| Don't Bother |
Landsbury and Hearn tripping over each other to hog the stage. Long vibratos as if it were a competition of who had the loudest and most obnoxious one. You couldn't even hear the pitch they were trying to "sing". Their vibratos weren't in sync, which just made it offensive to anyone with any taste whatsoever.
Skip this one, and get the Burton rendition, you'll enjoy the simply told story that can stand on its own much, much more. |
1 Rating
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| Sweeney Todd -- which version? |
In spite of the excellence of the recent film based on the musical "Sweeney Todd," nothing quite matches the original staged version. The tension of a live performance, a top-flight cast who created these roles, and a well-filmed performance make it a gem for any library of American musical theatre. |
5 Rating
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| Sweeney Todd -- the musical |
This is a very good filming of the Broadway production of the musical.
It's funny, but with sad/dark overtones, esp. at the end. I haven't seen the Depp movie, but when I wanted to get a DVD, this seemed like the obvious choice. I wasn't disappointed. The music and cast are very good, as are the performances. I particularly enjoyed that the theatrical set changes etc with the necessary machinary were totally visible.
Anyone who enjoys musicals will enjoy this |
5 Rating
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| Greatest show ever |
I saw Sweeney on Broadway in 1979 with the original cast, not once but twice. I was in NY for a week and went to a mid-week matinee, but Lansbury was not in the show. I bought Friday evening tickets just because the show was so spectacular and I wanted to see it again, but I could tell there was an element missing from this matinee show, a slight lack of energy, a "run-through" feel. (The actress that understudied Angela was known at the time for some commercial work - always had a gingham apron on and was selling some baking product.)
Well, Angela was back on Friday, and I can tell you that that show was the singular most thrilling time I have ever had in the theater. Len Cariou, Angela, and Victor Garber in the original roles were stellar, and the whole show was a different experience with Angela back. Thrilling, scary, disturbing, and well, Sondheim!, what more can I say. (I also Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin in Evita that week, so it was up against stiff competition! Patti is the star of the concert version of Sweeney done a couple of years ago, but for me Angela is the only Mrs. Lovett.)
Ok, so this DVD version has Len Cariou replaced by George Hearn, which is for me a bummer because Len IS Sweeney Todd. George does not disgrace the role however and is an incredible singer - I was so happy to see him win the Tony for La Cage. And Victor is gone, but ably replaced by Cris Groenendaal, though a little more "ingenue" than to my taste. BUT, if you haven't experienced the original stage production with that spine chilling factory whistle and the actors rising from the depths(!!!) to perform and the incredible central revolving stage, then you must see this touring version for MOST of all that.
I love Sondheim, and I thank him daily for his great work, none more ably realized than in his eight-Tony Award winning Sweeney Todd. Get this DVD! |
5 Rating
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