I wish the In Concert version with George Hearn opened with Tobias in a straightjacket. The first time I saw that I got this chill up my spine. Is Tobias supposed to be in a striaghtjacket in this version? How is he playing the violin then? =P
Also, if you read Wicked, the Dragon is an extremely important set piece. The set is supposed to be the "Dragon Time Clock" that would perform a play whenever there was evil about. That's why the Dragon was there. It wasn't pointless, it was extremely symbolic and important. Please get your background before you whine about things.
I disagree with MissAngryGinger. To a point at least. A huge part of theatre (notice the correct spelling of the art.) is big stagey stuff and stage magic. While i agree productions like this one are visionary and quite good, they'd be nothing without the big showy versions to compare them with. You can't have one without the other, and it is only the directors choice in what direction it should go. Wicked's music was coupled by the amazing staging it had, and its breathtaking stage magic.
Saw this in NY six years ago. Also saw Wicked. Sweeney was brilliant and tranformative; theater at its most exciting. Wicked was commercial and bloated. Too many lights, costumes and needless chorus members running around. I only liked it when the main characters were alone on stage. There was a freaking dragon that roared for ten seconds. Didn't need any of that. Give me a story, great performers, incredible music and the rest is parsley.
@mingeeater Just a wild stab in the dark here, but I think that might have something to do with the fact it was based of The Wizard of Oz. Did you not like the music for Wicked? Don't get me wrong, I adore Sweeney Todd. But come on, don't tell me Wicked has bad music.
I'd rather listen to the music from Wicked and see this version of Sweeney Todd live. Has nothing to do with story it has to do with a theatrical vision. I admire productions that do something new and creative with any material. Fifteen years from now when someone revisits Wicked and focuses on the story with simplicity and creativity I will love to see it. I don't want spectacle, I want theater.
I think this is an interesting take on Sweeney Todd, but I feel this revival doesn't capture the story as well as the original Broadway play. I can certainly appreciate the symbolic style, and it's interesting having the orchestra on stage as well, but I also find it a bit distracting, personally. Here it also seems difficult to follow for first-timers since they don't really leap into the story and surround the audiance in it too well. I don't feel as emotionally connected with this version.
you should be ashamed for putting a spoiler like this up...if someone wants to witness the glory that is Sweeny, then who are you to deprive them of that with this cheap recording?
you should be ashamed for putting a spoiler like this up...if someone wants to witness the glory that is Sweeny, then who are you to deprive them of that with this cheap recording
I think it's a pretty interesting and maybe "theatrical" version of the play. I think it makes a lot oa sense that it beginds with Tobias telling the story.
I don't really get though the concept behind having the actors playing the instrumentes too. I think it works well in "Company", but here it kinda takes away some of the acting and the drama of the whole thing, doesn't it?
So many people think that they ruined this play,when they didn't.You can't compare this to the original stage production of Sweeney Todd.I discussed this in Theater class today.This is after Sweeney Todd,a continuation.This is Toby in a mental asylum and him flashing back to all of what happened.So you can't possibly compare them.
...Am I the only person that thinks that this production completely raped Sweeney Todd? I get that they're trying to be "original" and "modern" but to me all they ended up doing was ruining the play. I'm only four minutes into this and I can already tell that I hate it.
@MusicFeedsYourSoul It's cool. I'll admit I don't really like the way they do "No Place Like London," it feels too...idk, distant. Overall, I enjoy the artistic simplicity of it, but I understand how that would bother some.
I like Len Cariou the best as Sweeney. His voice is so expressive- I listen to him singing and I can just picture everything so clearly. He and Angela Lansbury were the best Sweeney/Mrs. Lovett pairing. George Hearn was pretty good I'll admit, but I couldn't help but really compare his performance to Len's, and I felt like George didn't really make the role his own. It felt like a knock-off to me. That's why I really love watching Micheal Cerveris and Johnny Depp- their Sweenys are so different.
I could make the worlds longest YouTube comment ever on why this is the best performance of Sweeney ever (not including Tim Burtons), but it would be useless because you tiny brains wouldn't be able to process the symbolism this version uses. Send me all the angry comments you want.
@beccaboo10101 I wouldn't go towards insulting, but I agree, it's my favorite version. Even within the first three minutes, I've seen brilliant artistry and symbolism.
this sweeny todd is good but George hearn is better, however i will say I prefer patti lupone to whoever it was that played mrs lovett with hearn. Despite the weird way she pronounces words. I just prefer her style of doing the part.
@punkrocknation12345 thats the one, don't get me wrong I think she did a great job and over all I prefer that production of sweeny todd, but unfortunately iv only seen a recording of both so maybe live as it is intended My mind would change but in the recordings iv seen I think patti was better.
I like this, but I wish that they had kept it as a bass having the opening solo rather than upping it... but it's still a really cool take on the show!
