Best Sweeney I've ever seen!
by Kimkelly on 8/21/11Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace - Oakbrook TerraceTruly the best show I've seen in a long time. The talent is unbelievable and the staging is remarkable! A must see!
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Truly the best show I've seen in a long time. The talent is unbelievable and the staging is remarkable! A must see!
A person could see performances of "Sweeney Todd" a hundred times and there will always be that something that remains absolutely riveting. Drury Lane's production of "Sweeney Todd" hews closely to the melodramatic Grand Guignol sensibilities of the words and music: emotions are heightened, blood gushes and spurts, the unfortunate are dispatched with grisly efficiency, and gallows humor abound, as seen especially in Liz McCartney's Mrs. Lovett. But there is also a heretofore unseen subtlety in multiple-Tony nominee Gregg Edelman's Sweeney, which, while it may take some getting used to, unwittingly brings us closer to the demon barber. Thoroughly professional; brilliantly executed all across the board; and at its root, one of the best-told stories in the history of musical theatre, one that will alternately leave you laughing and reverently hushed, often within the space of a few seconds.
I have seen many musicals over the past 5 years. I've had a subscription to "Broadway in Chicago" since 2006. Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane was phenomenal! If you have seen the movie or the production that came along to Chicago a few years ago, this production is so much funnier and more entertaining. They play up the comic relief all throughout the musical which is great considering how dark the musical is in contrast. The best of black comedies, Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney and the Beggar Woman are perfect. The scenery is absolutely phenomenal! The perfect mix of eerie, comedy, and irony, you must see this production! Out of the dozens and dozens of musical productions I have seen, Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane is easily in the top 2 productions I have seen. As a huge lover of "Les Miserables" the fact that this production competes with the 25th Anniversary Production is a marvel. I can not emphasize enough: You MUST see this! I am already going back to see this show a second time and I am bringing more of my friends and family. The tickets are a bargain for an evening of (murder and) musical delight. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
I attended a preview performance, so the cast and crew were still working out all the kinks! (being a theatre major myself, I understand this process....I think some of the audience members didn't, especially the rude group behind me.)The show ran very smoothly, despite a few missed cues, set problems and some flubbed lines. But, I would recommend this show to anyone. The staging and set is fantastic! I loved the projections and the barber chair. I still get chills thinking about how far the actors had to fall. The actors were also having fun with their roles, which is great to see! I think there are many ways to portray the character of Sweeney Todd, and Gregg Edelman gave his Sweeney a very quiet, evil sort of Aura which is even scarier than an over the top Sweeney. He and Liz were a great duo as Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett! The finale was fantastic, my pulse was racing and I've seen the show many times. Just a quick reminder - This is the musical staging, not the movie staging ( I feel that the musical staging is far superior to the movie, but anyway...). It is longer, the characters are portrayed differently and there are more songs. If you loved the movie, keep these differences in mind and enjoy the show as The musical, not The movie. Overall, it was a great night and I would love to see the show again once it officially opens!
I am not a fan of DARK plays and this one id definitely dark. The singing was good but very hard to understand the words. Overall the play was fair and I beleive designed for a special audience. I don't believe the general public will appreciate it.
A superb production of a remarkable play. From the raising of the curtain to the curtain call you will be spellbound. The cast can only be referred to as perfectly 'accomplished'. The timing and execution was sheer perfection! The voices performing Sondheim's work will enter your soul and captivate you from the first note sung. This is an 'on the edge of your seat' performance. In attending this production you will not soon forget the brilliance of the production: the direction, the sets, the orchestra, the sound, the costumes, or the lighting. Professionalism through and through. I assure you that you will notice! We tend to take these things for granted while focusing on the principals - who are to be commended, by the way. Highly recommended if you are looking for something out of the ordinary...not your typical musical - the subject is compelling if you are intrigued by the dark and sinister. This production of Sweeny Todd certainly accomplishes this.
Worth the money. The show kept your interest. The props were very real looking even down to the blood shed. The performers did a great job.
Very strong cast!! Great production! Wish it weren't so awfully hot, though. :)
Of all the performances I've seen of Sweeny Todd (I've seen many) this was by far the best! I loved the whole cast, and they're acting was incredible. Chris McCarrell playing "Anthony" was the best I've seen yet! I loved this show!
The play, the cast, the music, the stage, the venue, it all was wonderful! I would highly recommend this to anyone! Sweeney is a favorite of mine!
The show was incredible. The cast was mesmerizing, showcasing their strong voices and acting abilities. One particular character, Tobias, played by Max Joseph had a real stretch taking on the humor of his role in the beginning of the show to the frightening psycho at the end. The Director should be commended for his casting and execution.