this is why I enjoy watching (I Know a different musical) Miss Saigon live because you can see the performers love it each and every time they perform it.
While I don’t disagree with the gap, I think that the gap between “Good you got it!” and “Take for instance...” was too long. It works better when it feels like Mrs. Lovett is spurred on by Sweeney’s enthusiastic response 🙂
At first he doesn't get what she means so kind of tries to tell him in a way she would to a child and then he needs a moment but gets it and she's like. ''good. You are not that stupid'' (from the way mrs lovett looks xD)
I don't think people realize how difficult this song is to sing. Along with having to hit many dissonant intervals and odd rests (that are meant to emulate Mrs. Lovett's thought processes) trying to add the proper emotional humor must take a lot of work.
That's why I find it so hard to pick a favorite version...this piece is SO difficult (like so much Sondheim stuff), and every actor has a slightly different take on it, virtually all of them great, like this one...Angela Lansbury is my fave Mrs. Lovett, but oh, Patti LuPone gives her a run for her money...
Not to mention this is overall one of the hardest shows ever written period, I mean just listen to any of the songs having to act out the emotions and still get all the changing pitches is rather hard.
@@brockyurich9574 I've watch it 30, so there ya go. 😀 This is the best version of the show. With the symphony, the music is amazing. And all the performances are outstanding.
It's a amazing how every actress gives a completely different interpretation to Mrs Lovett : Angela Lansbury's Lovett seems a loveable but slightly deranged (not to mention murderous) old lady, Helena B Carter's looks like some royalty fallen on bad times very melancholic and bored with her life, Lu Pone makes her into a loud mouthed gossiping bitch, Imelda Staunton creates the image of a bitter working class woman who's passed her prime but still has adolescent dreams (with a bit of murder to spice up life). With such brilliant writing you can never go wrong with Mrs Lovett
@@Mel-mf9jk Emma Thompson for sure plays her as more fearful with Todd for sure tho I think it's more fear of upsetting him and what that could mean in general. Like not so much scared he's a killer cause she's blasé bout death but scared that he'll stop caring for or even just tolerating her. Like losing his love is the scary part. Then maybe in the back of her head going "oh yeah if he doesn't care about me he might kill me shit"
The wickedest song ever composed for a musical. I wish they would make more musicals today like Sweeney. Modern musical, for the most part, are too safe, IMO.
+lf1234 I always feel new musicals nowadays appeal more and more to kids or try way too hard to make comments on social problems. For example, I really Fun Home for its music and production values, but the pro-homosexual messages are just way too in your face that become irritating. That's why I love the old ones from Sondheim or Rodgers+Hammerstein that had none of those baggages and put maximum emphasis on music and storytelling.
I love how Patti's delivery of "With or without his privates? Which is extra." just had George rolling! You can tell these two love to perform these characters-- especially this song, which had both of them snickering, trying to hold it together, up until that line where they just lost it, and had to try to regain their composure. That's what is missing from the movie! The brevity, the laughter. The movie takes itself way too seriously, with only a light smattering of dark humor here and there. The stage performers know how inherently silly the concept is, and know how to balance the dark moments where you feel for the characters, or you're terrified of them, with the levity of the funnier moments. If you take Sweeney Todd too seriously, you're just not going to have a good time, and it becomes every other edgy story that does the same. Even Sondheim knew that.
I just love the over-the-top madness of her voice. XD I'm not a good judge of who is and isn't a good singer but this is really how I imagine Mrs. Lovett's personality.
I still like Cariou’s more. Unfortunately, his singing wasn’t healthy, but in the cast recording and the bootleg that’s on TH-cam, he gives my favorite performances. Perhaps because I’m a metal fan and his more ‘dirty’ vocal approach appeals to me, but I also like his acting more, it seems more... unhinged, but still sympathetic somehow.
Hearn is the perfect Todd. And LuPone had brought her excellent quality voice,range and timing to this Mrs. Lovett filling it out very very well. The rhythm is excellent and this is often the problem along with the melody which is often lost if not done well.
It just amazes me how much fun this song is, even after I've heard it a million time. It never gets old. I think what really gets to me is how evil the song truly is, and how they just go over murder and cannibalism with such joy and twisted delight. Such an amazing performance, they really do the song justice and, in my opinion, are perfect for these roles.
As much as I LOVE Angela Lansbury with George Hearn, the comedic chemistry between these two is just...SUCH a breathe of funny, fresh air. They just look like they're having more legit FUN! The fun's just contagious. XD
I was in the audience for this and it was not a great seat but it didn't matter. After the show Sondheim came out and took a bow and the crowd went insane! May he RIP and keep on composing up there!
people are saying that they dont like the tim burton version because its not as comical but thats the point. his version is supposed to be more dark and depressing not funny and uplifting. thats just not how tim burton works
its doesn't really matter how tim burton works, it the point. he was untrue to the material. also, to be frank, that movie brought me to love this musical at 13, but hbc and johnny depp just arent up to the challenge. these characters are, unfortunately, somewhat beyond them.
When she sings 'Till you notice how well it's been greased ...' she does the very smallest gesture with her hands and hips that basically means getting laid (usually from behind) - so she turns the line into an innuendo.
The chemistry between the two worked so much better with Patti and George. My first exposure, like that of many others, to Sweeney Todd and the brilliant stories of Sondheim was through the movie version by Tim Burton. When I saw the movie, I fell in love with it. However, when I see the stage performances, I go back to, say, the movie version of "A Little Priest" and I cringe at the dull interactions between Depp and Bonham Carter. Not that the movie was bad, all I'm saying is that the interaction between Todd and Lovett is FAR better achieved on stage, particularly in performances like these.
There's so much that's missing from Depp/Bonham-Carter "A Little Priest." But it does fit with the darker, more intensely macabre tone of the movie. The song is honestly just too fun to put the black spin on it that made the movie was it was. But, I think Johnny and Helena had great chemistry in their own right, especially in Epiphany.