What is the name of this style where the characters only face the audience, even when they are addressing one another? I want to make sure that if I ever write a musical (unlikely) I don't accidentally write it in this style, because I find it very jarring.
WHY on earth did they never have an official recording of this!? Thanks so much for breaking the law and uploading it. The revival is my favorite version, perhaps because I'm a music geek. But, yeah. Thanks. ^_^
Go into a shop. lol! If you google it you might find it. The Cover is a sort of dark blue with sweeney todd written on (naturally enough!) and a picture of a cut throat with the reflection of sweeneys eyes. its availible from amazon i beleive
I can alread tell that George Hearn is a much better Sweeney but I will forever love Patti LaPone since I saw the concert version though I don't like her hair...
The orchestrations definitely suffer from the scaling down, but the staging grows on me. Especially during the Johanna quartet with the buckets of blood...
Plus, anyone who saw it live can atest to the fact that it was an awesome production. Cast was worth the price of admission for me with Michael, Patti and supporting people like Marc Jacoby and Alexander Gemignani.
This revival was a bit confusing to me. The orchestrations, in my opinion, weren't as strong as the original. There were less pieces and I think it suffered to some degree because of that. Also the staging is a bit unclear at times, especially if you are unfamiliar with the story. I think there is a lot of talent...no question...though I lost respect for Patti after the "Gypsy incident". I commend the director for trying something new, it;s just not my cup of tea.
I agree about the orchestrations. I understand the idea that it makes the numbers eerier and more frightening, but it also robs the score of much of its beauty, and it really is a gorgeous score. I think there's meant to be a contrast there. The music is exquisite, but the plot is dark and frightening.
It worked brilliantly for Company, but it just doesn't happen for Sweeney Todd, I think.
The great thing about Sweeney Todd is that each director can change it according to what they see!! Like Tim Burton for the movie made it almost a horror, Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett were almost dead...the oringinal made Mrs. Lovett sweet in Angela Lansbury, the concert version and the film made her funny and cunning, manipulative, very different I appreciate the director trying a new vision
Hahaha, I get it, but I'm sure not many others do.
A particularly noted incident occurred at the second to last performance of Gypsy on January 10, 2009. Agitated at a man taking pictures with the use of flash, she stopped in the middle of "Rose's Turn" and loudly demanded that he be removed from the theatre before she continued.. After he was removed, LuPone restarted her number. The audience applauded her stance.
That's cause she didn't see the camera. And she only flipped out in public the one time. Usually she just goes back during a down time and tells security.
coffin was in the origional broadway show. the show is them telling of the story of sweeney(hence the opening closing and various interludes being titled "the ballad of sweeney todd"), not the story unfolding it starts after the end, and at the end sweeney dies, therefor he emerges from the grave to tell his story" the rest of the story well thats the play and he wouldn't want us to give it away"
oh i thought u meant from 2005 haha, yes chris marchant did play toby in 2009...i actualy saw that ST this year and the cast was very good, i really like merritt david janes' role as sweeney
This is a interesting way of doing the show... it's definitely not bad, but it's really... weird. I don't see why they had some of the orchestra on the stage, it really leaves no room on the stage.
thats the point of the revival...to have all the actors BE the musicians. there are only 10 musicians to the orchestra which are all the characters who play in the musical.
Apparently the story behind it is that when this was first done in England, they were basically flat broke, so all the stripped down scenery and stuff is for lack of money. Then everyone loved it, so they did it all again. That's what I read, anyway! :)
It's a director thing. The same person directed the Company and Sweeney Todd revivals, then went out west and did the same thing with another show (cant' remember which off the top of my head). It's just his style.
The revival production tends to be a bit minimalistic for my personal taste. I do like how they used the space to their advantage and love the soundtrack. To answer your question... Yes, I do believe that the lighting effects played an obviously vital role in the revival. It is a bit hard to see on video but even the way the light goes through the cracks in the wooden floor adds some aesthetic and practical effect.
@TheTarmanCometh I knew that, but Hearn just seems more memorable. Oh, by the way.........Why the fuck are you responding to a comment I left a year ago?
@stickmanpictures01 I disagree, I think George Hearn is the best but he's not the only one who should be remembered, I think Michael Cerveris is brilliant
The staging is unique and th actors are amazing and great singers...but them playing the instruments is just distracting. But it is still an amazing interpetation!
I really loved this production. It essentially bookends the original '79 Hal Prince version. This is the mentally disturbed Toby retelling the story in the only fragmented, disjointed way he knows how.
It works, and this is Toby "Telling the Tale of Sweeney Todd." He's doing what he's being told to do-pass on this story and learn something, maybe about yourself, or life in general.
Posted by a theatrequeen after 3 glasses of Shiraz.
