Off-Bway Sweeney for 1st time seeing it?

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 4:36pm

Alright, I'm gonna be the one asking for recommendations for once. I'll be visiting NY in June for two weeks to see show. I've already put together a list that's getting quite full and one show I'm not sure about putting on is the Off-Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd.

Here is why: I have never seen the show. I definitely want to, BUT I'm not sure this production will be the best way to see it for the first time. I know the plot and I have listened to the music, I've just never seen it on stage.

My first time seeing Into The Woods was the Off-Broadway revival that Roundabout did, that everyone raved about, and it fell a bit flat for me. Thinking about it later and wondering why, I think it might have had to do with the fact that I didn't know it and in order to fully appreciate the minimalist approach of the production, you kinda already have to know and love the show going in, which probably most of the audience did. I think it might have been better to see a bigger production of it the first time around.

Now my worry with Sweeny is that I end up having a similar experience and wishing that I'd waited to see a bigger productions of it...

I'm unsure though, how minimalist or whatever it's going to be. All I really know about it is the great cast, that they are transforming the theater into an actual working pie shop and that it's supposed to be rather immersive and intimate...

 

Do I make sense? Do you have any thoughts? I wanna see it, but I don't *have* to see this particular production. I don't worry about my show slots getting filled up one way or another But I also don't wanna miss out because I'm being silly^^

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 5:20pm

You can order the DVD of the national tour for a little over $10. It's cheaper at Walmart online, but here's the Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sweeney-Todd-Barber-Broadway-Version/dp/B0013Z7RUC

 

(Be careful not to buy the Johnny Depp movie by mistake.)

The stage version was filmed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, I'm told, which seats about 3,000. It doesn't have the entire factory on stage like the original Broadway production, but no production does nowadays. You can watch it "big" and then see it "small".

Despite the size of the score, however, the story takes place in just a few locations: Lovett's shop, Todd's shop, a room in Lovett's house and a room in the Judge's house. There are a couple of other sites, but It's actually fairly small in geographical terms.

Myself, I've seen "teeny" Todds and broad Todds, and I never miss a production if it is playing anywhere near where I am. (Although I had seen the original countless times, I loved the so-called "Teeny Todd" at Lincoln Center. It was great to hear every voice separately and every note from the tiny band.)

[canadian fan]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 6:42pm

Iristinkerbell, far be it for me to advise you as I have never seen the show but I do have tickets for this show in May, and I am really looking forward to it. For all the reasons you mention.... Intimacy, great cast....I actually don't know a single song.....basically just know the bare bones story. With the stage essentially being the pie shop I think it will be a very unique experience....

[sondmon]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 7:22pm

Honestly, i'm in the same situation as you and i see no reason not to see it. Yes, Sweeney might be at its best with a full staging and a big orchestra, but you will be missing a chance to see one of the best musicals ever written performed by an exceptional cast. I may be a bit more infatuated with the score than you though. I would suggest becoming more familiar with the songs to make it a better experience. My only hesitation in seeing it is the $125 ticket price.  

[Luscious]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 8:31pm

I have tickets to see this in July...and wish it were sooner! Although I'm excited to be seeing it with Norm Lewis! It will be my first "live" viewing of Sweeney, and I'm fine with that. I think it's going to be a thrilling evening! I wouldn't want to miss it. I'm sure they'll extend beyond August, but if you're thinking of seeing it, don't wait too long to get your tickets. Only 120 audience members per performance and tickets are already scarce.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 8:39pm

I've seen Sweeney very big (SF Opera) and small. It works in either situation. I second the suggestion to watch the video with Angela Lansbury and George Hearn which is basically the standard. 

I'm VERY excited for this production. (We have the two seats in front of the counter)

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 8:48pm

This is my most anticipated show of the season! Here's why...

1. I love Sweeney. I saw it twice with Michael Cerveris and Patti Lupone.

2. I'm kind of a sucker for Barrow Street. I just love that little theatre.  I've seen several shows there,  I get attached to places.

3. From my understanding, there is no stage. The theatre is set up like a restaurant with tables and the actors perform around them. Immersive!

4. Pie!  Prepared by a White House chef. Not a people pie though. Veggie or meat pie.

5. Norm Lewis. We went to his Xmas show and he sang a song from the show and it got me extra excited.  I love love love him.  I was on board before I knew Norm Lewis was joining the company, but for some reason, I waited to buy tix.  It's good I waited because I am thrilled he's going to be in it.  He would be reason enough for me.  I'm kind of a fan.

Updated On: 1/25/17 at 08:48 PM

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 1/25/17 at 11:05pm

I would definitely recommend checking out one of the filmed versions first in order to better acquaint yourself with the show. Minimalist productions can indeed be tricky if you are not already familiar with the show. 

As for which one you should watch, that is hard to say. The 1982 DVD of the show with Landsbury is a treat, but Betsy Joslyn gives a truly dreadful performance in the supporting role of Joanna. She is ordinarily a true talent, but she makes huge chunks of this production very difficult for me to watch.