As wonderful as this is, the chemistry between Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury (the original Sweeney Todd & Mrs. Lovett) is even better! I love them both! George Hearn took over from Cariou after he and Lansbury ended their run. I saw the original cast five times at the Uris Theatre in NYC, including the final performance of the original cast. Check out Angela Lansbury & Len Cariou reprising their original Sweeney Todd roles for Stephen Sondheim's 75th Birthday benefit concert in 2005. Between Lu Pone and Hearn, and the reprised originals, two absolutel delightful and incredible performances!
Hey, the movie WAS bad. Depp was too young and can't sing. Bonham Carter didn't realize that her two songs "Priest" and "By the Sea" are meant as comic relief. Otherwise, Sweeney is unrelentingly dark.
I was singing this by myself the other day, and gagged on my own spit on accident. I immediately said, "Just had a little dentist earlier!" And no one heard it but me.
This has to be my favorite rendition of A Little Priest: just compare it to the movie version (I know that different choices in style are required when adapting a musical into a film, but bear with me): Depp and Bonham-Carter look and sound like they are concocting an evil plan but they are a little too serious about that, you can still see a spark of sanity in them. These two? They have gone completely insane and we as the audience love to see that: they are laughng their asses off while singing about murdering people and baking them into pies for other people to eat! And that's what's fantastic about this number.
Omfg this is so good... Whatever drove me to listen this show performed by different actors over and over, has shown me just how different a performance can be. This is the first one I've seen where both of these psychopaths are having a blast. Usually, at least Todd is solem, or at least more sarcastic. This one has both of them laughing their butts off talking about murder and cannibalism. Amazing!
I kind of agree, but the entire mood of the film was very dark, so having a really funny moment in it would've upset the whole theme of the film. The musical version has a lot of little bits of dark humor throughout, so Patti's version fits absolutely perfectly :)
Yet 'funny' combines well with a dark atmosphere, for it to form into a violent, oppressive undertone whereas being funny, they're always overwhelmingly horrifying at the same time, so I don't think the argument that Burton underwent determining how to perform this number was a decision simple as this.
I love how amused they are through this whole scene. This really brings out their mental instability. That was one thing that really disappointed me in the movie. These scenes with all this humor were done so somberly, you missed how close to insanity the characters really are.
I like the movie. i do, but I have 1 issue with it. Just watch the stage version (or the concert version in this case). I would describe the musical as a horror comedy. When Tim Burton translated the show to film, he actually cut out a lot of the comedy and the comedic moments. I mean, he made it so dark to the point that Worst Pies, Little Priest, and By the Sea kind of almost felt out of place.
River Stewart Actually, he had planned to do the "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" interludes throughout the movie. It would have featured actor/singers like Christopher Lee and Anthony Stewart Head (who is actually still in the movie. He has a cameo after "The Contest") among others. However, due to an illness (that's all I've ever been able to find out), the filming schedule had to be cut short.
Tends to happen a lot. Just look at Into The Woods, it is SO funny on stage and hardly funny at all in the movie. Of course, some of the humour just wouldn't translate at all, but it's still a shame.
When they start swaying together it reminded me of a sweet old couple on a cruise and I don’t know why but the thought of them just vibing on a cruise is hilarious
Sweeney Todd is a great American OPERA and should be considered high art. As far as I'm concerned, it's the technical and emotional peak of Sondheim's genius.
I love Patti on this song. She really gets into the character. On worst pies at times she seems at times so focused on powering through the song...here she really hits all the subtle bits while still being vocally brilliant.
“Shepherds pie peppered with actual shepherd on top.” In a show with such a dark premise I think a little gallows humor is necessary. And of course Sondheim, the genius, knocks this one out of the park. Love ST, it’s one of my top 3, up there with Gypsy and Hamilton.
Don't forget Sondheim's other Classic "West Side Story". But I agree, Hamilton is Awesome. Especially John Groff as Mad King George. That Pause between "I will Kill Your Friends and Family..... To Remind You of My Love. Dah Dah Dah Dah Daay ya da etc" is Killer. Pun intended. But let's not Forget Evita, Phantom, 1776, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Cats, Carousel, The King and I, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, South Pacific, Rent, Cabaret, A Chorus Line..... Lol. Too many other Greats to name. Yeah. Being a Former New Yorker, I guess I'm a bit of a Great White Way Geek.
@@PedarArdRhi Little Shop and Ave. Q are adorable but I would never put them in the same realm as WSS (Sondheim lyrics, but not his words) or The R&H canon. I agree with you about the others, except Cats and Phantom. Webber and Rice together? yes!! Andrew Lloyd Webber on his own? Meh, not so much. (But that’s just me. He’s laughing all the way to the bank! Lol) And I don’t know 1776 at all; only saw a piece of it once, years ago, on TV.
This scene is really the comic relief of the show. It's uncharacteristic of what the show is widely regarded to be : A Tragic Thriller , as opposed to a Dark Comedy. This scene happens to be my favorite because of the tension it eases from "Epihany" and how hilariously the script and music combined presents itself. :)
I love this George Hearn has still got it as Sweeney, and Patti knows, and understands Sondheim. The bits where they were laughing together were awesome. Also I love George’s voice.
George Hearn is one of my all time faves. I so regret that I wasn’t able to see him on stage for Sweeney Todd and La Cage Aux Folles (damn not being born yet -_-‘)
Haha, I’m 31 myself and have the same regrets. George has been hero to me for many years. What a treat it would be to see him perform live! Like seeing Michael Crawford in Phantom
I think that's one of the beautiful thing about the stage! Every actor interprets the role differently and make it a completely different musical or play! 😍 The same goes for the stage designers and directors and costume department!