That's a fantastic way of looking at it, ajt141. I also think that it's good as a stand alone version of the show, because it has a unique and very disturbing atmosphere.
wen did they close? I can see why. I think this verzion is just ok. I like the original verzion better. but that's just me! I wont hate you if you like this verzion better! lol
The Broadway "revival" production of "Sweeney Todd" opened on November 3, 2005 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (now home to the musical "Spring Awakening"). It ran for 384 performances (35 of which were preview performances) and closed on September 3, 2006. I personally prefer both styles of Swenney Todd equally!
I just saw it here in St. Louis. I'd never seen it before, not even the movie, and I was utterly blown away. It -was- very different than what I expected, cuz of the minimalistic set design and instruments and more, but their use of what they had was so powerful and gripping!
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!!!
This is horrible! Why cant the actors/singers just be actors/singers? And whats with the modern day costumes? It works for Jesus Christ Superstar, but not for Sweeney Todd!
It's a reimagining of Sweeney Todd. The actors playing the instruments makes sense, seeing as their characters correspond to their characters. I find this the best version of Sweeney Todd, though I also enjoy the concert versions.
Although if people saw this show for the first time without even seeing the movie they'd have a pretty hard time following at some parts. Plus I prefer Mrs. Lovett dying via bake oven instead of her throat being slit like the way they did here. I just think the bake oven is more tragic and works better for that scene.
me too! today i went to a performance of this at a professional theatre in connecticut, and i thought he was going to throw her threw the backdoor used as an oven because i didnt know sweeney just slits her throat like all the others in the revival.
I just saw a local equity production of Sweeney Todd at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, TN. They had an oven that was rolled out for the final scene. The oven had bright red/yellow flood lights and light smoke comming from the inside. Sweeney was dancing and flung Mrs. Lovett into the oven, slammed the door, and a plume of black smoke poured out as she screamed and banged on the door! Very realistic, but must be done properly or it would wreck the scene!
Since you have Wicked, Rent, and Sweeney Todd, what will you be willing to trade for them? I just want to know what you want so I know what I can give you. I'm not sure what I will be willing to trade until I know your range of what you might want. And another thing: do they have good quality? If you're able to, show me a sample and I'll think about trading you.
I love this version of Sweeney! The 10 person cast/orchestra made me happy. I saw it in San Francisco, unfortunately it didn't have Patti or Michael, but it was amazing just the same.
i have issues with the staging here... looks like the beggar woman is talking to someone past the forth wall, so the line don't i know you loses all its meaning. Still the actors are amazing.
Please, please put the rest up!
tallulah2 3 weeks ago
I wish the In Concert version with George Hearn opened with Tobias in a straightjacket. The first time I saw that I got this chill up my spine. Is Tobias supposed to be in a striaghtjacket in this version? How is he playing the violin then? =P
Poet2916 1 month ago
Is this the original cast of this production?
ritsfata 1 month ago
Also, if you read Wicked, the Dragon is an extremely important set piece. The set is supposed to be the "Dragon Time Clock" that would perform a play whenever there was evil about. That's why the Dragon was there. It wasn't pointless, it was extremely symbolic and important. Please get your background before you whine about things.
TheLastFacePalm 2 months ago
I disagree with MissAngryGinger. To a point at least. A huge part of theatre (notice the correct spelling of the art.) is big stagey stuff and stage magic. While i agree productions like this one are visionary and quite good, they'd be nothing without the big showy versions to compare them with. You can't have one without the other, and it is only the directors choice in what direction it should go. Wicked's music was coupled by the amazing staging it had, and its breathtaking stage magic.
TheLastFacePalm 2 months ago
Saw this in NY six years ago. Also saw Wicked. Sweeney was brilliant and tranformative; theater at its most exciting. Wicked was commercial and bloated. Too many lights, costumes and needless chorus members running around. I only liked it when the main characters were alone on stage. There was a freaking dragon that roared for ten seconds. Didn't need any of that. Give me a story, great performers, incredible music and the rest is parsley.
mingeeater 5 months ago
@mingeeater Just a wild stab in the dark here, but I think that might have something to do with the fact it was based of The Wizard of Oz. Did you not like the music for Wicked? Don't get me wrong, I adore Sweeney Todd. But come on, don't tell me Wicked has bad music.
MissAngryGinger 3 months ago
@MissAngryGinger
I'd rather listen to the music from Wicked and see this version of Sweeney Todd live. Has nothing to do with story it has to do with a theatrical vision. I admire productions that do something new and creative with any material. Fifteen years from now when someone revisits Wicked and focuses on the story with simplicity and creativity I will love to see it. I don't want spectacle, I want theater.
mingeeater 3 months ago
I think this is an interesting take on Sweeney Todd, but I feel this revival doesn't capture the story as well as the original Broadway play. I can certainly appreciate the symbolic style, and it's interesting having the orchestra on stage as well, but I also find it a bit distracting, personally. Here it also seems difficult to follow for first-timers since they don't really leap into the story and surround the audiance in it too well. I don't feel as emotionally connected with this version.
