Pretty Women in Sweeney Todd

[aces25]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 5:00pm

I was always curious why they choose the subject of pretty women just before ST patiently takes his time before he acts his revenge.  Any thoughts on the subject? 

[PowellDirector]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 5:48pm

I recently directed this show!

In my vision Sweeney uses the song to keep the judge at calm and occupied mentally with a relaxing subject before inciting his revenge. I guess the actual topic is a simple one to use.

It is a beautiful song though! 

[beaemma]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 6:14pm

A gorgeous song! I agree that Sweeney uses it to get the judge to relax and trust him until the throat slitting. The topic of the song also serves to keep Sweeney focused on  why he wants to do the throat slitting--what happened to his wife and may happen to his daughter, both pretty women. Of course, the moment is interrupted, and Sweeney probably wishes he'd done the deed without delay; but we wouldn't want to miss out on that incredible song. 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 6:52pm

From my perspective, it seemed that when Sweeney sang the 'Now Then My Friend' verse, he was going to kill Judge Turpin right away. But then Turpin sang his line 'Make Haste and In This Work You'll Be Commended Sir', and Sweeney just decided to continue the conversation.

[Kad]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 7:02pm

I always viewed the song as Sweeney attempting to ingratiate himself with the Judge in order to get close enough to make the kill (remember, he's still not the unchecked murderer he will vow to become in the very next song) and getting lost in his own obsessive reminiscing of his wife.

[ChairinMain]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 9:45pm

I have a feeling Sweeney chose his subject carefully. He wants the Judge to know why he is dying, and that reason is Lucy Barker. If Anthony hadn't interrupted him, you bet he would be telling the judge who he is as soon as his throat is cut. 

[Anshel2]

Posted: 8/23/15 at 10:07pm

I don't think it is as calculated as you are all saying.  I think it is an extension of the conversation the Judge initiates when he mentions that his "intended" is his ward.  He starts to sing about generic Pretty Women when the judge questions Todd's statement "as pretty as her mother."

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/24/15 at 12:47am

"I don't think it is as calculated as you are all saying.  I think it is an extension of the conversation the Judge initiates when he mentions that his "intended" is his ward.  He starts to sing about generic Pretty Women when the judge questions Todd's statement "as pretty as her mother.""

 

Yes it's an extension of that conversation, but it's definitely still calculated. It's a very pointed number when you consider the nature of the judge's crimes, and Sweeney is fully aware of that. 

 

"when Sweeney sang the 'Now Then My Friend' verse, he was going to kill Judge Turpin right away."

 

I think it's actually the opposite (unless I misunderstood you). If you listen to the lyrics of the "Now then my friend" verse, he's saying the exact opposite. He's going to go slowly, and enjoy himself. Lovett tells him to slow down and be patient, and "wait." When Sweeney is in the moment, he takes that advice. He tells himself "Patience, enjoy it. Revenge can't be taken in haste." After that, he blames Lovett, saying "Why did I wait? You told me to wait, now he'll never come again."