Sweeney Todd Revival (2/16)

[omnigeek13]

QUESTION: who is the lady who comes up when he shouts 'NOT BARKER'. i get that she is part of the chorus, but i have no idea why shes there in this scene. Albeit this version of the play has a bunch of characters metaphorically sweeping through for some odd reason or another. but still, me confused

[tennisman117]

@omnigeek13 I think she is supposed to be an employee of the insane asylum that this was set up to take place in, what with the guy in the strait jacket, and sweeney grabbing lovett's head might have been cause for the doctors to try and restrain him, but the women was like "wait, no, just watch for a moment."

[EliseWhatever]

NO ENTRANCE APPLAUSE FOR THE LUPONE?

[streisandgarlandlvr]

I recently watched the concert version with Patti and George Hearn and I think this one is MUCH better! I know a lot of ppl won't agree with me, but I like the feeling of this one better. Plus I think the acting in this is a lot better than the concert version.

[streisandgarlandlvr]

Could you please post the vid with Mirelli's Miracle Elixir?? I wanna see Patti play the Tuba!! lol

[streisandgarlandlvr]

@streisandgarlandlvr Sorry Pirelli's!! lol

[streisandgarlandlvr]

Could you please post the one with Mirelli's Miracle Elixer?? I wanna see Patti play the Tuba!! lol

[farsidesoprano]

I absolutely LOVE this version - so different, contained and specific. It gives me an entirely different perspective on the lyrics and the characters. I especially like Poor Thing being done without the ballet - still has the same horrific effect for me.

The original version is wonderful - I saw it on Broadway with Len Cariou before George Hearn took over. But this reinvention has tremendous merit as well.

[13Superkitsune]

Any plans on reposting the full show?

[omnigeek13]

omg, i really didnt like how minimalistic poor thing was, but when he grabs lovett's head i almost wet myself!

[AngelusSpkGrrl]

Is it just me or does Sweeney look like Lord Voldemort

[MusicFeedsYourSoul]

@AngelusSpkGrrl OMG THAT WAS MY FIRST THOUGHT!!!!!

[MrPoto00]

Is so simply! I prefere the original production by Harold Prince. But the cast is great!

[MrPoto00]

I HATE THIS VERSION!

[Gikl27]

@MrPoto00 Why?

[kristinadiane]

I am just so attached to George. It's hard for me to like any other Sweeney , though this guy isn't too bad I admit.

[broadwayloverny10]

i love when michael is harrasing patti and she is scared out of her mind in the sweeney todd of 1979 it was so i would have to see him around halloween *shiver*

[TheDeltaNu]

Go Patti

[cygnusXhaust]

She sounds so sad... I like Angela's world-weary, slap-happy Mrs. Lovett better.

[lisambofoh]

This guy is no George Hearn...

[bethsillytoe]

I prefer her costume in the concert version but I respect them all playing ad well as singing as it is really difficult I can say that from experience. The one thing that really annoys me though in this version is the random people in White coats can anyone explain to me the point in them in the context of the plot

[TheOne2828]

@bethsillytoe The people in white coats are all the people that they have killed. I saw this live with a different cast, and it was incredible. The filmed version really does not do it justice.

[fountainchain126]

@bethsillytoe Director John Doyle had set this in an asylum. All of the people except Tobias are doctor-type people. When someone dies (Pirelli, beggar woman etc) they put on a white coat. They are all looking after Tobias if you like, and they tell the same story in the same asylum every day, every week, every month, every year.... etc. So the white coats, in truth, have no relevance to the actual plot of Sweeney Todd, but they have relevance in terms of Doyle's concept of the show.

[qermanFreak]

i just wonder how patti can sing the notes as if it were the easiest song in the world.

that's just unbelievable. O_O i just adore this woman!

[MrActor123456789]

He's playing the end waaaay too soon. There are about 5 climaxes in this scene. She, on the other hand (someone I hate I should mention) is fantastic. She's kicking major ass.

[FamGuyFreak100]

I think the reason Patti says this portrayal of Mrs. Lovett is different from her concert portrayal is because it's a different version. The concert version was similar to the original production (so her portrayal is somewhat based on Angela Lansbury's), and the revival is completely different from the original, so there's a totally different portrayal.

[jgar6]

Wow! I love the spin that they took on it!

[redsteelchair]

Anyone else think this version is pretty boring? I mean, she just stands there through Worst Pies. I'm not dissing Lupone, she's brilliant, but she just seems really bland in the revival.

