this is the most creative opening i've ever seen imagine tricking your audience into thinking it's a reading and then going 'fuck you it's a whole ass production'
I only got to watch it on PBS but it was one of the most electrifying moments I'd ever seen on TV. A total surprise. I do remember thinking, "oh I'm surprised they are doing it this way" when it appeared to be a concert production. I also wonder how well the secret was kept for the local audiences in NYC - it seems likely to me that a few savvy theatergoers would have recognized the conceit, early on.
I was at the final performance. Walked right past Sondheim on the square at Lincoln Center. I was so shocked, all I said was "Howdy". He tilted his head in contemplation and kept walking. One of the most embarrassing moments of my life... Saying "Howdy" to one of the greatest lyricists in the history of the world...
Yeah, he showed up in the Green Room at the Yale Dramat's 70's production of "Anyone Can Whistle". I didn't see him, even though I was the propman on the production.
Mister Roboto999 Directing a musical is on my list of things I want to accomplish in life. If I got the opportunity, I’d love to direct Spring Awakening with the concept for this production of Sweeney Todd.
@@starless5668 Concerts aren’t boring, but this opening does fit tonally for Sweeney. It’s supposed to be a low-brow, dynamic black comedy that condemns high society.
Very late to this convo but I see it at the actors transforming into their characters. It fits with the framing “attend the tale of Sweeney Todd.” They’re inviting you into the story and transforming the space and themselves into the character in the story they’re about to tell you.
Everyone talks about the piano drop, but is nobody going to talk about how powerful the part when they all raise their fists in the air as the chorus starts is?
I actually don't love it. It doesn't make a ton of sense to me as choreography. Like, they aren't rallying as a mob. I never understood the way this production handles the ensembles.
Yeah, saw this in 1979 on Broadway, with Len Cariou and Angela Landsberry. Every time I remember it, I think, "Wow". Oh, did I mention that some vendor had set up outside the theater and was selling meat pies when we left?
I wish I had. I watch the hell of out my DVD. I'm sorry but nobody captures the relationship like they did. This production is great but the way Lansbury looks at him in the final moment, that look and shrug before the slams the door... amazing. (Also the door slam is the best.)
@@joshgrumiaux6820 Oh for Pete's sake. I did offer a compliment, yes? You're acting like I spat on the man. I wasn't aware of who he was but am blown away by his direction.
It's so perfect. You can tell that they've rehearsed this bit until every movement is in sync and there is this electricity running through the air. Bravo!
RIP To the most wonderful Composer, who wrote this fabulous musical. Its one of my favorites. Thank you Mr. Sondheim. For the music, and for everything. Rest Easy and continue to make new music up there in Heaven with Hal
Bryn Terfel was practically born to play Sweeney!! It’s amazing how he has revolutionized roles. Don Giovanni. Falstaff. Just WOW! And he is a super nice guy to boot.
I saw him in Sweeney Todd at Zurich Opera House and it was perfect! During intermission, you could even buy meat pies. They weren't the worst :-) Actually pretty good. I thought it was a cool idea.
So great to see the wonderful Philip Quast was in yet another Sondheim. And how delicious for him to be able to to perform the flagellation piece, which I believe not always makes it to the light of day because, well you could see why.... I mean if you see the whole thing. Wish Criterion or the like would take an interest in preserving musical theater!
I LOVE this version of the production. Emma Thompson is my all time favorite Lovett. I tend to prefer George Hearn as Todd but I can't fault Bryn Terfel's performance through the whole thing.
I love that Lonny Price directed both this concert version and the one starring George Hearn and Patti Lupone. The man certainly doesn't repeat himself!
George Hearn's performance left me turning on all the lights in the house. If I had been in the theatre, I would have begged for an escort through the parking lot...
My honest reaction when I found out he voices Vox in the new Hazbin Hotel and was like “Oh shittt that’s Christian Borle from 2014 Sweeney Todd!!!” I was so surprised. Viv is truly a musical specialist
My honest reaction when I found out he voices Vox in the new Hazbin Hotel and was like “Oh shittt that’s Christian Borle from 2014 Sweeney Todd!!!” I was so surprised. Viv is truly a musical specialist
My honest reaction when I found out he voices Vox in the new Hazbin Hotel and was like “Oh shittt that’s Christian Borle from 2014 Sweeney Todd!!!” I was so surprised. Viv is truly a musical specialist
I absolutely adore the Brechtian elements of this number, and how the wrecking of the stage clearly displays the inherent anti-capitalist themes of the story
@@MrBurkistan Bertolt Brecht was a German playwright during the mid 20th century who invented the heavily political "epic theater". Crash Course did a great video on it if you want to learn more!
