This sounds like a total blast- and much more interesting than another concert staging.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
After seeing the Cerveris/LuPone revival, I can say with surety that I think Sweeney Todd is best performed with a large ensemble and full orchestra. Not sure what doing it with eight people in a pie shop would do for the piece except serve as a semi-interesting experiment for Sondheim fanatics who have already seen the show done traditionally. When one of these "imaginative" directors gets these kinds of ideas, they really should ask themselves, "Would this approach be the best way for audience members who have never seen the show before to experience it?"
That said, I know Patrick Page has been looking for a chance to play Sweeney, and here's one he can do without having to go out of town!
Your point is valid, but at the same time, I think anyone going to see Sweeney Todd in a pie shop has some idea what they're getting themselves into. This is clearly a culty production; it seems targeted to Sweeney fanatics looking for something new, or to people who like oddball concept theatre in general.
Side note: does any other musical exist in the culture in such a malleable, oft-reimagined sense as Sweeney Todd? It's forever getting new "concept productions," new reimaginings, new orchestrations and new ways of setting and staging it. Its reputation in this way seems more akin to Shakespeare than to a contemporary musical from the late 70s.
Updated On: 8/23/16 at 12:03 PM
I saw this in London and it was certainly a fun experience. The actors and staging added nothing new for me, but It was definitely worth the atmosphere created with using candles to light the show and having all the actors mere inches away from you at all times.
Give it up qolbinau, there is no way Bernadette would even consider doing this. (A) It's a small, intimate Off-Broadway rendering that will cater to an audience of less than 100 people. (B) The producers couldn't afford her services. (C) This will be a mostly British cast.
You are better off hoping that the "powers-that-be" decide to stage another concert and they ask her to do it or that another major Broadway revival is staged and she does that.
I would bet my money on the former and wouldn't hold my breath on the latter.
I think her sell by date has expired as far as this particular show/role is concerned.
But your insistence for the last 4-5 years is admirable.
Telsey is casting this show and there is a breakdown out for every role including covers.. Doesn't seem likely that the brits would be coming over to do this production.
Regarding the casting notice, all that means is that contracts haven't been signed yet. It sounds like it is mostly "unofficially" cast already though with those who were in the first run in England.
CarlosAlberto said: "qolbinau said: "Bernadette, get on the phone NOW.
Give it up qolbinau, there is no way Bernadette would even consider doing this. (A) It's a small, intimate Off-Broadway rendering that will cater to an audience of less than 100 people. (B) The producers couldn't afford her services. (C) This will be a mostly British cast.
You are better off hoping that the "powers-that-be" decide to stage another concert and they ask her to do it or that another major Broadway revival is staged and she does that.
I would bet my money on the former and wouldn't hold my breath on the latter.
I think her sell by date has expired as far as this particular show/role is concerned.
But your insistence for the last 4-5 years is admirable.
"
It's actually nearly 7 years now haha, but I do agree with you. This is not the best production for her and looking at the casting notice - they are paying peanuts! One can dream, I suppose.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
My favorite show but I am on the fence. I would like to see this in an actual shop as opposed to in a theater that I suspect will be turned into a pie shop. It will be interesting to hear, possibly see, what Barrow Street does with the space.
Anybody else get the presale email? The seating looks a little strange, but I just picked up a few tix for March. Apparently public sale and casting info starts tomorrow at 1PM!
I got some tickets for February. I picked the 2nd level. Should be interesting. I'm also curious to how the pre show pie and mash is going to work. Like are they going to serve people who have ordered and then take everything away before the show starts? That could be annoying if people are allowed to eat and drink throughout the show.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
"You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy.
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