Originally Posted by MalinTrumpet

Hi Wilmer:

I went to the new Sweeney Todd tonight. I think the is the 6th production of this play that I've seen including the one that's on the video.

It's an entertaining production because the music is still beautiful and Patti Lupone and Michael Cerveris are great singing actors. What definitely doesn't work is the idea of having the actors play instruments instead of an authentic pit orchestra.

The 2 characters who play the trumpet on stage, the Judge and his Beadle had difficulty with the trumpet parts. I don't think they are of professional quality. Most of the parts they play are cup muted but sound strained. The Judge has the principal trumpet part and was very inaccurate. Patti Lupone actually did a fair job when she played the tuba (!!!). I also missed the wonderful large string section of the original orchestration. There is no large chorus as in most productions. All the principal actors become a small, aenemic chorus.

There were many times when the ensemble was not together. There was no conductor visible to my eyes and I wonder who the ensemble takes its cues from. I don't think there was a video moniter as is often used with off stage orchestras.

There's much more symbolism in this production. All the wonderful stuff with the mechanical barber chair is gone. Instead of shaving and killing all of his customers in the 2nd act while singing "Joanna", Sweeney just clutches a miniature coffin.

I love this music but, to me, this isn't the real Sweeney Todd. Knowing your experience with this work I have a feeling you wouldn't like this production either.

Larry Malin