@@MrBurkistan Brecht was about breaking the fourth wall in the sense of making the audience aware they're watching a performance with actors. Like when an actor will change costumes on stage or a set change will happen with no blackout or smooth transition. Breaking the illusion of a totally fictional world that other shows may want to preserve.
Actually, since Sweeney is a murderer who eventually spoils everything around him, I'd say the show is against bitterness and entitlement, not Capitalism.
I don’t know if you already found it or not but if you go to google and type “pbs arts Sweeney Todd” it’s the first link and you can watch it there (or download it if you want to save it)
This is super late -- but here's the WHOLE production! ga.video.cdn.pbs.org/videos/lincoln-center/00a2c0b8-7da2-4c77-8d48-5ab140e9cd34/150765/hd-mezzanine-16x9/1e9d5075_lvlc3905_mezz16x9-16x9-mp4-2500k.mp4
Does anyone have the London version of this production? I mean I love this cast but the London version has John Owen Jones and Katie Hall (favorites from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera) as Pirelli and Johanna (though that one also has Bryn, Emma, and Philip)
@@kell_checks_in I'm not talking about the Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball 2012 Sweeney Todd. I'm talking about this same production, except held in London. This video is Emma Thompson, Bryn Terfel and Philip Quast performing in New York with American performers. The trio reprised their roles in this same kind of production in London (where the other actors are different). I want to watch that one if they do have a recording because John Owen Jones and Katie Hall are there as Pirelli and Johanna respectively, while someone else played Pirelli and Johanna in this video.
I like Bryn, but I so SO wanted Timothy Nolen to reprise the role of Sweeney. He in my opinion is the greatest Sweeney, but bryn pulled off a good performance
why does everything needs to be comedy? sure sweeney todd have comedy in it, but more subtle. This feels like i'm watching a mcu movie where they throw a joke every minute even if it's serious
This in particular was a concert, so the fact that they turned it into a version of the production was a surprise for the audience. That's why they did what they did. From then on out, it was the play. They didn't joke around doing the actual revival lol. (Nevertheless I hate that production. Other reasons!)
this is the most creative opening i've ever seen
imagine tricking your audience into thinking it's a reading and then going 'fuck you it's a whole ass production'
Can you IMAGINE being in the audience for this thinking you’re going to see a concert? I would have lost my mind.
I only got to watch it on PBS but it was one of the most electrifying moments I'd ever seen on TV. A total surprise. I do remember thinking, "oh I'm surprised they are doing it this way" when it appeared to be a concert production. I also wonder how well the secret was kept for the local audiences in NYC - it seems likely to me that a few savvy theatergoers would have recognized the conceit, early on.
I was at the final performance. Walked right past Sondheim on the square at Lincoln Center. I was so shocked, all I said was "Howdy". He tilted his head in contemplation and kept walking. One of the most embarrassing moments of my life... Saying "Howdy" to one of the greatest lyricists in the history of the world...
I understand your pain :_) its ok everyone has some embarrassing moments ! It's great that you've met him ! That's one of my goals in life :)
Honestly I applaud you for even being able to say something around a guy like that 😂
Bruh, you are a legend
Lol. Thanks.
Yeah, he showed up in the Green Room at the Yale Dramat's 70's production of "Anyone Can Whistle". I didn't see him, even though I was the propman on the production.
This is how every musical should open: the lead actors going "screw it" and trashing the stage.
Mister Roboto999 Directing a musical is on my list of things I want to accomplish in life. If I got the opportunity, I’d love to direct Spring Awakening with the concept for this production of Sweeney Todd.
@@starless5668 Concerts aren’t boring, but this opening does fit tonally for Sweeney. It’s supposed to be a low-brow, dynamic black comedy that condemns high society.
@@starless5668 Okay, I may have exaggerated. I just thought it was fun.
@@starless5668 Because they thought it was fun.
