(Untitled)

[assimbya]

I saw the video of the original/touring cast? Sweeney Todd last night. I know, I really should have seen it before the revival, but somehow I never got around to it. I liked a great deal of it. I like Sweeney Todd with sets (the original's were gorgeous) and an ensamble (you can't have the reprise of "City on Fire" without them, and I love that

Comments

[eremon_lass]

A director of mine was watching that with some of us actors once, and he pointed out that Betsy Joslyn is actually one of the best Johannas, because if you look past the sort of cartoonishness of her expressions and such, you see that she is actually one of the most precise and deliberate actors in that cast. That being said, I still prefer Lauren's voice to Sarah's or Betsy's.

Funny you should bring up this show, as my mom and I had just been discussing it twenty minutes ago, and it's what I'm listening to right now. Creepy, eh?

[assimbya]

That's an interesting thought, though I think I'd need to watch it again with that in mind to see whether or not I agree.

That is rather creepy...

[azelma_]

I saw the touring cast video after seeing the revival as well, and had similar thoughts. I guess I was somewhat annoyed by Ken Jennings's voice, but that's probably just because I got so used to hearing Manoel Felciano sing it. I didn't much like the touring cast DVD when I first saw it, but it's grown on me. Betty Joslyn is the only part of it that I don't think ever will.

[assimbya]

I can see what you mean about Ken Jenning's singing as opposed to Manoel Falciano's. I think the touring cast would be less easy to listen to in a cast recording, though a lot of the singing is quite good. It's just...different, and demands more attention in a way.

[assimbya]

I like Michael Ceveris in the role about equally to George Hearn, I think, though I can see why you wouldn't like his singing as much.

[jiasachan]

I think Patti's subtlety works well. Angela Lansbury was great at what she did, but her Lovett comes off as a bit less sly and a little more bumbling. She's the first Mrs. Lovett I ever heard, and her choices work, but there's something very appealing about Patti Lupone in the role. She's slinkier and meaner and I love it. Lansbury's energy is really cool, and she plays the role well, but I prefer Lovett's interpretation of the character's personality, I guess. ^^

[jiasachan]

XD As much as I enjoy Angela's complete insanity? Yeah, that's about right.

[assimbya]

Yes, I agree. It's interesting to look at that difference in both By the Sea and the Finale, both times when Mrs. Lovett is at least somewhat honest about her feelings. the differences are particular apparent there. And in Wait.

[xthe_ingenue]

I'm.... very biased to the revival cast, because I love them all. But I do agree with what you said about the staging of the Lucy's scenes.

I completely despise Betsy's Johanna. Lauren Molina is just... perfect. She presents a much more... intense Johanna than I've ever seen before. She certainly plays her more crazy, as well. But it makes a lot of sense. Look at her parents. Look at her adopted parent. Look at all the situations she is faced with. She's bound to come out of it a bit crazy.