Sweeney Todd in Concert
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Movie Reviews of Sweeney Todd in Concert
Movie Review: So nice to have on DVD!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
After years of searching, I was finally able to get my hands on a VHS copy of the 1979 touring version. Only to have a DVD come out with superior sound and visual quality...who knew?And now the comparisons:
1) George Hearn has still got it. He was SPECTACULAR!!! By far the best Sweeney.
2) Patti LuPone. True she's no Angela Landsbury, but who is. I thought she actually brought a bit of quarkiness to the character that was refreshing. And, after all, it's not the actor's job to recreate a role that's already been done, but to bring something new to the part, isn't it?
3) Neil Patrick Harris. Surprisingly pleasant. Had the voice, but the character wasn't quite what I was expecting. I do hope he gets to do Assassins on Broadway, though.
4) Davis Gaines. Yeah, whatever. I hate that character anyway.
The rest of the cast was a breath of fresh air. This has always been a show that could bring together the best of the Opera world and the Theatre world and this production does just that. The orchestrations were also very nice. I was pleased with the staging. Being a "Concert Version", it could have been quite dull, but was not.
If you can get the original video, get it, it's worth it. But this is a great addition to anyone's collection.
Movie Review: The Most Focused Sweeney Yet
Summary: 5 Stars
As one who has been associated with the creators of "Sweeney" on other productions and as a champion of the original production, one still has to admit to the plot problems at the end of the original's second act. This new production effortlessly aviods those traps on the way to the most focused performance of "Sweeney" yet. Featuring two former Sweeneys (George Hearn as Sweeney and Timothy Nolen as a wonderfully re-conceived Judge Turpin), Patti LuPone making the role of Mrs. Lovett totally her own (no easy proposition with the spectre of Angela Lansbury always nearby) and a wonderfuly talented supporting cast, Director Lonny Price guides this production effortlessly to it's grizzly end. Featuring amazingly thoughtful camerawork which actually advances the plot as opposed to observing it, one gets to know the characters as readily as if this were a fully staged production. Then again--maybe "less" really is "more" in this case. The San Francisco Symphony under Rob Fisher is impeccable. If you value musical theater, if you value Steve Sondheim's supreme contribution to the genre, you must own this version. But go first class---own them all!
Clarke Dunham, Broadway Scenic Designer
Movie Review: The Most Focused Sweeney Yet
Summary: 5 Stars
As one who has been associated with the creators of "Sweeney" on other productions and as a champion of the original production, one still has to admit to the plot problems at the end of the original's second act. This new production effortlessly aviods those traps on the way to the most focused performance of "Sweeney" yet. Featuring two former Sweeneys (Geoarge Hearn as Sweeney and Timothy Nolen as a wonderfully re-conceived Judge Turpin), Patti LuPone making the role of Mrs. Lovett totally her own (no easy proposition with the spectre of Angela Lansbury always nearby) and a wonderfuly talented supporting cast, Director Lonny Price guides this production effortlessly to it's grizzly end. Featuring amazingly thoughtful camerawork which actually advances the plot as opposed to observing it, one gets to know the characters as readily as if this were a fully staged production. Then again--maybe "less" really is "more" in this case. The San Francisco Symphony under Rob Fisher is impeccable. If you value musical theater, if you value Steve Sondheim's supreme contribution to the genre, you must own this version. But go first class---own them all!Movie Review: A Fully Satisfying Production
Summary: 5 Stars
This paired-down, yet inventive, staging of "Sweeney Todd" actually enhances the excellence of Sondheim's musical score. The intelligent use of lighting suggests horror rather than hitting the audience in the face with it. Without the distractions of fake blood and trap-doors, the viewer is able to focus on the outstanding performances of the cast. George Hearn may be twenty years older, but his acting, which is phenomenal, makes up for any of the former fulness that might be missing from his voice. Patty Lupone presents a far darker Mrs. Lovett than Angela Lansbury did, but her characterization clears up some of the ambiguities of motivation that were present in her predecessor's trademark interpretation; Lupone's powerful voice blends well with Hearn's. Neil Patrick Harris was pleasantly surprising in the role of Toby, and the voices of the supporting characters, Anthony, Johanna, Lucy, Judge Turpin, the Beadle, Pirelli, are simply splendid.Movie Review: LuPone and Lovett are a perfect match!
Summary: 5 Stars
**Contains spoilers**
As amazing as Angela Lansbury is as Mrs. Lovett, Patti LuPone in this role is beyond words. The woman is so talented it's ridiculous! She was born to play Eva Peron and Mrs. Lovett. LuPone makes you fall head over heels in love with a woman who makes people into pies, lies, and decieves the man she loves. She and Hearn are a perfect match. George Hearn is fantastic as usual. The two of them will have you laughing, crying, and, ultimately, becoming a vegetarian. Victoria Clark is fantastic as the beggar woman, and Neil Patrick Harris is heartbreaking at Toby along witht the rest of the amazing cast. Favorite numbers include: The Worst Pies in London, Poor Thing, Pirelli's Miracle Elixar, Epiphany, A Little Priest, God That's Good, By the Sea, Not While I'm Around, Johanna, Lullaby and, of course, The Ballad of Sweeney Todd. Fantastic performance and key for any musical lover!