HOME ALL THAT CHAT ATC WEST COAST SHOPPIN' RUSH BOARD FAQS

LOGIN REGISTER SEARCH THREADED MODE

not logged in

Threaded Order | Chronological Order

Sweeney todd tonight

Posted by: dramedy 02:28 am EDT 09/24/15

It clocks in at 3 hours, so probably 15 minutes longer than most productions. However, i really enjoyed it. How rare to have a full orchestra and large chorus of at least 25. Now for the opera leads--thankfully, they sound more broadway than opera. Brian mulligan and stephanie blythe are a fantastic pair on stage. Pulling all the humor and emotion from the roles. I had no problem with sound and it wasnt overamplified as most broadway shows. Couldnt even tell that microphones were even used. We are so used to having stars in revivals, it is actually nice to have compentent professionals. The rest of the cast exceeded my expectation. Will this go down ss the greatest sweeney todd-no. But is it worth seeing this fine production-yes.


Sorry, I have to disagree

Posted by: counterweight 11:36 pm EDT 10/01/15
In reply to: Sweeney todd tonight - dramedy 02:28 am EDT 09/24/15

I went because of the chance to hear the full orchestra and the anticipated performance by the leads. Maybe it's where I was sitting but the sound was muffled... like people singing and playing in a barrel of cotton. (I was sitting in the center of Dress Circle under the balcony. Could that have been a dead spot?)

I love the pealing brass chords at the end of "Johanna" and this past Tuesday they just sounded kind of muted. Which brings me to Anthony.

I guess I am accustomed to hearing tenors sing the role, or at least baritones with strong upper registers. It makes a nice contrast to the sinister bass of the Judge. Elliot Madore hit all the right notes as Anthony but somehow he sounded more like an understudy for Turpin.

Stephanie Blythe was wonderful as Lovett and acquitted herself well with the dark comedy of the role. The direction seemed haphazard. Lots of people milling around, and sometimes I had trouble finding the soloist among the crowd. All in all, I wish I had saved my money.


"Fantasy Football" Sweeney

Posted by: rpschnei 07:18 pm EDT 09/24/15
In reply to: Sweeney todd tonight - dramedy 02:28 am EDT 09/24/15

I completely agree with you. It's not one for the ages, but I've certainly seen worse productions. It's very complete; often cuts are made in "Sweeney" to eliminate the Judge's flagellation scene, the harmonium songs with the Beadle, or the Beggar Woman's lullaby (My joe, my jing). This had everything in it, which made it longer than usual (also due to slack direction). The only actress I didn't like was the Beggar Woman; she sang beautifully but didn't act anything like a half-crazed beggar woman.

I was also happy to see a full production and orchestra. I'm sick to death of these "concert" versions and Patti Lupone playing a triangle productions.

But, like many people on this board, every time I see "Sweeney" I play my own version of Fantasy Football, where jocks pick their ideal team. Since I've probably seen 10-15 productions over the years, I pick my own fantasy Sweeney Team each time. Ever since I saw Angela Lansbury at the Golden Gate Theater years ago, I've never seen anyone do Mrs. Lovett better. (I did really like Caroline O'Connor in the Chatelet production, which is the same production that the SF opera is doing.) Mark Price was the best Toby ever at the Kennedy Center. Audra was a great Lucy. I could go on for ages, but it's harmless fun.

Now I want the opera to do a great "Carousel" production.


yeah, but she nailed the tuba and the bells...

Posted by: garyd 10:46 pm EDT 09/28/15
In reply to: "Fantasy Football" Sweeney - rpschnei 07:18 pm EDT 09/24/15

I love that production. There was no need to make excuses for it. It simply was what it was on its own merits and succeeded quite beautifully in being a thoughtful and artistic alternative to the original.
You are much more satisfied with the SFO production than I. Am happy to hear the sound design was apparently addressed.


I was also wondering what would be a good show next year

Posted by: dramedy 10:18 am EDT 09/25/15
In reply to: "Fantasy Football" Sweeney - rpschnei 07:18 pm EDT 09/24/15

I hope they keep doing one semi-operatic musical like show boat last year. Carousel might be a little too chipper in some songs, but I couldn't think of another show. Too bad song of Norway isn't a better show. The Grieg music would be well represented with a full orchestra. Most happy fellow is another one done with opera stars.


re: I was also wondering what would be a good show next year

Posted by: jzken (jzken@yahoo.com) 02:25 pm EDT 09/25/15
In reply to: I was also wondering what would be a good show next year - dramedy 10:18 am EDT 09/25/15

The Most Happy Fella would be a great show for SF Opera to do since it takes place in Northern California and has an operatic score. It would be great to hear it with a full orchestra. SF Symphony should also consider it as a staged concert.


re: I was also wondering what would be a good show next year

Posted by: Richard Connema 03:57 pm EDT 09/27/15
In reply to: re: I was also wondering what would be a good show next year - jzken 02:25 pm EDT 09/25/15

The Chicago Lyric Opera Company is doing "Carousel" this season and there is talk it will be on SF opera season next year.


re: I was also wondering what would be a good show next year

Posted by: Ann 01:50 pm EDT 09/28/15
In reply to: re: I was also wondering what would be a good show next year - Richard Connema 03:57 pm EDT 09/27/15

The Chicago Lyric Opera production was this past spring.



All That Chat is intended for the discussion of theatre news and opinion
subject to the terms and conditions of the Terms of Service. (Please take all off-topic discussion to private email.)

Please direct technical questions/comments to webmaster@talkinbroadway.com and policy questions to TBAdmin@talkinbroadway.com.

[ Home | On the Rialto | The Siegel Column | Cabaret | Tony Awards | Book Reviews | Great White Wayback Machine ]
[ Broadway Reviews | Barbara and Scott: The Two of Clubs | Sound Advice | Sound Advice Upcoming Releases CDs/Books/DVDs, etc. | Off Broadway | Funding Talkin' Broadway ]
[ Broadway 101 | Spotlight On | Talkin' Broadway | On the Boards | Regional | Talk to Us! | Search Talkin' Broadway ]

Terms of Service
[ © 1997 - 2015 www.TalkinBroadway.com, Inc. ]

Time to render: 0.046054 seconds.