Sweeney Todd on Broadway

I just realized that I never did a Sweeney Todd  review.  Hmph!

11/12/05
It was probably one of the best musicals I've seen, ever.  If you go to the link above and check out the intro, you'll see the cast that I saw that night.  They were all so talented in so many ways.  Everyone played an instrument (except for Sweeney) and there were no set changes, which meant no delay for crew and no orchestra.  One set with everyone on stage all the time.  Normally a recipe for sleep, but this musical had me hooked from the opening scene (which is 40 minutes long).  It forces you to use your imagination and they make it so easy.  I almost felt like I was in london, in that barber/pie shop.  Patti LuPone played her part so well with a great accent.  The lead guy (Sweeney) also had a great accent and voice and it reminded me so much of an angry Jean Valjean that brought me back a few years.  Amazing.  The pace was perfect and just when I started to think, "oh Lord, I hope this doesn't drag on," the pace quickened.  Everything happened so fast at the end and so many emotions get tugged on during the final scene.  I fell in love with Sweeney Todd... the character and the play.

Suggestion: Don't sit in the front rows b/c Sweeney Todd spits a whole lot, due to his anger.  He actually spit in Patti LuPone's face once and I couldn't believe she didn't flinch.  I did notice a front row lady wipe her face and look to her husband once and I thought it was funny.  And ironic, since she got "great" seats.

Currently Watching Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street By Steven Sondheim, Los Angeles Opera see related