[MrJabawocky]

i feel that in this revival Lupone wasnt allowed to aff her own spell on the character as she did in the concert unfortunately and ofcourse she isnt as young as she was so she couldnt run around as much =/

[boynamedalexxx]

@MrJabawocky Lol, this wasn't that much later than the concert, you know. I think her interpretation in the revival is much more her own than in the concert, simply because a concert isn't as rehearsed, and she, as an actress, wouldn't have the time to explore her character as she did here. There's much, much more to appreciate about Patti's performance in the revival than the 2 concerts she was in.

[Samjew]

I agree, I miss the over-the-top physicality of the in concert performance -- although there are a lot of things about the revival version that I find to be absolutely AMAZING.

[crimsontearslikerain]

who is the random person supporting mrs. lovett? Shouldn't be in the scene...Just causing problems.

[4purgie2]

As far as I understand, the revival had a backdrop of being set in a mental hospital and being performed by the patients. The random person is supposed to be a stand-by nurse of sorts who also plays Pirelli.

[randomerqueen]

Hmmm..I like LuPone as Lovett but I much prefer the version of her with George Hearn.

[csi3willows]

I agree I loved her in that version, that's my favorite version of all of the Sweeney version and she is my favorite Mrs. Lovett along side Helena

[broadwaybabi91]

i agree. I saw this live, and have the concert DVD with her and George and I feel like that just pulls it together. Neil Patrick Harris doesn't hurt anything either... :)

[LoftierThanMine]

@randomerqueen agreed. She is much funnier in the other version. Probably the director had her tone down the humor in this version to fit with the style of the piece. But she is, as always, incredible. :D

[tomatoherb]

@randomerqueen Agreed, although I adore Cerveris. I think part of it is the orchestrations and the different key that it's in.

[thatnylesguy]

is this supposed to be a modern revival of Sweeney todd cuz I don't like it very much..

[bonsterthemonster]

I honestly think the reason I don't like the revival is Patti Lupone's wig. It just bothers me.

[greentyce]

ahahahaha

[csi3willows]

I agree I like the red hair she had in the concert version

[WWEQAF]

Michael Cerveris confuses me in this part, I feel like he over exaggerates some lines, but isn't loud enough on others.

[Bradtrupp]

Actor's interpretation. He is a classically trained actor. And he is really compelling in anything he does...

In my opinion.

[118chazzy]

the reasons hes angry with her is the fact shes not dead and mrs luvett lied to her

[Bluebaritone]

but that's not till the end

[Bluebaritone]

why is sweeney mad at mrs. lovett, its not her fault his wife is dead.

[generaldeejee]

he's angry at society and all of mankid

[WalrusInATopHat]

LOL!

[Ryuzaki40]

just because she calls him Benjamin Barker.

[1037pm]

Why was that guy in the white coat standing behind Patti (the one that was playing the accordian)?

What was he doing?

[magicmike96]

that is actually a girl....who plays pirelli. the whole concept of this show is that toby goes to an insane asylum...and the show starts with him and the other inmates attending (telling) the tale of sweeney todd. That ladie would be a keeper of the inmates to make sure that none of the crazy people telling the story hurt each other.

[Studio23Machinimas]

Patti Lupone is a fantastic actor and singer, but I don't particularly like her for the role of Ms. Lovett. :/

But the show was still great. :D

[bacheek]

Where are the rest of the videos??

[magicmike96]

if you want to trade the whole show for something let me know. send me a message =]

[ikielove]

Do ypu still have any copies?

[magicmike96]

yes i have this whole show..send me a message with your info or whatever and we can talk about trading and whatnot =]

[frumpy62]

the observer :D

[burythetv]

LMFAAO i thought the same exact thingg!

[Usemeordie]

I think Patti LuPone has a nice ass!

[Raven9940]

it's padding - they wanted to make her more voluptuous lol

[Safuza]

wow...that scene after Poor Thing was INTENSE!!!

[MRxWONDERland]

I LOVE HER

but she got fat in 2006

[hugosanchez0513]

why is there no actual pie? thats dumb

[dlweiss]

Dude, they're bursting into song like it's the most natural thing in the world, and you're having trouble with the fact that there's no literal PIE? It's called suspension of disbelief, and it's part of going to the theatre.

[hugosanchez0513]

but c'mon i mean how hard is it for them to actually put an food item? its broadway, if they can make someone rise into the air and simulate flying, im sure they can use a real pie. there was a real pie in the original version, which is way hardcore better than this one.

[epetillo91]

you have to go with the concept man, its a stripped down version, only the bare-essentials are used

[Raven9940]

Not Even. Most productions since the original have taken to mime the pies, even Sondheim has said it works better that way since it's all in their heads, the idea of what people taste like

[boynamedalexxx]

You don't get it. There's NOT SUPPOSED to be an actual pie. That's the whole idea with the revival.