RisingMusic24 6 months ago
Where's the rest? You only have parts 1 2 and 12 up.....
LitesofBway 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
you should be ashamed for putting a spoiler like this up...if someone wants to witness the glory that is Sweeny, then who are you to deprive them of that with this cheap recording?
VeronicaStone23 9 months ago
you should be ashamed for putting a spoiler like this up...if someone wants to witness the glory that is Sweeny, then who are you to deprive them of that with this cheap recording
VeronicaStone23 9 months ago
@VeronicaStone23 k well it's not on broadway anymore so get over it love
DanielMurphy94 7 months ago
sweeney looks like nosferatu o.O
bummer300 9 months ago
I don't think this is artistic simplicity. It's complexity for complexities sake. Also, I don't like Patti LuPone.
sacredlunatic 10 months ago
Where are parts 3 - 11, and 13-16?? I need to see the whole show!! Please!
Faustina87 10 months ago 4
I think it's a pretty interesting and maybe "theatrical" version of the play. I think it makes a lot oa sense that it beginds with Tobias telling the story.
I don't really get though the concept behind having the actors playing the instrumentes too. I think it works well in "Company", but here it kinda takes away some of the acting and the drama of the whole thing, doesn't it?
oaiturriaga 11 months ago
So many people think that they ruined this play,when they didn't.You can't compare this to the original stage production of Sweeney Todd.I discussed this in Theater class today.This is after Sweeney Todd,a continuation.This is Toby in a mental asylum and him flashing back to all of what happened.So you can't possibly compare them.
SmallDarkAndDreary 11 months ago
why do the actors play the instruments
cheshirepuss1 11 months ago
Manoel should have won the tony for this Tobias.
sondheimisGAWD 1 year ago 5
...Am I the only person that thinks that this production completely raped Sweeney Todd? I get that they're trying to be "original" and "modern" but to me all they ended up doing was ruining the play. I'm only four minutes into this and I can already tell that I hate it.
MusicFeedsYourSoul 1 year ago
@MusicFeedsYourSoul Nah, kind of made it for me. I mean I like the original, but this is my favorite production. To each their own, though.
Everme91 1 year ago
@Everme91 Indeed. Personally, I can't stand this production. Sorry.
MusicFeedsYourSoul 1 year ago
@MusicFeedsYourSoul It's cool. I'll admit I don't really like the way they do "No Place Like London," it feels too...idk, distant. Overall, I enjoy the artistic simplicity of it, but I understand how that would bother some.
Everme91 1 year ago
I freaking love you for putting this up! :D:D:D:D
MsDuckyquackquack 1 year ago 17
This was incredible in person - the video doesnt convey the same dark feeling that it sent through the Theater
jaypkatl 1 year ago
this seems more like a concert than a show
DarkCloudLightFF7DCL 1 year ago
I like Len Cariou the best as Sweeney. His voice is so expressive- I listen to him singing and I can just picture everything so clearly. He and Angela Lansbury were the best Sweeney/Mrs. Lovett pairing. George Hearn was pretty good I'll admit, but I couldn't help but really compare his performance to Len's, and I felt like George didn't really make the role his own. It felt like a knock-off to me. That's why I really love watching Micheal Cerveris and Johnny Depp- their Sweenys are so different.
darkvamp001 1 year ago 2
I could make the worlds longest YouTube comment ever on why this is the best performance of Sweeney ever (not including Tim Burtons), but it would be useless because you tiny brains wouldn't be able to process the symbolism this version uses. Send me all the angry comments you want.
beccaboo10101 1 year ago 2
@beccaboo10101 a taunt is almost like a post...
Stevencs6179 1 year ago
@beccaboo10101 check "Stephen Sondheim: Part 3/7 The South Bank Show 2010" @ 0:09
or
"Stephen Sondheim: Part 5/7 The South Bank Show 2010" @ 2:59
you could argue with me... but you'd really be arguing with Hal and Stephen... but I'm sure you could write tomes on why I'm wrong
Stevencs6179 1 year ago
@beccaboo10101 I wouldn't go towards insulting, but I agree, it's my favorite version. Even within the first three minutes, I've seen brilliant artistry and symbolism.
Everme91 1 year ago
wait...y does everyone have instruments? is this broadway? did they do it differently in the revival?
abguard515 1 year ago
Toby at the beginning isnt holding out his dotted quarter notes. Just saying.
jasonabroussard 1 year ago
@jasonabroussard why am I not surprised to find you commenting on this? XD (bw it's laurel)
LenaAlexander 1 year ago
this sweeny todd is good but George hearn is better, however i will say I prefer patti lupone to whoever it was that played mrs lovett with hearn. Despite the weird way she pronounces words. I just prefer her style of doing the part.