The concert version released in 2001 with Patti LuPone has an great cast and huge orchestra, but lacks a real set design. Despite that fact, I do find this to be a great introduction to the Sweeney Todd, and I highly recommend it.

The more recent concert version with Emma Thompson that recently aired on PBS is my current favorite version on film, but it did not get an official commercial release. This could make it more difficult to track down, especially if you are not internet savvy.

Last, but not least, is the Hollywood film version. I get the feeling that Gaveston is not a fan of this one, and I have to disagree with him on that. I think it is a brilliant, if slightly under-sung, film adaptation of the musical. That being said, it is not a great introduction to the piece. A lot is cut due to the adaptation process, and some of those cuts are highlights of seeing the show on stage (although, I do feel that most of those cuts were necessary to bring the musical to the screen). I do recommend picking up the film version, but only after you have familiarized yourself with the brilliance of the whole thing.

In any case, it would be wonderful to see this in a small environment. I am sure it would be an exciting opportunity for you. The cast looks great, and Sondheim has gone on record saying that he felt it would work better as a chamber piece. Check it out and report back to those of us who will have to sit this one out.

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 1/26/17 at 5:48am

Thanks for the advise! Interesting several of you suggested to watch it on DVD. I always avoid that while I haven't seen a show live yet, as seeing it on stage will always be a better experience than at home on your TV screen with all sorts of distractions around you. After seeing it live I'll happily go back to filmed versions.

I'll have a look at tickets and prices I guess. $125 will be a bit out of my budget, I'm counting on buying rush or discount tickets to everything else on my list.

[lotiloti]

Posted: 1/26/17 at 6:12am

I would urge you to get a ticket for Barrow St.

In London this production was magnificent

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/27/17 at 12:38am

I bought tickets for this production in early April right before the London cast leaves and I, too, am thinking of getting another set of tickets for the summer to see Norm Lewis and Carolee Carmello.

It was hard to find anything about this production on YouTube but below is a reviewer who talked about the Tooting Arts production and highly recommended it. Part of the difference apparently is it's a little bit more immersive than the other Sweeney Todd productions.

There are only 2 prices: $69 for the second row of the mini mezzanine and $125 for the remainder of the seats. Add $20 for the pie if you choose to order one and note that as of now, you can't buy pies onsite; you have to preorder them when you buy the ticket. That's what I was told when I bought my tickets at the box office. I hope there will be a rush option or even SRO but something tells me there won't be room for SRO given the intimacy of the space.

This is also a production where stubhub/resale may almost be impossible given how you have to collect the tickets will-call on day of performance.

Good luck!I hope you get to see this production. Below is a link to a podcast talking about the Tooting Arts production in London to give you more of an idea.

Jump to 10:35- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXG2cUCEisc

[sondmon]

Posted: 1/27/17 at 12:25pm

Is their any chance there will be rush for this?

[Luscious]

Posted: 1/27/17 at 12:28pm

"Is their any chance there will be rush for this?"

I don't see how. At the rate tickets are selling, it'll be completely sold out by the time it opens. Of course, I fully expect it to extend.

 

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/27/17 at 7:58pm

sondmon said: "Is their any chance there will be rush for this?"

Barrow street theatre is known to have student rush though like what others have said it's a small theater, only here for limited engagement, and still have staff and investors to pay...so who knows?

I wonder if SRO is possible.

 

[Luscious]

Posted: 1/28/17 at 1:58am

From what I understand, no SRO, no rush, no discounts. Only cancellations.

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/28/17 at 5:33am

Luscious said: "From what I understand, no SRO, no rush, no discounts. Only cancellations."

I'm not surprised. If they do do a rush, it will probably happen after the British cast leaves in April or after the investors recoup. 

 

 

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 1/28/17 at 7:50am

For what it's worth, my first experience with Sweeney was the minimalist Doyle revival and I absolutely fell in love. I will also 100% recommend the filmed version with Angela Lansbury. Both she and Hearn are brilliant and the production, even though it's the tour, is beautiful. 

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 1/28/17 at 7:26pm

"Last, but not least, is the Hollywood film version. I get the feeling that Gaveston is not a fan of this one, and I have to disagree with him on that...."

jimmy, I mentioned the film only because I don't know the OP, who may be 13, for all I know. Some of the Amazon screens mix the film with the stage DVD and I didn't want to send him/her astray.

But you are half-right: I thought the film was half a good adaptation of the play. I found Depp surprisingly good, disliked cutting the chorus entirely but accepted it, and HATED the director's wife as Mrs. Lovett. She was so badly miscast it didn't matter that she couldn't sing it. (She is normally one of my favorite actresses, BTW.)

Mrs. Lovett's desperate drive to become middle-class is the fuel that propels the plot. If she were as deeply depressed as Todd, I don't believe any of the events would happen, least of all the opening of the successful pie shop. But that is how Bonham Carter played her.