The way she hits those vowels on "An actor, that's compacter"... Man. Just brilliant theatrical singer. I wish I could do that with my voice. Man, what a talent.
lyrics MRS. LOVETT: Seems a downright shame... TODD: Shame? LOVETT: Seems an awful waste... Such a nice, plump frame Wot's 'is name has... Had... Has! Nor it can't be traced... Bus'ness needs a lift, Debts to be erased... Think of it as thrift, As a gift, If you get my drift! No? Seems an awful waste... I mean, with the price of meat What it is, When you get it, If you get it... TODD: HAH! LOVETT: Good, you got it! Take, for instance, Mrs. Mooney and her pie shop! Bus'ness never better using only pussycats and toast! And a pussy's good for maybe six or seven at the most! And I'm sure they can't compare as far as taste! TODD: Mrs. Lovett, what a charming notion LOVETT: Well, it does seem a waste... TODD: Eminently practical And yet appropriate as always! LOVETT: It's an idea... TODD: Mrs. Lovett, how I've lived Without you all these years, I'll never know! How delectable! Also undetectable! LOVETT: Think about it! Lots of other gentlemen'll Soon be comin' for a shave, Won't they? Think of All them Pies! TODD: How choice! How Rare! TODD: For what's the sound of the world out there? LOVETT: What, Mr. Todd? What, Mr. Todd? What is that sound? TODD: Those crunching noises pervading the air! LOVETT: Yes, Mr. Todd! Yes, Mr. Todd! Yes, all around! TODD: It's man devouring man, my dear! BOTH: And [LOVETT: Then] who are we to deny it in here? TODD: (spoken) These are desperate times, Mrs. Lovett, and desperate measures are called for! LOVETT: Here we are, now! Hot out of the oven! TODD: What is that? LOVETT: It's priest. Have a little priest. TODD: Is it really good? LOVETT: Sir, it's too good, at least! Then again, they don't commit sins of the flesh, So it's pretty fresh. TODD: Awful lot of fat. LOVETT: Only where it sat. TODD: Haven't you got poet, or something like that? LOVETT: No, y'see, the trouble with poet is 'Ow do you know it's deceased? Try the priest! TODD: (spoken) Heavenly! Not as hearty as bishop, perhaps, But then again, not as bland as curate, either! LOVETT: And good for business, too -- always leaves you wantin' more! Trouble is, we only get it on Sundays! Lawyer's rather nice. TODD: If it's for a price. LOVETT: Order something else, though, to follow, Since no one should swallow it twice! TODD: Anything that's lean. LOVETT: Well, then, if you're British and loyal, You might enjoy Royal Marine! Anyway, it's clean. Though of course, it tastes of wherever it's been! TODD: Is that squire, On the fire? LOVETT: Mercy no, sir, look closer, You'll notice it's grocer! TODD: Looks thicker, More like vicar! LOVETT: No, it has to be grocer -- It's green! TODD: The history of the world, my love -- LOVETT: Save a lot of graves, Do a lot of relatives favors! TODD: Is those below serving those up above! LOVETT: Ev'rybody shaves, So there should be plenty of flavors! TODD: How gratifying for once to know BOTH: That those above will serve those down below! LOVETT: (spoken) Now let's see, here... We've got tinker. TODD: Something... pinker. LOVETT: Tailor? TODD: Paler. LOVETT: Butler? TODD: Subtler. LOVETT: Potter? TODD: Hotter. LOVETT: Locksmith? Lovely bit of clerk. TODD: Maybe for a lark. LOVETT: Then again there's sweep If you want it cheap And you like it dark! Try the financier, Peak of his career! TODD: That looks pretty rank. LOVETT: Well, he drank, It's a bank Cashier. Never really sold. Maybe it was old. TODD: Have you any Beadle? LOVETT: Next week, so I'm told! Beadle isn't bad till you smell it and Notice 'ow well it's been greased... Stick to priest! Now then, this might be a little bit stringy, But then of course it's... fiddle player! TODD: No, this isn't fiddle player -- it's piccolo player! LOVETT: 'Ow can you tell? TODD: It's piping hot! LOVETT: Then blow on it first! TODD: The history of the world, my sweet -- LOVETT: Oh, Mr. Todd, Ooh, Mr. Todd, What does it tell? TODD: Is who gets eaten, and who gets to eat! LOVETT: And, Mr. Todd, Too, Mr. Todd, Who gets to sell! TODD: But fortunately, it's also clear BOTH: That [L: But] ev'rybody goes down well with beer! LOVETT: (spoken) Since marine doesn't appeal to you, 'ow about... rear admiral? TODD: Too salty. I prefer general. LOVETT: With, or without his privates? "With" is extra. TODD: What is that? LOVETT: It's fop. Finest in the shop. And we have some shepherd's pie peppered With actual shepherd on top! And I've just begun -- Here's the politician, so oily It's served with a doily, Have one! TODD: Put it on a bun. Well, you never know if it's going to run! LOVETT: Try the friar, Fried, it's drier! TODD: No, the clergy is really Too coarse and too mealy! LOVETT: Then actor, That's compacter! TODD: Yes, and always arrives overdone! I'll come again when you have JUDGE on the menu! LOVETT: (spoken) Wait! True, we don't have judge yet, But we've got something you might fancy even better. TODD: What's that? LOVETT: Executioner! TODD: Have charity towards the world, my pet! LOVETT: Yes, yes, I know, my love! TODD: We'll take the customers that we can get! LOVETT: High-born and low, my love! TODD: We'll not discriminate great from small! No, we'll serve anyone, Meaning anyone, BOTH: And to anyone At all!
This version is amazing! We're going to perform Sweeney Todd, and every number is so dificult. I play Tobias and it's easier than Ms. Lovett performs, but the musical is in general complicated.
The GREATEST First Act Finale ever !!! I stumbled onto the show when it was still in previews and, just as I approached the TKTS window, someone called out "We just got 6 tickets for the new Sondheim" and I immediately grabbed two of them, knowing nothing about the show. (My friend who got the second ticket had it change her life - an extraordinary story but too long to go into here.) I wish I could find some visual record of Len Cariou in the role. Hearn is good but Cariou had a brittle brilliance that was amazing and his chemistry with Lansbury was astounding. It was the second best theatrical experience of my life filled with amazing theatrical experiences. (The only one that tops it is Judy Garland at the Hollywood Bowl, coming back home after her Carnegie Hall triumph.)
One reason might be that George Hearn was not the actor/singer who originally was supposed to play Sweeny. The original singer was a famous opera singer who had to pull out very short notice which left them only a ridiculously short rehearsal time with Hearn.