It's not that they couldn't make the pie or get it for the show, it was the creative choice. Pantomime. It makes the show alot more creative, & forces you to think more.

The whole show is stripped down for this effect.

[smalltree23]

@dlweiss this version was to make the audience believe they are watching residents of an insane asylum putting on a little "skit" for the doctors, nurses, families, ect.

[LEGALLYbroadway]

They should have cast a real actress, not Patti.

[LoudAustralian]

Who is the lady in the white coat at 5:30 to 6:15?

She looks like she's "spotting" Patti so she doesn't fall over...Does anyone know who she is and what she's doing?

[emoguysrhot94]

Good question, she spots patti it looks like then stands back, maybe so nothing falls off the stage?

[dlweiss]

The reason the woman runs forward at 5:30 is to "protect" Patti. This entire production is meant to look like the members of an insane asylum are putting on a production - hence the straight-jackets and people in white coats standing around watching.

[PonyboyPlusJane]

Really?

[GuilleCarvajal]

I LUV PATTI!!!!!!

[elliemacyo]

but she broke the key rule of the show must go on no matter what!

she therefore sucks!!!!!!

[elliemacyo]

that was a thing about patti btw

[TackyVintage]

Sweeney reminds me of uh, the guy from Hitman.

[emoguysrhot94]

YEAH!

[broadway0987]

she is my idol!

[aasjb4ever]

i love how she enunciates haha

[andrael]

If by "Patti" you mean "Patti Lupone"... you do know that this Mrs. Lovett *is* Patti Lupone, right?

[rory1494]

yea.... i shudda explain myself better..... I take people just like bella from twilight (one is jacob...and the other her jacob, even if they are the same people... :) so by patti... i mean when she performed in the San Francisco concert.... its complicated :)

[richsmi1]

yeah, i prefer her in the concert...

[Heavily9]

lol this is Patti...

[rory1494]

read the comment i left to andrael... that should make more sence... :) or maybe not...

[Thnikkafan]

Wait, Pirelleli was played by a girl? O.o

[filmjedi]

Wow... the scene after "Poor Thing" is BRILLIANT... totally blew me away. Well directed and well played!

[AtLastOnTheGround]

Michael Cerveris, Patti Lupone, and John Doyle (the director) are all extremely talented and I love all three of them.

However, I just could not bring myself to like this revival. The cast-orchestra combination worked with "Company" since it's a concept show but it just sort of ruins Sweeney : /

[PonyboyPlusJane]

i dont like him bald

[PonyboyPlusJane]

i like angela better

[alyness33]

I agree that this is Patti LuPone's worst performance (not bad, but it could've been better) but she did so much better in the 2001 "Sweeney Todd in Concert".

Anyone agree?

[punkylbrewsterlvb]

i agree i also dont like her hair in this one

[alyness33]

yeah I kinda agree. I still love Patti!

[rebrebekah]

Once you get passed the seriously dodgy English accents (let alone the East End accents!), this is such a great recording of one of my favourite shows.

[midgetashley]

i love the 2000 one better. i love abnoxious patti

[Metalvirus]

A neat production, but why does Patti sound so much weaker than she did in 2001 in the Concert with Hearn?

[cooldude2040]

The director probably wanted a toned down version to define her character better... which is a real shame, because she can be so much better than she was in this.

[macrent2]

I agree with cooldude2040! The concert was performed at the Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex in New York City. That theatre is huge and holds 2,738 seats and a massive concert stage. To be able to vocally embrace that space, an actor must be more strong. Plus, this is an amature video, so the sound quality is not perfect!

[cheesenedd]

she sounds better

[MichaelCrawfordsFan]

Oh God I love her! I got see these guys on Broadway during their Previews. I so happy. I love Michael and Patti.

[bao690925]

es genal pero patty lupone es muy buena cantante pero muy caderona

[TheSoulMan8]

where's the rest?

[sonofplunder69]

this is probably one of the best revivals ever done on broadway!!! i saw it in Atlanta and it was absolutely amazing!!! and it could have only been better in NY!!!

[eponlindsey]

I would love to see the rest of this, but seeing they havent got the dvd of it. So i just have to wait and see if you upload the others, if you have them i mean.

[kyleisamadman]

I don't like this version at all, they are all good, but it was terrible.

[broadwaybound4eva]

What don't you like about it?

[kyleisamadman]

It's just that the staging was horrible, and that they were playing the instruments on stage, and I would be confused it I was seeing this in person.

