Originally Posted by Karen 4th December 2006


Sweeney Todd. Johnny. Playing a gruesome murderer. Singing. Oh you know he's a happy camper. LOL


So, what about Johnny and Sweeney Todd are you most looking forward to? OK...besides the singing...lol What do you think about this?

Jesse


I have three things that I'm really waiting to see.

The first, obviously, is to hear Johnny sing. I can't wait to hear the very first verse. I know I will have a smile on my face that will stretch from ear to ear.

Secondly, I'm looking forward to see how Johnny presents the character of Sweeney Todd. In my mind I can see a character very similar in appearance to Ichabod Crane. Johnny always comes up with such amazing character interpretations, and this one will be no exception.

Lastly, I'm really looking forward to the song he sings with Mrs Lovett where she comes up with the idea for her pies. They discuss whether Priest tastes better than Bishop and the flavours of a whole manner of other occupations, but then, "Everybody goes down well with beer!" It's hilarious! I know Johnny will have immense fun with this song. His expressions will be a joy to behold.

Sparrowette


I do not know this story at all as I have never seen the broadway production or heard any of the music so for me it will be interesting to see the whole conception.

Of course like everyone else hear Johnny singing.

I want to see how Johnny portrays this character.

I want to see Tim Burton's vision and how he brings the film and characters to life.

What type of voice will Johnny use for this character.

I hope it will be a success for all involved.

Shadowdog


I can't wait to see Tim squirt Johnny with blood.. I, also, have never seen Sweeney Todd or heard the music. I keep debating if I want to see it before hand or wait for Tim's version, which I'm sure will be unique.

Karen


One of the things that I am interested in seeing is how Johnny captures this manical killer. We've seen him "do" Mort Rainey, but Sweeney Todd is a bit more challenging as a lot of his emotional rage must come from the music and the songs.

Good thoughts Jesse..." A little bit of Priest"...that song with Mrs. Lovett is brilliant! Here's a snippet from the most recent version from Amazon.com

3. A Little Priest

Listen Here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/...3137187-8172029

ReadinDeppth


OOooh. I love this topic. ****SPOILER WARNING*****

#1 - I want to see his physical appearance in the role of "Sweeney". He always has a pretty clear idea of how he wants to look in a part. His hair is fairly long and he's kept his Capt. Jack facial hair so I'm fairly sure that will be incorporated and keeping in mind the time period. Maybe rather like Inspector Abeline in "From Hell." (I loved that look)

#2. The songs, of course, will be the key point here for a lot of us. I'm particularly looking forward to the "pie" song, and the song about the people of the world being full of ----. I can't remember the titles at the moment. I think he'll have a great deal of emotion with that one as well.

#3. The end when, well, I don't really want to spoil the end for those who haven't seen or heard the play, but he makes a discovery at the end and it has to be really emotional. I want to see how he works with that. Len Carou was nearly sobbing on the CD.

I can't wait. Does anyone know when they are going to start the recording sessions? I know it's sometime in December (at least I think that's what I heard).

Jesse

I agree Holly. The end has to be really emotionally played out. Will he keep a straight, stern looking face and glaze his eyes as if in deep shock or will he let his emotions really go wild?

When you think about it, he's going to have to wade through a river of emotions in this - from anger and hatred to the love of his daughter and the intense emotional ending to the comedic touch of the song I mentioned above. It could be a bit of rollercoaster ride for Johnny, but I'm sure he'll enjoy every moment.

Nurseanne8


I also look forward to seeing JD tackle a musical genre, I also am very curious as to how Tim and the crew will weave a movie out of such a popular theatre production-I feel that JD will be able to effectively deliver the range of emotions and the challenge of delivering the emotions while singing fascinates me. I look forward to the sets that Tim will create-the DVD was rather plain and it will be fun to see what Tim and his crew create. A very different production from the Pirates but it will be awesome to see what unfolds.

Herestoyou


As with any role of Johnny's, I hope I'll be surprised. He has that gift of using his expressions so well with his characters which I'm looking forward to. I also can't wait to hear his duets with Mrs. Lovett so the singing will be exciting.

***SPOILER ALERT****

I especially will be looking forward to the way he plays the part when Sweeney decides that he doesn't just want revenge on the judge, but everyone. I saw the production with Hearn and thought he did a great job, but I get the feeling that Johnny will be great doing this scene.

I think that Sweeney will be presented in a way that you have sympathy for him, somewhat like Mort. I'm wondering if Tim will elaborate on the background of Sweeney before he was convicted and sent to prison. I'm just guessing here, but I'm curious if Johnny will be able to draw the audience in a sympathetic way.

Irish1967


OK - haven't finished the whole book, but am close. Also, haven't gotten the DVD or CD from the library yet, so I am basing this entirely on the description in the book...

In the introduction, Sweeney Todd is described as a "heavy-set, saturnine man in his forties..." I am looking forward to see how Johnny / Tim picture him and thus portray him. I didn't know what saturnine meant, so I looked it up and assume that this definition applies...

saturnine (adj.) Melancholy or sullen.


which I can definitely picture.

As far as the singing goes, I have three assumptions as to Johnny's singing talent. First, his band had enough local success that they felt that they could take the risk to pack it up and move from Florida to California - that implies a certain amount of musical talent, or they would have flopped from the get-go. Second, I think that Johnny is "savvy" (like that Pirates reference?) to pick and choose roles that he can succeed at (his definition of success, no one elses), but I don't see him pursuing the role if he couldn't sing. Third, I would hope that Vanessa would have a say in it and as a professional singer, wouldn't let Johnny pursue a role in which he would fail.

Ellen


I agree except for the part about Vanessa. I kind of think Johnny does what Johnny wants to do. He may bounce ideas off of her, but I don't think she has a say in what he does. He seems like a pretty smart guy. I also don't think Johnny looks at something he's interested in as a possible failure. I don't think any actor does.

Karen

I believe they are rehearsing now without Johnny, I suspect things could get rolling after the holidays.

And I have a feeling that he could have a look similar to Abberline as well! yippee

And as far as his *discovery*...yes it's a heartwrenching moment on stage, I can only being to imagine what he will bring to that moment.

Karen

That's a really good question and one that I too am wondering about. He has such a way with his characters, helping the audience find something about them that they can sympathize with or at least feel something for....

Karen

Yup.... I think "sullen" is a look that Johnny can capture beautifully!

Johnny also appears to be drawn to roles that make him stretch as an actor, roles that make him go along a different path.

As far as Vanessa, I have to agree with Ellen on this one. And while she is successful in Europe she is more of a pop singer. The role of Sweeney Todd is completely different and requires legitimate vocal training. But we have to think that she will be proud of his performance.