Tapey01 1 year ago
@Tapey01 You mean Angela Lansbury?
punkrocknation12345 1 year ago
@punkrocknation12345 thats the one, don't get me wrong I think she did a great job and over all I prefer that production of sweeny todd, but unfortunately iv only seen a recording of both so maybe live as it is intended My mind would change but in the recordings iv seen I think patti was better.
Tapey01 1 year ago
I like this, but I wish that they had kept it as a bass having the opening solo rather than upping it... but it's still a really cool take on the show!
McKaylaDonald 1 year ago
What is the name of this style where the characters only face the audience, even when they are addressing one another? I want to make sure that if I ever write a musical (unlikely) I don't accidentally write it in this style, because I find it very jarring.
cygnusXhaust 1 year ago 2
@cygnusXhaust I think the term is "cheating"? Although something tells me that's just actor slang.
ABookwormAndProud 1 year ago
they shouldve have put Michael Cerveris in the 2007 sweeney todd movie
2shea07 1 year ago
wtf
peacelovetheaterxoxo 1 year ago
How come you only have parts 1, 2, and 12 posted?
meganwayxo 1 year ago
Happy birthday Mr. Sondheim!!!!
Arctophile2000 1 year ago
love this version!! thx for uploading!!
shockingsze 2 years ago
I'm so so so excited to see Manoel in Ragtime! :)
broadwaybabi91 2 years ago
I must rename you Santa Clause!!! I as supposed to go see this live myself but a family crisis intervened.
Now, through you kindness (and sneakiness ;p ) I have gotten my wish!
Thank you 100 times over!
sallysimpson7 2 years ago 5
I meant video recording. I own the soundtrack. :P
Phoenix9109 2 years ago
WHY on earth did they never have an official recording of this!? Thanks so much for breaking the law and uploading it. The revival is my favorite version, perhaps because I'm a music geek. But, yeah. Thanks. ^_^
Phoenix9109 2 years ago 4
There is an official recording availible
leporello56 2 years ago
There is?! Where?
EmiCru01 2 years ago
Go into a shop. lol! If you google it you might find it. The Cover is a sort of dark blue with sweeney todd written on (naturally enough!) and a picture of a cut throat with the reflection of sweeneys eyes. its availible from amazon i beleive
leporello56 2 years ago
Thanks! =)
EmiCru01 2 years ago
Thats what I'm here for :)
leporello56 2 years ago
o sorry. i didn't read on... lol! :)
leporello56 2 years ago
I can alread tell that George Hearn is a much better Sweeney but I will forever love Patti LaPone since I saw the concert version though I don't like her hair...
csi3willows 2 years ago
The orchestrations definitely suffer from the scaling down, but the staging grows on me. Especially during the Johanna quartet with the buckets of blood...
Plus, anyone who saw it live can atest to the fact that it was an awesome production. Cast was worth the price of admission for me with Michael, Patti and supporting people like Marc Jacoby and Alexander Gemignani.
Awesome!
Bradtrupp 2 years ago
This revival was a bit confusing to me. The orchestrations, in my opinion, weren't as strong as the original. There were less pieces and I think it suffered to some degree because of that. Also the staging is a bit unclear at times, especially if you are unfamiliar with the story. I think there is a lot of talent...no question...though I lost respect for Patti after the "Gypsy incident". I commend the director for trying something new, it;s just not my cup of tea.
MrActor123456789 2 years ago
I agree about the orchestrations. I understand the idea that it makes the numbers eerier and more frightening, but it also robs the score of much of its beauty, and it really is a gorgeous score. I think there's meant to be a contrast there. The music is exquisite, but the plot is dark and frightening.
It worked brilliantly for Company, but it just doesn't happen for Sweeney Todd, I think.
steelvenom2003 2 years ago
Exactly.
MrActor123456789 2 years ago
OMG! Do you have green finch and linnet bird?!
Lexigiggles 2 years ago
o__O Any versions of this available that aren't a janky camquarter job?
pseudodeduction 2 years ago
I didn't much like the recording of the Revival that I heard... I intend to watch it to see if my feelings change. Thanks for the upload.
icedcoffee0 2 years ago
I'm not really crazy about this Sweeney's look... he's very talented and and plays the role well.. I'm just not crazy about this 1920s version.
Nerris121 2 years ago
The cast was the orchestra.
Odd yes, less depth as far as music goes, yes, but I think it works lol
1037pm 2 years ago
The great thing about Sweeney Todd is that each director can change it according to what they see!! Like Tim Burton for the movie made it almost a horror, Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett were almost dead...the oringinal made Mrs. Lovett sweet in Angela Lansbury, the concert version and the film made her funny and cunning, manipulative, very different I appreciate the director trying a new vision
csi3willows 2 years ago
the whole show is in an asylum. haha there my friend Donna Lynne Champlin!