[elphabasfriend001]

can u upload johanna? please

[tatyrules12]

this one makes me sad cuz it looks like he was gunna hurt patti.. and u NEVER HURT PATTI!!!

[cluelessrachel]

ha!! i hear that!!!

[peppersausen]

Aye! Hear hear!

[skullfan135]

Where's the rest of it,You only have the first, second ,and the tweleth

[broadwaybound4eva]

I was wondering the same thing, but judging by the comments on his channel, the whole thing WAS up, but then Equity had it taken down .  :(

[MUSICALANGIE]

If you have the rest of this play PLEASE could you upload it?

[MateoG7788]

the whole thing IS uploaded....

[Kinnybetch]

Patti lupone is a babe

[TheOne2828]

Do you not have the rest of this play?? If you do PLEASE could you upload it? I know it might get deleted, but could you not say who owns the rights or something like that? Even if it does get deleted I want a chance to watch it again. :(

[musicaldudepeter]

Can someone explain how the concept of this new production works basically please? Also the little white coffin?

[cbgbs93]

white coffin = sweeney's old life

everyone is always on stage and they are either singing acting or playing an instrument...sometimes all three

[tinytimton]

The white coffin is a symbolic representation of his daughter., Johanna.

[bah1234]

I hate how the mash all the songs together. You can't show appreciation of the song if it never ends. :/

[broadwaybound4eva]

Just because the audience dosen't get the chance to clap, means they can't appreciate it?

[TheQuestionBoy4]

Am I the only one who agrees with you, I mean I love this version as much as the original, but you can't clap for them in the songs.

[tinytimton]

This is intentional. John wanted no pauses for applauses because the story is meant to be one large piece. It also keeps the tension built up inside the audience members so they are on the edge of their seats constantly. I felt this way when I saw a touring production a while ago: I desperately needed some sort of relief, but couldn't get it until the very end of the first act and at the end of the show.

[RickvanVeldhuizen]

I hate this production, it doesn't give the atmosphere at all...

[tinytimton]

It's not suppose to. This is the way Stephen Sondheim originally planned Sweeney Todd to be: bare bones, minimalist, and scary. It just so happens that Hal Prince had an "epic" production in mind. You need to remember that theatre is to pose questions, not answer them. Use your imagination. Listen to the lyrics. Question why "blah" actor is playing "blah" instrument. There are reasons why John Doyle tells his actors to do a certain thing at a certain time.

[macrent2]

I totally agree with tinytimton! Seeing Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd live in a theatrical venue is scary and even intimidating at moments. If you don't want to use your brain and imagination go and see a movie!

[soldierdifortuna2]

Beautifully put. :)

[sdrhead]

Can you maybe try to re-upload the rest of the show?

[ihasacoffin]

I'm not sure if there's much point, if they're just going to delete everything again or ban me for repeated violations. :/

[Thaychris]

Can you at least upload Epiphany?

[deathowner]

oh man :( i wish they still had the rest of this play >:(

[MissBroadwayDork]

And I have to say while some of the choices John Doyle makes aren't my cup of tea, I love how he directs his actors.

[MissBroadwayDork]

My favorite delivery of WPIL I've seen yet.

[WJC007]

what happened to the other 16 parts?!

[ruffridah]

whats goin on with the person in the white coat??

[wmasque]

The unique thing about this production is that the actors themselves play the instruments of the orchestra. The person in the white coat with the accordian plays Perelli, but when she's not needed as a character, she stands over to one side playing the accodian/flute as it's needed in the piece.

Do you see the pianist to the back at the keyboard? That guy's there for the same reason.

[ilovekakairu]

^^also, the actors play inmates in an insane asylum (they're not really sweeney and mrs. lovett, they just think they are), and the woman in the white coat is an orderly, making sure inmates don't hurt themselves. (at least i think that's what it is)

[ryanthemusical]

Yeah, you're correct. When I saw the touring production I asked the woman playing Pirelli what she was doing in that scene and she told me almost exactly what you just said.

[Sanguwich]

Yes indeed. this whole thing was preformed by the inmates at Arkham Asylum, and the orderly's play in to keep them under control.

[strongsad14]

how is the audience supposed to figure that out? thats so weird

[TheQuestionBoy4]

That's funny, but I think she's just supposed to help out (but that really is hilarious)

[faustinesea]

Barbershops were the drop-in clinics of their day, and barbers were the general physicians/dentists/surgeons. Wearing the lab coats fits the atmosphere and their occupations (whether barber, victim of a barber, or an orderly of some kind).

[jackhurst85]

just got the cd! fantastic!

[bananabasket]

<3 Love.