Originally Posted by Karen 8th December 2006


Sondheim writes music that can be quite dark and foreboding. How do you feel about the music? How does it help to tell the story?

Have a fav musical number from the show?

Looking forward to hearing Johnny sing anything in particular?

Jesse


I love the music. Like all musicals the songs have to reflect the story or else it just won't work. The story of Sweeney Todd is not a cheerful, fun, family musical like say for instance 'Annie', 'Joseph', or 'The Sound Of Music', so the music and the songs have to be in keeping with the storyline. I think it's perfect. Right from the very first verse you can instantly get the feel of the whole musical...

Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd.
His skin was pale and his eye was odd.
He shaved the faces of gentlemen
Who never thereafter were heard of again.
He trod a path that few have trod,
Did Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

When it rises to a cresendo of...
Sweeny would blink and rats would scuttle.
Sweeny! Sweeney! Sweeney! Sweeney!
Sweeney!
...you think to yourself, "This is going to be good!"

My favourite number, I mentioned the other day, it's 'A Little Preist'. Johnny is going to have so much fun with this song. I can't wait to hear his evil laugh. Also, I'm just desperate to see what he does with this line of the song...

MRS LOVETT: Since marine doesn't appeal to you, 'ow about... rear admiral?
SWEENEY TODD: Too salty. I prefer general.
MRS LOVETT: With, or without his privates? "With" is extra.

:lol:

Karen


I like that it begins with "Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd"....rather gets your attention I think. Rather like the "You will not like me" opening of The Libertine. Then they go on to describe his physical appearance...yup...got my attention. It lets you know this is no ordinary "musical drama." Thank you Mr. Sondheim.

Jesse


I agree Karen, the most important lines are the opening lines.
It's also a little like the narrator in 'Joseph...'

But if by chance you are here for the night
Then all I need is an hour or two
To tell the tale of a dreamer like you ...

It leads you into the story and grabs your attention before the actual storyline itself begins. You know where you are, you've been given a brief character and story set-up all in a few verses...pure magic!

Herestoyou


I don't have the written words for the music in front of me, but I agree with all that's been said. That opening number is fantastic. When I first saw this on TV, I was expecting a typical musical along the lines of Oklahoma------was I surprised!! Anyway, I just love the words and music and can't wait to see how it all comes together on film.

In addition, the number with Mrs. Lovett/Sweeney and the pies is funny in a macabre way so can't wait to see Johnny in that one, too.

Nurseanne8


I agree with everyone about the opening Ballard of ST, I also look forward to the songs titled Johanna, Pretty Women, and By the Sea. I think the lyrics do a great job of presenting the "slasher" theme of the musical-and I really look forward to see how Tim and JD will handle the cutting of the throats and the blood. I look forward to all the numbers that JD will perform in the film.

Karen


I really do love By the Sea...it really defines where Mrs. Lovett is at..and what she wants..Sweeney!

Nurseanne8


Karen-I viewed the By the Sea song this am and it will be fun to see the seduction scenes between Mrs. Lovett and the bored uninterested Todd-JD's masterful use of his eyes and facial expressions will be a pleasure to behold.

Karen


Good point Anne, I can't wait to see what he does with this one as HBC can be quite off the wall...did anyone else love her in Fight Club?