I LOVE this song so much. I feel they should have added the additional lines to the movie version or at least on the soundtrack. Helena and Johnny were so good as them, but these guys are brilliant for the broadway version. 😂
I disagree about Jhonny and Helena. I didn’t like them as Sweeney, and Mrs. Lovett in the movie. It’s better when there are people who are well versed in Sondheim.
regardless of who the best Mrs.Lovett was, I have to say that this is THE best interpretation A Little Priest I've ever seen! I mean look at those two powerhouses! They have amazing chemistry and clearly love performing with someone of equal talent. I like the enthusiasm they bring to such a huge, complex, enthusiastic song. The subtlety of Angela/Len & Helena/Johnny is fun too, but it's nice to see two people really dig into this song and just give it their all. What a performance!!
Imagine Stephen Sondheim's reaction when he realized the untapped potential of cannibalism puns.
It was probably something like 0:59
bright ideas just popped into his head
He was a genius and may he rest in peace.
I bet he had so much fun writing this song.
No sir
Closer
Grocer
Dude is just…genius.
I can't tell who enjoyed this more: the actors, the audience, or the conductor.
Ocareening I think the actors. I mean they cracked up and just couldn't stop. :3
Yes.
Customers, i think. :P
this is why I enjoy watching (I Know a different musical) Miss Saigon live because you can see the performers love it each and every time they perform it.
your wrong…. i enjoyed it the most
It’s that pause before Todds “Hah!” and that pause after before Lovett says “good you got it” is really what makes the joke hit so well
While I don’t disagree with the gap, I think that the gap between “Good you got it!” and “Take for instance...” was too long. It works better when it feels like Mrs. Lovett is spurred on by Sweeney’s enthusiastic response 🙂
@@mattwood1562 I think it was funny. She's like good good you're not a complete dumbass
"I mean, with the price of meat, what it is, when you get it, if you get it..."
*pause*
"Ah!"
"Good you got it."
My favorite part.
That was the best delivery of that line conceivable.
EnergyKnife Right? He looks so amused by the idea!
Unfortunately, i don't get it.
At first he doesn't get what she means so kind of tries to tell him in a way she would to a child and then he needs a moment but gets it and she's like. ''good. You are not that stupid'' (from the way mrs lovett looks xD)
the puns in this song, the facial expressions, the chemistry, the comedic timing... its perfection.
I agree
I don't think people realize how difficult this song is to sing. Along with having to hit many dissonant intervals and odd rests (that are meant to emulate Mrs. Lovett's thought processes) trying to add the proper emotional humor must take a lot of work.
That's why I find it so hard to pick a favorite version...this piece is SO difficult (like so much Sondheim stuff), and every actor has a slightly different take on it, virtually all of them great, like this one...Angela Lansbury is my fave Mrs. Lovett, but oh, Patti LuPone gives her a run for her money...
Not to mention this is overall one of the hardest shows ever written period, I mean just listen to any of the songs having to act out the emotions and still get all the changing pitches is rather hard.
I sing Todd's lyrics. I'm actually pretty good at most of his sung lines.
terra_tyc True; although, as a barbershop baritone, I am used to singing odd intervals...
Soundheim's always like this.
That's kind of what I love about his music.
She is so expressive, even her silences talk volumes.
I love at 5:06 when she says "fiddle player" and looks at the string section of the orchestra.
jlasf Think of of them gulped a bit?
"Hear that? You're in our menu!"
@@wllm.ncs24601 looks like meat's back on the menu boys
I’ve seen this video 20 times and i never noticed that hahahah omg thank you
@@brockyurich9574 I've watch it 30, so there ya go. 😀 This is the best version of the show. With the symphony, the music is amazing. And all the performances are outstanding.
It's a amazing how every actress gives a completely different interpretation to Mrs Lovett : Angela Lansbury's Lovett seems a loveable but slightly deranged (not to mention murderous) old lady, Helena B Carter's looks like some royalty fallen on bad times very melancholic and bored with her life, Lu Pone makes her into a loud mouthed gossiping bitch, Imelda Staunton creates the image of a bitter working class woman who's passed her prime but still has adolescent dreams (with a bit of murder to spice up life).
With such brilliant writing you can never go wrong with Mrs Lovett
Hard to pick a favourite, truly.
But I think the "...Butla?..." / "......Locksmith?!...?!" combo is definitely a note in Patti's favour. xD
And from what I've seen of Emma Thompson she plays her more anxious and like she's actually scared of him (that's how it looked to me)
@@Mel-mf9jk Emma Thompson for sure plays her as more fearful with Todd for sure tho I think it's more fear of upsetting him and what that could mean in general. Like not so much scared he's a killer cause she's blasé bout death but scared that he'll stop caring for or even just tolerating her. Like losing his love is the scary part. Then maybe in the back of her head going "oh yeah if he doesn't care about me he might kill me shit"
Unbelievable role
Such a flexible character to do.
That's the best "good you've got it" I've seen. HAHA
The wickedest song ever composed for a musical. I wish they would make more musicals today like Sweeney. Modern musical, for the most part, are too safe, IMO.
Heck this makes hellfire from the hunchback of notre Dame look like a kiddy song
lf1234 watch REPO! the genetic opera if you like musical movies
MorganAnastasia , will do. Thanks!!!!!
+lf1234 I always feel new musicals nowadays appeal more and more to kids or try way too hard to make comments on social problems. For example, I really Fun Home for its music and production values, but the pro-homosexual messages are just way too in your face that become irritating. That's why I love the old ones from Sondheim or Rodgers+Hammerstein that had none of those baggages and put maximum emphasis on music and storytelling.
And any social messages were more subtle and therefore, more powerful, IMO.
THE MASTERS OF PUNS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
Best puns of the 19th century
Erik Nah,that would be “If he be Mister Hyde,I shall be Mister Seek!” from Jekyll and Hyde.
@@noorazraq2245 I like these puns better.
