

[Symphony]

The DVD comes out April 1st!!! I can't wait! My parents/relatives however, aren't so thrilled.

[Phantom's_last_rose]

As you could tell by my last post I can't wait either. I think I have driven many people (including myself) crazy. And I actually what to get out at midnight to go buy it at mijer's.

[kikorno]

In Spain there are musicals like "Mamma Mia" or "Hoy no me puedo levantar" (In English (more or less) Today I can´t wake up) but I don´t see the phantom or sweeney todd musical

Due to I saw the phantom of the opera and sweeney todd in film. I love Tim Burton and Sweeney Todd is a great movie.
The actors, the songs, the plot. I love it.

I am waiting to buy the Sweeney Todd DVDs and watch all extras.

In Spain, Sweeney Todd is more popular than Phantom. Despite the fact that Sweeney Todd is filmed in 2006/2007, The song are in English.

The Phantom has the songs in Spanish. In English there are great but In mi opinion in Spanish are bad.

I continue. My favourite song is "The Worst Pies in London" and my favourite character is Mss Lovett. She is special (lol)

Lastly, I recomend this film or musical. The plot, the songs and the characters are great.

Kikorno

[Phantom's_last_rose]

I'm soooo very happy that the movie came out and even though there is all the murder and everything I actually find it really soothing witch kind of scares me that I find something with all that blood in it soothing.

[The Countess]

EDIT: How in the world did I post that here? Oh well, I don't think any of you guys saw it.

Anyway, um more Broadway stuff...I don't really like AL's voice too much. It seems so cheerey while HBC's has a bit more menace in it. Technique wise, being a singer myself, AL is probably better, but people don't come home from the movies and say "She had bad technique."

[Mrs Nadir Khan]

See.... I love both Angela Lansbury and Helena Bonham Carter's renditions of the role. I mean, they each bring different qualities to the role, although I have to say, HBC's technique wasn't on par with Broadway actresses with a lifetime of vocal training. It was good, though. Better than I (or most critics) expected.

Anyways, I own the DVD and have seen a live production of this show. I must say, the actual play has so much more in it as far as music goes and although I know Tim Burton's not the biggest fan of musicals, I think he should have included more of the singing. "Mea Culpa" comes to mind-- Alan Rickman would have owned at that song, IMO. I also missed "Married On Sunday"-- Johanna and Antony's duet. I feel that some of the stuff that was overlooked in the film added so much more to the stage play and would have easily translated to the screen.

[masquerading rose]

Man. Angela Lansbury kicks some serios buttitude with her rendition. I always adore listening to and watching her, espescially in this role. But I think, for the movie, Helena Bonham Carter was a really good choice. Yes, from a technique standpoint, several things could've been better, but I never really saw Mrs. Lovett as a technically correct role. I mean, Angela Lansbury is trained and all, but I think, in some ways, she unlearned a bit for this role, which is, in a way, what I love about her in that role.

And, kill me if you must, I think she was far far FAR better than Patti in the concert version, indeed. Anyone else with me on that?

[XxSammixXSingerxX]

I have watched both on DVD, but never any on the stage, I feel stupid that i haven't. I am only 14 so I have loads of time !! For my 15Th birthday next year my mother plans on taking me to see the Phantom of the opera in London !! Then in the Christmas time I can see love never dies and then in spring is it available Sweeney Todd the demon barber of fleet street who I feel was played amazingly by johnny deep in the film version :spin2: