Sweeney Todd

What would a Broadway blog be without a little Stephen Sondheim? Not very much of a Broadway blog at all, I'm afraid. So today, the musical in question will be Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Right off the bat, the name sounds dark and twisted, and indeed, dark and twisted it is.

Sweeney Todd tells the story of Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd, a former convict who has returned from prison to exact revenge on a corrupt judge, Judge Turpin, who destroyed his family. Along the way, Sweeney befriends Mrs. Lovett, a pie shop owner whose business is struggling to keep up due to a lack of supplies. If there is any horror musical out there, this is certainly it, as Todd slits every unsuspecting throat in his bloodlust and vengeance.

Notable Songs*:

1. Prelude - From the first note, Sweeney Todd establishes the ominous tone of the story. The organ reminds me of when some sort of creature is sneaking up on an unsuspecting victim, then the sudden screech of the whistle is the shriek after the creature strikes. The low strings and deep bass voices are like a haunting chorus in a Greek tragedy, both setting up the scene and warning the audience of what is to come.  
2. No Place Like London - The minor chord at the start of this song tells all. At first, the bells sound like little birds singing, optimistic and peaceful. But just give the song a moment to settle in. When the lurking background enters, the familiar foreboding returns, and it doesn't take long to remember that this musical is about a serial killer, not just any barber. 
3. Worst Pies of London - I'll admit, I was surprised when I saw that Mrs. Lovett was played by Angela Lansbury. Lansbury will always be Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast to me, so when I found that she was playing an accomplice to a murderer by making pies out of human flesh, my inner childhood did die a little. Regardless, I must say that it's incredible how Lansbury molds her voice. Mrs. Potts is the kind, gentle mother figure, while Mrs. Lovett is like a caged, unfed animal, yet she manages to capture both characters incredibly well. Brava! 
4. Green Finch and Linnet Bird/Ah, Miss - Green finches and linnet birds may be the voices that Johanna mentions, but her own voice sounds quite like a lovely bird herself. Sarah Rice conveys Johanna's sweetness and loneliness beautifully. It sounds like a Disney princess looking out of her tower, longing from freedom. Anthony Hope, Todd's former traveling companion played by Victor Garber, is her knight in shining armor, the prince who stares up into the tower and wants to save said damsel in distress. Given the musical, it almost seems romantic. Almost.
   
   Actual footage of Anthony listening to Johanna.
5. Pretty Women/Epiphany - It's impossible to talk about one of these songs without the other because they lead into each other so well. "Pretty Woman" sounds so casual and light, especially as Todd and Turpin whistle so merrily. However, as the song progresses, there are moments of slow buildup that culminate with Turpin's interruptions. Each time, there's a feeling of dread that Turpin is only temporarily avoiding his fate. The suspense is absolutely brilliant. Epiphany is exactly the opposite. The quick descent into madness is terrifying; I admit that I jumped at the loud horn the first time. The music swells with his epiphany, glorifying the turn from ordinary vengeance to bloodthirsty insanity. 
6. A Little Priest - This song exhibits a strange, cynical sort of humor. All throughout the song, there are jokes about the various types of people in the pies (literally, in the pies), and as sickening as the concept of the pies may be, the song is oddly upbeat. Personal favorite lines:
   "Lovett: Now then, this might be a little bit stringy / But then of course it's fiddle player. / Toddy: No, this isn't fiddle player, it's piccolo player. / Lovett: 'Ow can you tell? / Todd: It's piping hot!" 

*All of these reviews are based on the 1979 version with starring Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury.

Note: There is an instance of explicit language in Epiphany. 

If you came to see a "happily-ever-after" type of show, then back away now. Sweeney Todd has no form of sweetness, only bitterness and horror. It is dark and messed up, but that being said, it is a brilliant musical. The dissonance works so well to create the creepy, terrifying atmosphere that Sondheim wants, leaving the audience/listener reeling in shock. 

In 2007, Sweeney Todd was adapted into a movie. Based on the generally scary vibe from the show, you could probably guess who directed. (If you guessed Tim Burton, you were right.) Based that director, you could also probably guess who starred. (If you guessed Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, again, you were right.) With a strong cast of those two actors and the late Alan Rickman, the movie was supposedly a hit. I can't judge it because I'm afraid to watch it, but I've seen some clips. I will say that "Pretty Women" was particularly good, especially with the contrast between Depp's more tenor sounding voice and Rickman's deeper one. 

"Mister......... Potter Todd."

2005 also held a revival of the stage version, starring Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone as the leads. I mention this version mainly because of Patti LuPone, because she strikes me as an excellent Mrs. Lovett. LuPone has just the right "on the brink of madness" look about her and the stunning vocals to fit the role. There was a 2001 concert version with her playing the same role opposite George Hearn as Sweeney. The full concert is below, and though the full stage is not present, the music is beautiful. 

George Hearn, Patti LuPone, AND a little Neil Patrick Harris???

This final brings together two of my favorite musicals, Sweeney Todd and Hamilton. For a charity event, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda rewrote his iconic "Alexander Hamilton" opening number for Sweeney Todd. The result is nothing short of perfect. Fun fact: the actors who play Anthony and Johanna (Anthony Ramos and Jasmine Cepha-Jones, respectively) are actually dating. Just a cute little tidbit. 

Yes, that is Jonathan Groff, by the way. 

Sweeney Todd has established itself as one of the most iconic musicals ever. Nothing short of legendary, Sondheim once again proves why he is one of the greatest musical theater writers of all time. So, like the chorus of the show, I beckon you forward to "attend the tale of Sweeney Todd..."