Very late to this convo but I see it at the actors transforming into their characters. It fits with the framing “attend the tale of Sweeney Todd.” They’re inviting you into the story and transforming the space and themselves into the character in the story they’re about to tell you.
THE PIANT THROW AND THE REVEAL OF SWEENEY I CANT BUT I CAN
AAAAAAGAGGGGHHHH
Everyone talks about the piano drop, but is nobody going to talk about how powerful the part when they all raise their fists in the air as the chorus starts is?
I actually don't love it. It doesn't make a ton of sense to me as choreography. Like, they aren't rallying as a mob. I never understood the way this production handles the ensembles.
Yeah! It truly gives the feeling that they are revolting against the fact that it’s a concert! Or, perhaps, swinging a razor high!
how the stage manager is probably sweating the whole way through this number LOL
Why would he
@@dew348all of the moving parts and people??!?!?!!!
The piano drop shakes my soul.
It almost makes up for the lack of door slam.
Did you mean.. the most badass moment in musical theatre history?
Yeah, saw this in 1979 on Broadway, with Len Cariou and Angela Landsberry. Every time I remember it, I think, "Wow". Oh, did I mention that some vendor had set up outside the theater and was selling meat pies when we left?
I would've asked for some priest...
What I calls enterprise.
I wish I had. I watch the hell of out my DVD. I'm sorry but nobody captures the relationship like they did. This production is great but the way Lansbury looks at him in the final moment, that look and shrug before the slams the door... amazing.
(Also the door slam is the best.)
Oh my god, what an experience. I would like to have me some of those pies.
Round of applause for the lighting director on this one. And that pit Director - unflappable and flawless.
That "pit director" was the Music Director of the New York Philharmonic...
@@joshgrumiaux6820 Oh for Pete's sake. I did offer a compliment, yes? You're acting like I spat on the man. I wasn't aware of who he was but am blown away by his direction.
I agree with both members of this interaction.
It's so perfect. You can tell that they've rehearsed this bit until every movement is in sync and there is this electricity running through the air. Bravo!
I bet the audience absolutely sh!t themselves when they picked up that piano
This is one of the most incredible pieces of theater ever produced. The whole production is outstanding but this opening is just unbelievably amazing.
Hard agree
The piano drop transition had me screaming. Fantastically done.
Truly the most batshit crazy production of Sweeney Todd, and Im greatful for it.
This single number made me want to be a part of Sweeney more than anything
RIP To the most wonderful Composer, who wrote this fabulous musical. Its one of my favorites. Thank you Mr. Sondheim. For the music, and for everything. Rest Easy and continue to make new music up there in Heaven with Hal
Bryn Terfel was practically born to play Sweeney!! It’s amazing how he has revolutionized roles. Don Giovanni. Falstaff. Just WOW! And he is a super nice guy to boot.
I got to see him live as Sweeney Todd at the Lyric in Chicago. Chilling and compelling.
amazing terfel...
Bryn is probably my fave Sweeney rn! He just EMBODIES the role
I saw him in Sweeney Todd at Zurich Opera House and it was perfect! During intermission, you could even buy meat pies. They weren't the worst :-) Actually pretty good. I thought it was a cool idea.
Worst Sweeney. Worse than Kelsey Grammer.
Wow they did that! Turned a concert into a whole production! I love it!!! 💕 💕
I've seen this show numerous times, but THAT was one of THE BEST "WTF???" moments ever...and SWEENEY has a lot of them! Wish I'd been there for it...
I live for that piano drop.
Don’t ask me why but the little stompy stomp they do on that last word just hits
Yeah, I actually kind of miss it now when I watch other versions haha.
I would be HOWLING if I were in that theatre.
This is my favorite Sweeney Todd production. The more I watch this number, the more cool details I notice. It's so clever and well done!
No door slam, no blood flowing freely from the moralizers.
AH. The way Bryn says "FLEET STREET" shakes me to the core.
3:33 is the best
So great to see the wonderful Philip Quast was in yet another Sondheim. And how delicious for him to be able to to perform the flagellation piece, which I believe not always makes it to the light of day because, well you could see why.... I mean if you see the whole thing. Wish Criterion or the like would take an interest in preserving musical theater!
I LOVE this version of the production. Emma Thompson is my all time favorite Lovett. I tend to prefer George Hearn as Todd but I can't fault Bryn Terfel's performance through the whole thing.
