Originally Posted by Karen 12th December 2006

SPOILER ALERT....


Tobias is an interesting character in the story that Sondheim's musical/drama is telling us.

What do you think of him, and what he says?

Nurseanne8


Tobias appears to be dimwitted but he is not-he sees the evil presence in ST. I believe that Tobias falls in love with Mrs. Lovett and is driven to protect her from evil-ST. When he spots Pirelli's purse he figures out Pirelli's fate and fears for Mrs. Lovett's safety. When Toby slits ST's throat he is getting revenge for the murder of Pirelli and Mrs. Lovett-but he ends up restrained in the madhouse-does anybody believe his fantastic tale of ST? apparently not. Tobias sets the tone for the tale of ST-he has an improtant part in the production-wonder who Burton will select for this character?

Karen


You are right, Tobias IS an important character in this story. Do you think he fell in love, or was he perhaps looking for a mother figure? Just wondering.

I can't wait to see who gets this role, while it appears simple, it's complex and the story turns to it's end on the actions of Tobias.

Herestoyou


In the production I saw with Angela Lansbury, I took it as Mrs. L being a mother figure to Tobias. Yes, he does appear dim-witted at first, but as was mentioned, becomes very important in the last act of the play. Yes, I wonder if Burton will look for a more "unknown" actor for this part.

Karen

Any thoughts on someone you all would like to play Tobias?

Nurseanne8


I think the love Tobias feels is a mixture of love for a mother figure and the love between a male and female. He shows the desire to protect as a son and also shows jealously that exists in a love triangle in the lines of the "nothing will harm you song". I have no casting suggestions-it will be a challenging role and a very important one to the production-I see Tobias as the one who essentially tells the story and is it from the viewpoint of a madman or a dimwitted man who is unable to tell the truth due to lack of intelligence-a role JD would excel in if he were not cast as ST-the character could be any age really.

Herestoyou


To be honest, I can't really think of someone to cast in that part. I've enjoyed some work I've seen from Elijah Wood post LOTRings.

Karen

That's sure a good suggestion!