I love how Patti's delivery of "With or without his privates? Which is extra." just had George rolling! You can tell these two love to perform these characters-- especially this song, which had both of them snickering, trying to hold it together, up until that line where they just lost it, and had to try to regain their composure. That's what is missing from the movie! The brevity, the laughter. The movie takes itself way too seriously, with only a light smattering of dark humor here and there. The stage performers know how inherently silly the concept is, and know how to balance the dark moments where you feel for the characters, or you're terrified of them, with the levity of the funnier moments. If you take Sweeney Todd too seriously, you're just not going to have a good time, and it becomes every other edgy story that does the same. Even Sondheim knew that.
It's not "Which it extra", it's "With is extra".
I agree- the film was awful. Took itself far too seriously and the casting was all wrong .
I love George I didn’t like the movie as much I like how the staged version has less gore.
It’s with is extra not which
I just love the over-the-top madness of her voice. XD I'm not a good judge of who is and isn't a good singer but this is really how I imagine Mrs. Lovett's personality.
I really like the comedic tone these two add to the song. I wasn't expecting to laugh so much!
its written to be funny...
after watching so many versions of this song this has to be my favourite
God George Hearn will ALWAYS be the best Sweeny Todd. A perfect blend of deep sorrow, rage, and humor
And he only gets better with age.
Yeah George Hearn is a very cool Sweeny Todd Dude!
I still like Cariou’s more. Unfortunately, his singing wasn’t healthy, but in the cast recording and the bootleg that’s on TH-cam, he gives my favorite performances. Perhaps because I’m a metal fan and his more ‘dirty’ vocal approach appeals to me, but I also like his acting more, it seems more... unhinged, but still sympathetic somehow.
I agree
*Josh Groban has entered the chat*
Hearn is the perfect Todd. And LuPone had brought her excellent quality voice,range and timing to this Mrs. Lovett filling it out very very well. The rhythm is excellent and this is often the problem along with the melody which is often lost if not done well.
I absolutely adore the "Or we have some Shepard's Pie peppered with actual shepard on top" line mainly because alliteration makes me laugh. 😂😂😂
Patti is wonderful. The best thing about theater version that I love so much is the live feedback from audience. great performance
She's shit
hahahahhahahah omfg
@@TheAvesMYSTR why did you feel the need to comment this?
Mel Fangirl I guess I thought she was shit 3 years ago? Way to stay relevant dude...
God this crowd was just so giddy and laughing at everything, even before the punchlines…
true fans
It just amazes me how much fun this song is, even after I've heard it a million time. It never gets old. I think what really gets to me is how evil the song truly is, and how they just go over murder and cannibalism with such joy and twisted delight. Such an amazing performance, they really do the song justice and, in my opinion, are perfect for these roles.
As much as I LOVE Angela Lansbury with George Hearn, the comedic chemistry between these two is just...SUCH a breathe of funny, fresh air. They just look like they're having more legit FUN! The fun's just contagious. XD
I was in the audience for this and it was not a great seat but it didn't matter. After the show Sondheim came out and took a bow and the crowd went insane! May he RIP and keep on composing up there!
people are saying that they dont like the tim burton version because its not as comical but thats the point. his version is supposed to be more dark and depressing not funny and uplifting. thats just not how tim burton works
it was written to be fucked up and funny. Sondheim makes you laugh and feel bad for it
this isnt really uplifting, and Tim Burton has done plenty of dark humour in the past
Elder McNamara I agree but also I found it kind of dull tbh
its doesn't really matter how tim burton works, it the point. he was untrue to the material. also, to be frank, that movie brought me to love this musical at 13, but hbc and johnny depp just arent up to the challenge. these characters are, unfortunately, somewhat beyond them.
I get it. And I don't like t
4:56
Patti LuPone with the subtlest assfuck joke in the history of musical theater
I've been watching this for over ten years ... and I have only just noticed that thanks to you and now I can't unsee it. Lol.
Sorry, would you be kind enough to spell it out for me? 😖💗
When she sings 'Till you notice how well it's been greased ...' she does the very smallest gesture with her hands and hips that basically means getting laid (usually from behind) - so she turns the line into an innuendo.
DAMN
RIGHT??
The chemistry between the two worked so much better with Patti and George. My first exposure, like that of many others, to Sweeney Todd and the brilliant stories of Sondheim was through the movie version by Tim Burton. When I saw the movie, I fell in love with it. However, when I see the stage performances, I go back to, say, the movie version of "A Little Priest" and I cringe at the dull interactions between Depp and Bonham Carter. Not that the movie was bad, all I'm saying is that the interaction between Todd and Lovett is FAR better achieved on stage, particularly in performances like these.
There's so much that's missing from Depp/Bonham-Carter "A Little Priest." But it does fit with the darker, more intensely macabre tone of the movie. The song is honestly just too fun to put the black spin on it that made the movie was it was.
But, I think Johnny and Helena had great chemistry in their own right, especially in Epiphany.
As wonderful as this is, the chemistry between Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury (the original Sweeney Todd & Mrs. Lovett) is even better! I love them both! George Hearn took over from Cariou after he and Lansbury ended their run. I saw the original cast five times at the Uris Theatre in NYC, including the final performance of the original cast.
Check out Angela Lansbury & Len Cariou reprising their original Sweeney Todd roles for Stephen Sondheim's 75th Birthday benefit concert in 2005. Between Lu Pone and Hearn, and the reprised originals, two absolutel delightful and incredible performances!
Unfortunately, the movie WAS bad! Totally miscast. But this pair here = absolute perfection.
C'mon, the movie is absolute trash.
Hey, the movie WAS bad. Depp was too young and can't sing. Bonham Carter didn't realize that her two songs "Priest" and "By the Sea" are meant as comic relief. Otherwise, Sweeney is unrelentingly dark.
4:20 Locksmith?
Sweeny's face and the awkward silence get me every time.
It's the run-up that makes it, though. Without the "......Butlah??" it wouldn't be half as funny. xD
😠 Thank you, Mrs. Lovett. I WAS enjoying that groove. (Grr...)
George Hearn played Sweeney in Broadway in the early 80s. Here he is years later, and he's still got it. What a legend.