Patti Lupone was my favorite Lovett
@@brendonhavener mine too. Although, I think Hearn was at his best with Lansbury but we could pin that on the age factor
My favorite lovett is the lovett who performed in a small town 30 minutes from me
I'm sorry but it's gotta be Lansbury. She plays it in the most complex way.
This is my absolutely favorite version. i could watch it a hundred times
This is such a cool opening and transition into the story
I love that Lonny Price directed both this concert version and the one starring George Hearn and Patti Lupone. The man certainly doesn't repeat himself!
George Hearn's performance left me turning on all the lights in the house. If I had been in the theatre, I would have begged for an escort through the parking lot...
Ah, yes. Time for my daily viewing of this video. :)
Imagine going to a concert and getting a full on production instead.
A+ video title, I commend you
If someone has the full production of this.. please repost!! Please and Thank you. This is one of my favorites!
th-cam.com/video/9Z-nIwAuh9g/w-d-xo.html Do you mean this? I'm not very good at english
@@theoutlawprince1304 i love you
this is my roman empire
This gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.
I remember seeing this on PBS. Loved it‼️. Emma Thompson was fantastic ‼️
Great musical.
Great score.
Great story.
Me audibly: is that Christian Borle? What is he doing here!?
Freaking same and I'VE SEEN THIS 1000 TIMES, WHYYY?? Q_Q
@@amikireicraftstore He played Pirelli
My honest reaction when I found out he voices Vox in the new Hazbin Hotel and was like “Oh shittt that’s Christian Borle from 2014 Sweeney Todd!!!” I was so surprised. Viv is truly a musical specialist
My honest reaction when I found out he voices Vox in the new Hazbin Hotel and was like “Oh shittt that’s Christian Borle from 2014 Sweeney Todd!!!” I was so surprised. Viv is truly a musical specialist
My honest reaction when I found out he voices Vox in the new Hazbin Hotel and was like “Oh shittt that’s Christian Borle from 2014 Sweeney Todd!!!” I was so surprised. Viv is truly a musical specialist
This has to be one the greatest stagings of an opening number ever in the history of Broadway musicals. That's all I have to say.
I really like Jay Armstrong Johnson as a very sweet Anthony.
The one dislike is Judge Turpin
The other 3 are Beadle Bamford, Daniel O'Higgins, and Tobias Ragg(reasonably so, of course).
@@michaelwilliamybarra2409 And now those two hapless patrons from the Johanna Quartet.
Why?
Also in case you didnt know, he is Javert in the Les Miz 10th Anniversary concert
litteral gooseumps. RIP Stephen Sondheim
One of the most amazing things I've seen for quite a while! Wow!
I absolutely adore the Brechtian elements of this number, and how the wrecking of the stage clearly displays the inherent anti-capitalist themes of the story
When you say “Brechtian elements” could you please elaborate on what this means, to someone who’s not invested in theatre terminology?
@@MrBurkistan Bertolt Brecht was a German playwright during the mid 20th century who invented the heavily political "epic theater". Crash Course did a great video on it if you want to learn more!
@@MrBurkistan Brecht was about breaking the fourth wall in the sense of making the audience aware they're watching a performance with actors. Like when an actor will change costumes on stage or a set change will happen with no blackout or smooth transition. Breaking the illusion of a totally fictional world that other shows may want to preserve.
Actually, since Sweeney is a murderer who eventually spoils everything around him, I'd say the show is against bitterness and entitlement, not Capitalism.
The opening floral shots are some of the finest BS ever to come out of Washington.
3:47, when Terfel drops the libretto. Brilliant! Cannot tell if that was the book or a spit sound.
i would give anything to have been there
this tutorial was incredibly informative and quite elaborate in practice. Thank you for uploading this, my eyes have been opened.
this opening got me so good
God, I love Sweeney Todd
Oh how I would LOVE to watch the whole performance.
I don’t know if you already found it or not but if you go to google and type “pbs arts Sweeney Todd” it’s the first link and you can watch it there (or download it if you want to save it)
@@TheCaffeinatedDragon thanks for tip. I got it. Looking forward to a good nights entertainment.
@@TheCaffeinatedDragonyou are lifesaver
How extraordinary.
