I knew band camp would pay off...

Last night I went to see Sweeney Todd at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and I can now officially cross Patti Lupone off my "must see on Broadway" list! (I've seen her in concert a number of times, but never in a Broadway show.)

Michael Cerveris (he won a Tony for Assassins) plays Sweeney, Mark Jacoby plays Judge Turpin, Tobias is played by Manoel Felciano, Pirelli is played by a woman, Donna Lynne Champlin, The Beadle is played by Alexander Gemignani, Jonas Fogg is played by John Arbo, Anthony is played by Benjamin Magnuson, Johanna is played by Lauren Molina and the Beggar Woman is played by Diana Dimarzio.

This unique incarnation of Sondheim's masterpiece uses only 10 performers who sing, act, and play all the musical instruments on stage. So, next to the characters names are the different instruments they play. For example, Patti Lupone plays Mrs. Lovett as well as Tuba, Orchestra Bells, and Percussion. Manoel Felciano plays the violin, clarinet and keyboard. It really is quite incredible to hear these amazing singers play so beautifully, and often while moving and acting.

This Sweeney production was brilliantly directed and designed by John Doyle. It really is quite exquisite. The cast is amazing -- singing, acting, and playing instruments in an intricately orchestrated and choreographed flow, producing a cohesive musical tapestry. Of course Patti and Michael are in fine vocal form as are the whole cast, and Patti has wonderful comedic timing. She is a more sensual than Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Lovett, and I loved her jet black hair and fish net stockings! Despite minimal sets, the story is easy to follow.

The only thing is, I wasn't really scared. When I watched the DVD of Sweeney Todd with Angela Lansbury and George Hearn, I was scared (and a little freaked out to be honest). And, I felt a lot of compassion for Sweeney and rooted for him. Michael Cerveris' Sweeney is intense, but I never really felt for him. And, although I am blown away by the actors playing the instruments, it distanced them from us, a wee bit. Of course to be fair, the Lansbury/Hearn production had much more elaborate sets, complete with barber chair with trap door, and big ovens.

So don't quit those tuba lessons kiddies!

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