I was singing this by myself the other day, and gagged on my own spit on accident. I immediately said, "Just had a little dentist earlier!" And no one heard it but me.
That was a good one though xD
Sounds like something I would do
It's good but a bit gummy
Omg you ate a dentist!?!?! Are you Audrey II? hahahhaah 😭😂😭😂😭😂
Its been six years since I read your comment but I really do quote it a bit too often. 😂😂
"Tinker?"
"No, something pinker."
"Tailor?"
"No, something paler."
"Potter?"
"Something... hotter."
"....Butlah?!"
"Something... subtler."
"......LOCKSMITH?!" xD
...(Slow head turn) 😠
can someone explain the punch line of the locksmith? bc I'm not native speaker😭
Harry Wu Mainly because there’s no *rhyme* for locksmith, so she threw off his groove. That’s why he gets irritated.
@@zacharyjoy8724 i see tks😘
I would say Locksmith is for...picky eaters.
You guys, it was written this way!!!!!!!! This is what Sondheim SOUNDS like!!! That's why he's a genius, he makes the dissonances work.
This has to be my favorite rendition of A Little Priest: just compare it to the movie version (I know that different choices in style are required when adapting a musical into a film, but bear with me): Depp and Bonham-Carter look and sound like they are concocting an evil plan but they are a little too serious about that, you can still see a spark of sanity in them. These two? They have gone completely insane and we as the audience love to see that: they are laughng their asses off while singing about murdering people and baking them into pies for other people to eat!
And that's what's fantastic about this number.
Omfg this is so good... Whatever drove me to listen this show performed by different actors over and over, has shown me just how different a performance can be. This is the first one I've seen where both of these psychopaths are having a blast.
Usually, at least Todd is solem, or at least more sarcastic. This one has both of them laughing their butts off talking about murder and cannibalism. Amazing!
They literally said, “eat the rich”
“And the poor”
Lmfaoooo
I love this rendition more than depps and miss carters..This one is campier and the chemistry between the leads is so much more believable
Thank goodness they were allowed to laugh in this - I can't imagine trying to hold in the chuckles on something like this.
Just the way she delivers "good you got it" and "Lock Smith?" Is so freaking brilliant!
5:24 the way he swings his arm around her and the note he sings at the same time is perfect
I love Patti's genuine laugh around 6:10
I'm kinda disapointed the film version wasn't as comical.
I kind of agree, but the entire mood of the film was very dark, so having a really funny moment in it would've upset the whole theme of the film. The musical version has a lot of little bits of dark humor throughout, so Patti's version fits absolutely perfectly :)
The movie's version is better than the comical shity version
Yet 'funny' combines well with a dark atmosphere, for it to form into a violent, oppressive undertone whereas being funny, they're always overwhelmingly horrifying at the same time, so I don't think the argument that Burton underwent determining how to perform this number was a decision simple as this.
@@ΔημήτρηςΤουντούρης Wow
@@ΔημήτρηςΤουντούρης The song is supposed to be funny...
I love how amused they are through this whole scene. This really brings out their mental instability. That was one thing that really disappointed me in the movie. These scenes with all this humor were done so somberly, you missed how close to insanity the characters really are.
Is it weird that this play makes me crave meat pies?
Yes. If anything you should here meat pie and start gagging.
River TWG
What about a nanny pie.
I'm literally making a meat pie because I've been watching a bunch of Sweeney Todd videos. You are not alone.
Yes. The world of Sondheim is a weird place.
NOPE! Look up meat pie on the Food wishes youtube channel. You will not be disappointed.
The sheer understated brilliance of a simple line like "we'll serve anyone... and *to* anyone..."
It's such a clever line!
Todd: "Something subtler"
Lovett: "LoCkSmItH"
Todd: ... *slow head turn
God damn, for the things like THIS, I study English! Thanks to uploader from Russia!
I come back here sometimes just to enjoy it again. I'm never disappointed!
I like the movie. i do, but I have 1 issue with it. Just watch the stage version (or the concert version in this case). I would describe the musical as a horror comedy. When Tim Burton translated the show to film, he actually cut out a lot of the comedy and the comedic moments. I mean, he made it so dark to the point that Worst Pies, Little Priest, and By the Sea kind of almost felt out of place.
Also note the lack of CHORUS in the movie. I mean, what was he thinking?
River Stewart
Actually, he had planned to do the "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" interludes throughout the movie. It would have featured actor/singers like Christopher Lee and Anthony Stewart Head (who is actually still in the movie. He has a cameo after "The Contest") among others. However, due to an illness (that's all I've ever been able to find out), the filming schedule had to be cut short.
Tends to happen a lot. Just look at Into The Woods, it is SO funny on stage and hardly funny at all in the movie. Of course, some of the humour just wouldn't translate at all, but it's still a shame.
When they start swaying together it reminded me of a sweet old couple on a cruise and I don’t know why but the thought of them just vibing on a cruise is hilarious
Great pairing. The two most comical Sweeney actors in their respective roles, wouldve been electrifying on stage together.
Sweeney Todd is a great American OPERA and should be considered high art. As far as I'm concerned, it's the technical and emotional peak of Sondheim's genius.
These two just get stronger as time goes on. Their voices sound even better than 20 years earlier.
Lupone's timing is impeccable! She the deliivers the words and lands the jokes just right. This is really good!
i really like this duo. they genuinely seem like they’re having a lot of fun performing together.
I actually laughed. Seriously, that was strangely funny!
I love Patti on this song. She really gets into the character. On worst pies at times she seems at times so focused on powering through the song...here she really hits all the subtle bits while still being vocally brilliant.
Here I am trying to sing both of their lines
“Shepherds pie peppered with actual shepherd on top.” In a show with such a dark premise I think a little gallows humor is necessary. And of course Sondheim, the genius, knocks this one out of the park. Love ST, it’s one of my top 3, up there with Gypsy and Hamilton.