FrenchToastPro 2 years ago
This was amazing.
MichaelCrawfordsFan 2 years ago
I'm confused. Does this one end with the Ballad or with Toby in the crazy house?
Ryuzaki40 2 years ago
I'm surprised Patti Lupone didn't flip out because someone was filming
zenrocksfan 2 years ago 84
LMFAO
xlawa 2 years ago
Hahaha, I get it, but I'm sure not many others do.
A particularly noted incident occurred at the second to last performance of Gypsy on January 10, 2009. Agitated at a man taking pictures with the use of flash, she stopped in the middle of "Rose's Turn" and loudly demanded that he be removed from the theatre before she continued.. After he was removed, LuPone restarted her number. The audience applauded her stance.
This quote was taken and edited from Wikipedia.
Ryuzaki40 2 years ago
I was there ... most ridiculous thing I have ever seen in my life. DIVA.
SxMuiryx3 2 years ago
lmao! zenrocksfan, you just made my day. =)
NuclearSnail 2 years ago
@zenrocksfan
That's cause she didn't see the camera. And she only flipped out in public the one time. Usually she just goes back during a down time and tells security.
SeventhShadow 1 year ago
Patti LuPone is such a bitch. Just because someone is filming she has to scream about it and ruin the show for everyone?
lisambofoh 1 year ago
@zenrocksfan Lucky really, might end up in a pie.
TheCherryBomber1 1 year ago
@zenrocksfan I assume you are referencing that one time at Gypsy where she did and it ended up being a news camera?
tardisgal2293 1 year ago
I've got three dvds from this revival, if anyone is interested in a trade or something than send me a pm
jannetteL 2 years ago
do u still have the dvd's, what would u be willin to sell/trade one of them 4
babyshaq70 2 years ago
AWESOME! PELEAAAAAAAASE PUT UP MORE!
Ryuzaki40 2 years ago 2
really gud! gave me goosebumps
Dodser13 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The coffin is inappropriate... yes Sweeney was hungry for blood but not literally!
Troublemaker1991 2 years ago
It's symbolic. Symbolism is the point of the revival.
ericboltz 2 years ago 2
coffin was in the origional broadway show. the show is them telling of the story of sweeney(hence the opening closing and various interludes being titled "the ballad of sweeney todd"), not the story unfolding it starts after the end, and at the end sweeney dies, therefor he emerges from the grave to tell his story" the rest of the story well thats the play and he wouldn't want us to give it away"
cnmaster01 2 years ago
y d hell is sweeney in a coffin...and why is he bald!!!
rory1494 2 years ago
i dotn think either of them was better, every time a new one did it they all brought something different to it
fantasmicfreak1 3 years ago 2
My order of favorite actors who played Sweeney:
1. Len Cariou
2. George Hearn
3. Michael Cerveris
4. Merritt David Janes (the 2009 tour)
5. Johnny Depp
alyness33 3 years ago
agreed. len cariou was the best sweeney.
wjrfec41 3 years ago
Yeah! Len is awesome
GuilleCarvajal 2 years ago
I would switch George and Len and then switch Merritt and Michael. Merritt was brilliant when I saw him.
ericboltz 2 years ago
Yeah you are probably right. I thought he did awesome. And the guy that played Toby (I cant remember his name) did awesome too.
alyness33 2 years ago
manoel felciano played toby
babyshaq70 2 years ago
Not in the 2009 performances (He was in the 2005 revival). I think the person during 2009 was Chris Marchant.
alyness33 2 years ago
oh i thought u meant from 2005 haha, yes chris marchant did play toby in 2009...i actualy saw that ST this year and the cast was very good, i really like merritt david janes' role as sweeney
babyshaq70 2 years ago
I seriously adore Sweeney played by Michael Cerveris. Controversial, I know... but after Len Cariou, he's my favourite.
WowICanGetMusicalToo 3 years ago 3
This is a interesting way of doing the show... it's definitely not bad, but it's really... weird. I don't see why they had some of the orchestra on the stage, it really leaves no room on the stage.
SharpCookies 3 years ago
the whole orchestra is on stage
cheesenedd 3 years ago
thats the point of the revival...to have all the actors BE the musicians. there are only 10 musicians to the orchestra which are all the characters who play in the musical.
igloria223 3 years ago
Company did this too didn't it? Is this a Sondheim thing? if you know I mean.