Feral Emma Thompson can’t be resisted
2:40 just for my self, i love this version so much
I feel bad for the piano
Love this!
I LOVE THIS!
Incredible!!!
My boy Christian Borle ❤️❤️
INCREDIBLE. If anyone knows where we can see the whole production on film or streaming, I would happily pay for it.
i think PBS lost the licensing n so now u cant find it anywhere :/
@@ImNotOdd You sir, are fantastic! THANK YOU
대체 연출 누구야... 아주 칭찬해...
Please upload more from this production! Love it!
This is super late -- but here's the WHOLE production! ga.video.cdn.pbs.org/videos/lincoln-center/00a2c0b8-7da2-4c77-8d48-5ab140e9cd34/150765/hd-mezzanine-16x9/1e9d5075_lvlc3905_mezz16x9-16x9-mp4-2500k.mp4
@@ImNotOdd Holy mackerel, I cannot believe that link is still live but it is! Thanks for finding it.
1:25 - 6:00
2:34
ICOONCCCC EMMA THOMPSON NEEDS AN OSCAR
She has two!
That one guy didn't get the message about holding the book in his right hand
does anyone know what happened to the video of the whole show???
4:06 SHIVERS!
And now I miss that we never got Michael Lee Aday (Meatloaf) never doing Sweeney Todd. He would have been great.
Song starts at 2:30
Wow
where can i find the full video of this performance?
2:34 Sweeney tood “Opening” (Company)
Why ist the full Video not anymore on TH-cam? Is there anyone, who know, where this is to find?
th-cam.com/video/9Z-nIwAuh9g/w-d-xo.html
Does anyone have the London version of this production? I mean I love this cast but the London version has John Owen Jones and Katie Hall (favorites from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera) as Pirelli and Johanna (though that one also has Bryn, Emma, and Philip)
Oh, man. Imelda Staunton must have shone in this!
@@kell_checks_in I'm not talking about the Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball 2012 Sweeney Todd. I'm talking about this same production, except held in London. This video is Emma Thompson, Bryn Terfel and Philip Quast performing in New York with American performers. The trio reprised their roles in this same kind of production in London (where the other actors are different). I want to watch that one if they do have a recording because John Owen Jones and Katie Hall are there as Pirelli and Johanna respectively, while someone else played Pirelli and Johanna in this video.
I surprise to be sure. But a welcome one 😏
Good God, this was strangely Hilarious 😂💖
This is awesome
Where can I watch the entire video?!?!? Ugh
2:33
I am so confused.
Video starts at 2:35
So, when you tell jokes, you say the punchline first?
Is that Christian Borle??
Where can I watch this full play?
th-cam.com/video/9Z-nIwAuh9g/w-d-xo.html
Hey, did you notice that a lot of these lyrics rhyme.../
I like Bryn, but I so SO wanted Timothy Nolen to reprise the role of Sweeney. He in my opinion is the greatest Sweeney, but bryn pulled off a good performance
Both Mrs. Potts and Garderobe are here
4:40
Why did they remove the full performance again
ThePersianTenor I know right
ThePersianTenor no, really, why?? I hadn’t even gotten to finish all of it yet!
th-cam.com/video/RH2SCDoDX6U/w-d-xo.html
@@cecilie3090 Thank you!!! ^-^
Whoo Hooo!
An air horn instead of a whistle? With every clip of this show I find a new way they fucked it up. Poor Emma Thompson.
th-cam.com/video/RH2SCDoDX6U/w-d-xo.html here is the full concert
The only reason I disliked is so nothing would happen to this
What??
I’d love to have seen this production: Making an edgy show edgier.
Imo, this is an English opera
Only one Sweeney for me.. George Hearn.
So....don’t watch any others then... simple really....
And one Lovett for me: Angela Lansbury.
why does everything needs to be comedy? sure sweeney todd have comedy in it, but more subtle. This feels like i'm watching a mcu movie where they throw a joke every minute even if it's serious
This in particular was a concert, so the fact that they turned it into a version of the production was a surprise for the audience. That's why they did what they did. From then on out, it was the play.
They didn't joke around doing the actual revival lol. (Nevertheless I hate that production. Other reasons!)
I hated the actor who was Sweeney but man, this was such a brilliant opening.
weird
How someone with THAT terrible diction can get a lead role in such a big production is beyond me