I haven't seen it, but I did see their prog metal version of "Frankenstein" and thought best to sit this one out for my sanity. In that case, if they spent as much time as trying to be different, edgy, and creative, than ensuring the cast could act/sing (on pitch), it would have been ok.
"Why do you care what people might say? Why try to fit into their design?" (Side Show)
It was dreadful. I had high hopes going in. The set was interesting and when the chorus first started singing I thought it was going to be good. The main problem was the two leads. The Sweeney had no energy and the Mrs Lovett was horrible. She missed all the humor and pathos. It seemed like she had seen the movie, was trying to copy Helena Bonham Carter and ... well, I can't think of a single good thing to say about her performance. All in all, STAY AWAY!
It's one of those things like "The Addams Family" musical, I guess: you KNOW it's a good idea, but it's done poorly in execution and you wonder, "will this kill the chance for a better version of this idea? I KNOW I could make this idea work if they would only listen to me!"
I only saw the promo video, but it seemed that the problem went a little deeper- the songs were remixed, not reimagined. The same vocal arrangements and vocal performances, with a different accompaniment underneath them.
Is this related? I ask only half-jokingly, having just seen PUPPET TITUS at Theatre Row, whose cast includes Chris Snider, son of the Twisted Sister himself. Dee Snider does The Ballad of Sweeney Todd
I agree with darquegk, it's certainly an intriguing idea, and I think it can be done exceptionally well, but they have to ditch the old vocal arrangements and give it a more solid/unified feel.
Even thought I wasn't going to see this, I decided to go on a whim last night. I lasted until intermission. Uniformly horrible singing and acting. The pretty cool orchestrations and the manner in which the band plays them are fine, but they don't work with the traditional vocal arrangements (particularly when the vocals are poorly executed). Nice idea, but overall an atrocity. They made the right call making this one not open for press reviews. I've seen college productions of Sweeney with a better understanding of the material and performance levels.
"Why do you care what people might say? Why try to fit into their design?" (Side Show)
This was my favorite Sweeney production to date. It was darker than any other I have seen, yet also funnier. The prog score really worked. The show doesn't pander to musical theatre or Broadway rock expectations in direction or casting. Some will hate that, but I found it refreshing. Mrs. Lovett needs to grow into the role, but she is a legit metal singer and impressive performer. Sweeney is a dynamic actor and singer who brings emotional center to the show. Pirelli and Beadle are cheesy but tons of fun. The comments on this thread don't do it justice. I tend to hate musicals, and I loved it.
themysteriousgrowl, thats a high school production? It's extremely impressive. Not only are the voices (especially the Judge) extraordinary but that orchestra sounds amazing. Was the orchestra composed of students or professionals?
Tara, hon, because you joined today just to praise a show that gotten uniformly bad reviews from people I trust, it kind of looks like you're a shill. Also, I have no idea why anyone who "hates musicals" would join BroadwayWorld.
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
Yes, that's exactly why I joined today, Sally. People go out of their way to write something nasty online, why not also to post something nice? I guess I'm a shill for enjoying a show your friends here didn't like, and feeling strongly enough to tell people about it. lol
The orchestra was, I believe, composed entirely of students, but I’m not 100% sure. Regardless, they sounded so good that the first time I saw the show, I thought the production was using pre-recorded tracks until the orchestra was acknowledged at the end.
CHURCH DOOR TOUCAN GAY MARKETING PUPPIES MUSICAL THEATER STAPLES PERIOD OIL BITCHY SNARK HOLES