Tonight I finally got to see my favorite musical on stage for the first time. SWEENEY TODD, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has been my fave since my Junior year in high school, circa 1980, when my drama teacher, Ms. Bacon, fresh from seeing the show on Broadway, raptly told us the story and described the glory and intensity of the score. I left class and went to Tower Records and bought the gorgeous 2 album set, took it home and played it….I was captured from the first factory whistle blow.
I wore those 2 records out. I know that show so well that when I am autopsied, they will probably marvel that the libretto to SWEENEY is visibly imprinted on my brain. I have performed in the show twice, once in the ensemble and once as Adolpho Pirelli. Yet until tonight, I had never seen the show onstage as an audience member.
It took awhile to get used to the convention that this revival employs, but once I did I really liked it. Some have called it a “chamber version” of Sweeney, and that is an apt description. It’s very pared back orchestrally, and the 10 actors in the show also double as the orchestra. Very presentational and representational, it’s a very interesting take on Sondheim’s masterpiece. I’m glad I was able to go. If it comes near you, go see it!
I also got to see a very good production of A Streetcar Named Desire here in town. I won’t describe the production or mention the theater for fear of drawing local theatre folk to my blog, but it was a really thoughtful and different interpretation of Williams’ classic. Gave me ideas….
I love live theatre. Love to watch it, love to perform in it….it’s my favorite thing on earth. Well, besides hot guys like Shawn.