Don't forget Sondheim's other Classic "West Side Story". But I agree, Hamilton is Awesome. Especially John Groff as Mad King George. That Pause between "I will Kill Your Friends and Family..... To Remind You of My Love. Dah Dah Dah Dah Daay ya da etc" is Killer. Pun intended. But let's not Forget Evita, Phantom, 1776, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Cats, Carousel, The King and I, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, South Pacific, Rent, Cabaret, A Chorus Line..... Lol. Too many other Greats to name. Yeah. Being a Former New Yorker, I guess I'm a bit of a Great White Way Geek.
@@PedarArdRhi Little Shop and Ave. Q are adorable but I would never put them in the same realm as WSS (Sondheim lyrics, but not his words) or The R&H canon. I agree with you about the others, except Cats and Phantom. Webber and Rice together? yes!! Andrew Lloyd Webber on his own? Meh, not so much. (But that’s just me. He’s laughing all the way to the bank! Lol) And I don’t know 1776 at all; only saw a piece of it once, years ago, on TV.
I remember this when it came out. Patti Lupone is and always will be brilliant
This scene is really the comic relief of the show. It's uncharacteristic of what the show is widely regarded to be : A Tragic Thriller , as opposed to a Dark Comedy. This scene happens to be my favorite because of the tension it eases from "Epihany" and how hilariously the script and music combined presents itself. :)
The history of the world, my sweet --
Oh, Mr. Todd,
Ooh, Mr. Todd,
What does it tell?
Is who gets eaten, and who gets to eat!
The energy in this performance is contagious! Probably the best I've seen!
Beyond brilliant!!! Patti slays this!!!
The comedic timing is unreal 😂
I love this George Hearn has still got it as Sweeney, and Patti knows, and understands Sondheim. The bits where they were laughing together were awesome. Also I love George’s voice.
George Hearn is one of my all time faves. I so regret that I wasn’t able to see him on stage for Sweeney Todd and La Cage Aux Folles (damn not being born yet -_-‘)
Haha, I’m 31 myself and have the same regrets. George has been hero to me for many years. What a treat it would be to see him perform live! Like seeing Michael Crawford in Phantom
Marry me Patti
I love how George's manurisms and singing style didn't change over all the years. He truley is amazing.
the puns are hurting me
Sweeney todd and Mrs Nellie Lovett best puns of the 19th century
In a good way though, right?
You must be next on the order!
George and Patti. Friggin legends.
His voice is sooooop powerful!!
Training, technique, timing, TONY.
I love how this was different from the movie😍 its like seeing the same thing in a separate universe❤️
I think that's one of the beautiful thing about the stage! Every actor interprets the role differently and make it a completely different musical or play! 😍 The same goes for the stage designers and directors and costume department!
My favorite song in Sweeney Todd. Rest in peace, Stephen Sondheim.
The way she hits those vowels on "An actor, that's compacter"... Man. Just brilliant theatrical singer. I wish I could do that with my voice. Man, what a talent.
These two have the best chemistry . I love it.
5:52.... i cant help but snicker every time because the pun is just THAT good
lyrics
MRS. LOVETT:
Seems a downright shame...
TODD: Shame?
LOVETT:
Seems an awful waste...
Such a nice, plump frame
Wot's 'is name has...
Had...
Has!
Nor it can't be traced...
Bus'ness needs a lift,
Debts to be erased...
Think of it as thrift,
As a gift,
If you get my drift!
No?
Seems an awful waste...
I mean, with the price of meat
What it is,
When you get it,
If you get it...
TODD: HAH!
LOVETT:
Good, you got it!
Take, for instance, Mrs. Mooney and her pie shop!
Bus'ness never better using only pussycats and toast!
And a pussy's good for maybe six or seven at the most!
And I'm sure they can't compare as far as taste!
TODD:
Mrs. Lovett, what a charming notion
LOVETT:
Well, it does seem a waste...
TODD:
Eminently practical
And yet appropriate as always!
LOVETT:
It's an idea...
TODD:
Mrs. Lovett, how I've lived
Without you all these years, I'll never know!
How delectable!
Also undetectable!
LOVETT:
Think about it!
Lots of other gentlemen'll
Soon be comin' for a shave,
Won't they?
Think of
All them
Pies!
TODD:
How choice!
How
Rare!
TODD:
For what's the sound of the world out there?
LOVETT:
What, Mr. Todd?
What, Mr. Todd?
What is that sound?
TODD:
Those crunching noises pervading the air!
LOVETT:
Yes, Mr. Todd!
Yes, Mr. Todd!
Yes, all around!
TODD:
It's man devouring man, my dear!
BOTH:
And [LOVETT: Then] who are we to deny it in here?
TODD: (spoken) These are desperate times,
Mrs. Lovett, and desperate measures are called for!
LOVETT: Here we are, now! Hot out of the oven!
TODD: What is that?
LOVETT:
It's priest. Have a little priest.
TODD:
Is it really good?
LOVETT:
Sir, it's too good, at least!
Then again, they don't commit sins of the flesh,
So it's pretty fresh.
TODD:
Awful lot of fat.
LOVETT:
Only where it sat.
TODD:
Haven't you got poet, or something like that?
LOVETT:
No, y'see, the trouble with poet is
'Ow do you know it's deceased?
Try the priest!
TODD: (spoken) Heavenly!
Not as hearty as bishop, perhaps,
But then again, not as bland as curate, either!
LOVETT:
And good for business, too -- always leaves you wantin' more!
Trouble is, we only get it on Sundays!
Lawyer's rather nice.
TODD:
If it's for a price.
LOVETT:
Order something else, though, to follow,
Since no one should swallow it twice!
TODD:
Anything that's lean.
LOVETT:
Well, then, if you're British and loyal,
You might enjoy Royal Marine!
Anyway, it's clean.
Though of course, it tastes of wherever it's been!
TODD:
Is that squire,
On the fire?
LOVETT:
Mercy no, sir, look closer,
You'll notice it's grocer!
TODD:
Looks thicker,
More like vicar!
LOVETT:
No, it has to be grocer --
It's green!
TODD:
The history of the world, my love --
LOVETT:
Save a lot of graves,
Do a lot of relatives favors!