4wickedCATSfans 2 years ago
Apparently the story behind it is that when this was first done in England, they were basically flat broke, so all the stripped down scenery and stuff is for lack of money. Then everyone loved it, so they did it all again. That's what I read, anyway! :)
notionridiculous 2 years ago
It's a director thing. The same person directed the Company and Sweeney Todd revivals, then went out west and did the same thing with another show (cant' remember which off the top of my head). It's just his style.
stagedoorpianoman 2 years ago 2
i believe doyle tried it with "merrily we roll along"...it just didnt work as well
jtTrumpet 2 years ago
Is there any special effects or cool lighting in the show? I think that would be awesome.
maestrolow 3 years ago
The revival production tends to be a bit minimalistic for my personal taste. I do like how they used the space to their advantage and love the soundtrack. To answer your question... Yes, I do believe that the lighting effects played an obviously vital role in the revival. It is a bit hard to see on video but even the way the light goes through the cracks in the wooden floor adds some aesthetic and practical effect.
macrent2 3 years ago
I like the singing and I think the staging is well done, but I'm a little bothered by Anthony's outfit. xP
MusicandSingingrulez 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What high school is this? They look pretty old... Oh... Well isn't this interesting.
fortuosity 3 years ago
uhh,
this isnt a high school production..
its the broadway production.
haha,
=)
unfabulous386 3 years ago
This Sweeney Todd is okay, but the only true Sweeney Todd is George Hearn.
stickmanpictures01 3 years ago 16
I prefer Len Cariou
vhunter13 3 years ago
@stickmanpictures01 Actually the original Sweeney Todd is Len Cariou.
TheTarmanCometh 1 year ago
@TheTarmanCometh I knew that, but Hearn just seems more memorable. Oh, by the way.........Why the fuck are you responding to a comment I left a year ago?
stickmanpictures01 1 year ago
@stickmanpictures01 Its at the top of the page, so I didn't notice that!!
TheTarmanCometh 1 year ago
@stickmanpictures01 I disagree, I think George Hearn is the best but he's not the only one who should be remembered, I think Michael Cerveris is brilliant
TheSoulMan8 1 year ago 2
The staging is unique and th actors are amazing and great singers...but them playing the instruments is just distracting. But it is still an amazing interpetation!
lifeisfun09 3 years ago
looks more like hainbal the canibal then sweeney the 1984 version much better
ricthecoolguy 3 years ago 2
Honestly the first image I thought of when I sw the bald Sweeney was that of Max Schrek as Nosferatu. Hehe
gastonleroux1911 3 years ago
k i love this play and every thing + im puting the ballad piano version up soon but why the hell is sweeney bold? thats so stupid
ricthecoolguy 3 years ago
Sweeney is bald because Michael Cerveris (the actor playing Sweeney Todd) is bald. They just chose not to put a wig on him.
LadySpoCoy 3 years ago 2
Why's it stupid?
Malzziz 3 years ago
I really loved this production. It essentially bookends the original '79 Hal Prince version. This is the mentally disturbed Toby retelling the story in the only fragmented, disjointed way he knows how.
It works, and this is Toby "Telling the Tale of Sweeney Todd." He's doing what he's being told to do-pass on this story and learn something, maybe about yourself, or life in general.
Posted by a theatrequeen after 3 glasses of Shiraz.
ajt141 3 years ago 3
That's a fantastic way of looking at it, ajt141. I also think that it's good as a stand alone version of the show, because it has a unique and very disturbing atmosphere.
crawlfan 3 years ago
Saw the movie first, I loved it.
Now I can't see that dude as Sweeney. :)
Hellmyerstwin 3 years ago
i like this production much more than the original broadway version.
this is so edgy and so well done!
zachng 3 years ago 3
is the revival verzion still running?
theatresofty 3 years ago
No, the "revival" version of Sweeney Todd is no longer on Broadway. There is however a touring production of this revival in the US at this time!
macrent2 3 years ago
wen did they close? I can see why. I think this verzion is just ok. I like the original verzion better. but that's just me! I wont hate you if you like this verzion better! lol
theatresofty 3 years ago
The Broadway "revival" production of "Sweeney Todd" opened on November 3, 2005 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (now home to the musical "Spring Awakening"). It ran for 384 performances (35 of which were preview performances) and closed on September 3, 2006. I personally prefer both styles of Swenney Todd equally!
macrent2 3 years ago
I just saw it here in St. Louis. I'd never seen it before, not even the movie, and I was utterly blown away. It -was- very different than what I expected, cuz of the minimalistic set design and instruments and more, but their use of what they had was so powerful and gripping!
soldierdifortuna2 3 years ago
Im going to see it this afternoon in Hershey! Hope it is awesome!
Maskphan1 3 years ago
I love how you can so totally pick out, what I believe to be, Patti's voice when they all start singing. XP
Phentleman 3 years ago
lol me too!
tatyrules12 3 years ago
I LOVE THIS. Any chance we can see the rest? *begs*
gottaluvjfo 3 years ago
Where's the rest?
MichaelCH2007 3 years ago
why is it on stage pirelli is always played a woman? i think its cool but i just wonder as to why they have it that way...
cirquechik 3 years ago
Well, i'm not sure about on stage, but in the movie that last really long note was sung by a woman. :) At least that's what i've heard :P
aqua1993 3 years ago
probably because it's such a high tenor role
TEgnoto89 3 years ago 2
In the original cast, Pirelli was played by a man.
dramadork 3 years ago 3
I like the original and the revival equally, I have the soundtracks to both. I like the movie too, but not as much as the shows.