TODD:
Is those below serving those up above!
LOVETT:
Ev'rybody shaves,
So there should be plenty of flavors!
TODD:
How gratifying for once to know
BOTH:
That those above will serve those down below!
LOVETT: (spoken) Now let's see, here... We've got tinker.
TODD: Something... pinker.
LOVETT: Tailor?
TODD: Paler.
LOVETT: Butler?
TODD: Subtler.
LOVETT: Potter?
TODD: Hotter.
LOVETT: Locksmith?
Lovely bit of clerk.
TODD:
Maybe for a lark.
LOVETT:
Then again there's sweep
If you want it cheap
And you like it dark!
Try the financier,
Peak of his career!
TODD:
That looks pretty rank.
LOVETT:
Well, he drank,
It's a bank
Cashier.
Never really sold.
Maybe it was old.
TODD:
Have you any Beadle?
LOVETT:
Next week, so I'm told!
Beadle isn't bad till you smell it and
Notice 'ow well it's been greased...
Stick to priest!
Now then, this might be a little bit stringy,
But then of course it's... fiddle player!
TODD: No, this isn't fiddle player -- it's piccolo player!
LOVETT: 'Ow can you tell?
TODD: It's piping hot!
LOVETT: Then blow on it first!
TODD:
The history of the world, my sweet --
LOVETT:
Oh, Mr. Todd,
Ooh, Mr. Todd,
What does it tell?
TODD:
Is who gets eaten, and who gets to eat!
LOVETT:
And, Mr. Todd,
Too, Mr. Todd,
Who gets to sell!
TODD:
But fortunately, it's also clear
BOTH:
That [L: But] ev'rybody goes down well with beer!
LOVETT: (spoken)
Since marine doesn't appeal to you, 'ow about... rear admiral?
TODD: Too salty. I prefer general.
LOVETT: With, or without his privates? "With" is extra.
TODD: What is that?
LOVETT:
It's fop.
Finest in the shop.
And we have some shepherd's pie peppered
With actual shepherd on top!
And I've just begun --
Here's the politician, so oily
It's served with a doily,
Have one!
TODD:
Put it on a bun.
Well, you never know if it's going to run!
LOVETT:
Try the friar,
Fried, it's drier!
TODD:
No, the clergy is really
Too coarse and too mealy!
LOVETT:
Then actor,
That's compacter!
TODD:
Yes, and always arrives overdone!
I'll come again when you have JUDGE on the menu!
LOVETT: (spoken) Wait! True, we don't have judge yet,
But we've got something you might fancy even better.
TODD: What's that?
LOVETT: Executioner!
TODD:
Have charity towards the world, my pet!
LOVETT:
Yes, yes, I know, my love!
TODD:
We'll take the customers that we can get!
LOVETT:
High-born and low, my love!
TODD:
We'll not discriminate great from small!
No, we'll serve anyone,
Meaning anyone,
BOTH:
And to anyone
At all!
These puns🤣 they give me life 🤣🤣
Yes
I have to say out of all the versions this is my favorite.
I really loved this cast! So much better than the movie.
I agree I wasn’t a fan of the movie
This version is amazing! We're going to perform Sweeney Todd, and every number is so dificult. I play Tobias and it's easier than Ms. Lovett performs, but the musical is in general complicated.
Wow! Just amazing!
After all these years, George has still got it!! :D
These two have the best voices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
da brividi.... sono veramente senza parole!! I'm literally speechless. OMG Patty is outsanding
Patti*
The GREATEST First Act Finale ever !!! I stumbled onto the show when it was still in previews and, just as I approached the TKTS window, someone called out "We just got 6 tickets for the new Sondheim" and I immediately grabbed two of them, knowing nothing about the show. (My friend who got the second ticket had it change her life - an extraordinary story but too long to go into here.)
I wish I could find some visual record of Len Cariou in the role. Hearn is good but Cariou had a brittle brilliance that was amazing and his chemistry with Lansbury was astounding. It was the second best theatrical experience of my life filled with amazing theatrical experiences. (The only one that tops it is Judy Garland at the Hollywood Bowl, coming back home after her Carnegie Hall triumph.)
First show I ever saw on B’way the day I arrived from Chicago. Original cast. Unrivaled & unforgettable.
The whole song is full of great puns and everything but the best line has to be "that those above will serve those down below"...
yes just YES
One reason might be that George Hearn was not the actor/singer who originally was supposed to play Sweeny. The original singer was a famous opera singer who had to pull out very short notice which left them only a ridiculously short rehearsal time with Hearn.
BRAVA BRAVA!!!!
They definitely put the humour into this song that the film's adapted version seemed to be missing,
Amazing!
She is the best! Love Patti LuPone!
For you "Steven Universe" fans, this is Yellow Diamond's voice actress.
I LOVE this song so much. I feel they should have added the additional lines to the movie version or at least on the soundtrack. Helena and Johnny were so good as them, but these guys are brilliant for the broadway version. 😂
I disagree about Jhonny and Helena. I didn’t like them as Sweeney, and Mrs. Lovett in the movie. It’s better when there are people who are well versed in Sondheim.
i just love how the conductor is there in the back just going all hard core with his job
regardless of who the best Mrs.Lovett was, I have to say that this is THE best interpretation A Little Priest I've ever seen! I mean look at those two powerhouses! They have amazing chemistry and clearly love performing with someone of equal talent. I like the enthusiasm they bring to such a huge, complex, enthusiastic song. The subtlety of Angela/Len & Helena/Johnny is fun too, but it's nice to see two people really dig into this song and just give it their all. What a performance!!
-No, it's piccolo player!
-*HoW cAn YoU tElL?*
For the longest time, this was all I really knew Patti Lupone from. TBH, I was surprised when I found out she wasn't British IRL.
The two are just perfection! Their powerful voices don’t overpower their acting.
Hearn breaking into laughter reminds me so much of my father-in-law - he doesn't say much, but when a joke really hits him, you can see him crack.
Brilliant! Amazing chemistry and talent and humor. Love them both. Perfection.
Best performance ever of this song!
This is so beautiful