TheQuestionBoy4 3 years ago
Why in Italy musicals are not performed like in USA? *°*!!!SIGH!!!*°*
SweetAngelOfMusic94 3 years ago
holy crap, this Michael Cerveris fellow did an amazing job at portraying Sweeney Todd!
I'm quite pleased with this revival :)
ROXIO7 3 years ago
VERY GOOD!!!! They are SOOO creepy!
10Bwayfan 3 years ago
thank you so much
TheSoulMan8 3 years ago
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!!!
sonofplunder69 3 years ago
I like this version the best. Toby's part expanded greatly. and Mano is the best Toby ever!! :D
brbcool8 3 years ago
I saw this version of Sweeney Todd on tour for my birthday last may, and I fell in love with the actors singing and playing the instruments.
gchimmel 3 years ago
Amazing. This is my favorite form Sweeney Todd has ever taken.
isakborg88 3 years ago
THANK YOU for posting this! I never got to see the play, and I'm pretty sure it won't be coming out on DVD... So thank you!!!
Dooooooom666 3 years ago
This is horrible! Why cant the actors/singers just be actors/singers? And whats with the modern day costumes? It works for Jesus Christ Superstar, but not for Sweeney Todd!
LarryB1984 3 years ago
It's a reimagining of Sweeney Todd. The actors playing the instruments makes sense, seeing as their characters correspond to their characters. I find this the best version of Sweeney Todd, though I also enjoy the concert versions.
ladyxdulcina 3 years ago 4
Although if people saw this show for the first time without even seeing the movie they'd have a pretty hard time following at some parts. Plus I prefer Mrs. Lovett dying via bake oven instead of her throat being slit like the way they did here. I just think the bake oven is more tragic and works better for that scene.
sdrhead 3 years ago
yes, but how do you do that on stage?
dovesxfeather 3 years ago
Personally I can see the door in the back being used as the oven.
sdrhead 3 years ago
me too! today i went to a performance of this at a professional theatre in connecticut, and i thought he was going to throw her threw the backdoor used as an oven because i didnt know sweeney just slits her throat like all the others in the revival.
sweeetartsx3 3 years ago
I just saw a local equity production of Sweeney Todd at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, TN. They had an oven that was rolled out for the final scene. The oven had bright red/yellow flood lights and light smoke comming from the inside. Sweeney was dancing and flung Mrs. Lovett into the oven, slammed the door, and a plume of black smoke poured out as she screamed and banged on the door! Very realistic, but must be done properly or it would wreck the scene!
macrent2 3 years ago
Why, in your opinion, does it not work?
dovesxfeather 3 years ago
Ahhhhh God I rember seeing this two years ago. Thank you so much
yummybakura 3 years ago
2:45 - 2:52 is like Soprano Mania!!! I love it!
Domino9592 3 years ago
I think they just put her mic much higher on purpose
but yes, Patti's voice is so unique it is very evident even with 6 or 7 other cast members
lilcubanboy121 3 years ago
I wish Patti didn't sing in the first song.
Her voice doesn't blend, and no matter what, She sounds so seperate from everyone else.
oohcool 3 years ago
Since you have Wicked, Rent, and Sweeney Todd, what will you be willing to trade for them? I just want to know what you want so I know what I can give you. I'm not sure what I will be willing to trade until I know your range of what you might want. And another thing: do they have good quality? If you're able to, show me a sample and I'll think about trading you.
MoviePro84 3 years ago
Not you sorry, I was trying to get someone else on this comment board. Sorry. But, can you post the rest of this show?
MoviePro84 3 years ago
can u put the rest up
i need it bad its vital to my life
tatyrules12 3 years ago 3
what would u like to trade 4 this ?
fanofphantom13 3 years ago
do u have the full version and if so are u going to post them
nillagrilla 3 years ago
i thought it was fantastic. think of the skill of each of those performers.
viskingtube 3 years ago 2
I love this version of Sweeney! The 10 person cast/orchestra made me happy. I saw it in San Francisco, unfortunately it didn't have Patti or Michael, but it was amazing just the same.
AnarchyGoddess 3 years ago 2
I saw this on Broadway, and this was amazing. 10 actors, also the characters and orchestra. :D
MichaelCrawfordsFan 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
A horribly staged masterpiece... how tragic, and filled with amazing talent too ( Patti, Micheal ect)...
Selendomono 3 years ago
i have issues with the staging here... looks like the beggar woman is talking to someone past the forth wall, so the line don't i know you loses all its meaning. Still the actors are amazing.
Asylum07MasterMadman 3 years ago