Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)
Free Music Review: A Very Respectable "Sweeney"
Hit: 5 Stars
To begin with, this is easily the best Broadway score of the last half-century. There have been many complaints about this extremely well-reviewed revival of the Sondheim classic, some of it deserved and some of it not. In fact, this Original Cast Recording is probably the best result of the revival, with some reservations. Unfortunately, the decision was made to eliminate most of the second act songs to fit on one CD. Nonesuch Records inexplicably found themselves with too much music for one CD, so they released a 2-CD set that has more than enough room for the missing numbers. Sadly, some of Sarah Travis' best orchestrations (for which she deservedly won a Tony Award) are missed, and since the show and performers gained momentum as the production progressed there are moments to cherish that were not recorded.
All of that said, this is still an exquisite recording, with many classic performances. To start with, the sound is pristine and lush, a happy and welcomed quality to any cast recording. Michael Cerveris is a bit severe and over-the-top at times as Sweeney, and Patti Lupone's typical bouyancy seems muted. Still, both actor-singers bring subtlety and virtuousity to their roles (seeing Lupone on stage in this revival is a once in a lifetime thing - her rendition of "By the Sea", both on stage and recording, is a delightful mix of the comic and the melacholy). A mention must be made about Ms. Lupone -while she has her detractors, her performance on this CD may very well be her best. The subtle underplaying sparked with her usually "bright" comic timing make for a contrast that gives her character complexities that a less accomplished performer would not have begun to understand. She sounds glorious, and how she lost the Tony Award will always be a mystery. Other pros who do their best are the thrilling Diana DiMarzio as the best "Beggar Woman" in history, the subtle yet intense Manoel Feliciano as a touching "Tobias" and the exquisite Lauren Molina as possibly the most emotionally resonent "Johanna" on record.
Initially, this would have earned a 4-star review only for the missing songs, but what's there is so glorious (and so high above almost anything on Broadway now or since 1979) it gets the 5 stars. I had reservations before I listened to it, but I now realize it stands level-clear with that 1979 cast recording. Everyone involved should be proud of their work, as nothing like this will likely pass Broadway again in the near future.
Free Music Review: Finally, a musical that's on par with Phantom of the Opera!
Hit: 5 Stars
This revival is fantastic! I'm serious: buy this CD and listen to the score until you start to memorize it. I almost didn't buy it because of the negative reviews. You know how amazing Phantom of the Opera is, well this is just as amazing. Patti Lupone is outstanding, though some may say that she sounds bad, I disagree. It's just the way her voice is. This is the first musical that I've become obsessed with that's actually AS GOOD AS PHANTOM!!!!Free Music Review: A Little Too Small but Ingenueously Done
Hit: 4 Stars
Though I like this recording, Patti Lupone is terrific as are most of the ensemble. It's nice to be able to hear and appreciatte every Sondheim lyric, but don't care for Michael Cerveris's over the top, mannered performance. And definitely miss the full grandness of the original, which I saw several times. No one can top Angela Lansbury, Lupone wisely doesn't attempt to emulate her, and the hugeness of it was part of what made it so grand and creepy.
Excellent interpretation, and the cast playing multiple roles AND being the orchestra, is a refreshing stroke of brilliance. Amazing what can be done in the theater!!!
Free Music Review: Satisfying Sweeney
Hit: 4 Stars
We saw the stage production in New York June 8th and this
cast recording brought back all the strange events that
happen during the production. It is dark and bloody but
the actors staging draws you into the midst of each scene.
What a joy to experience that same feeling again.
Free Music Review: I don't think Sweeney can be done any other way
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw this show not knowing much about Sweeney at all. I only knew a few of the songs. I was blown away when I saw it during previews. I saw it two more times after that night. The show is an amazing, exciting, and scary experience. Patti loses that crazy but loveable Mrs. Lovett that Angela Lansbury gave us and becomes a scary, mean, and manipulative Mrs. Lovett. Michael Cerveris gives a spine chilling portrayal of Sweeney Todd. The CD captures the experiecnce that one gets while watching it in the theater. the Orchestrations are wonderful and the cast is superb.
The only down fall to this CD is the lose of the track "City on Fire" which was one of the most amazing songs to watch performed on stage.
This Sweeney is worth the buy and is worth the 100 dollars to see on stage. This is a stage event that should not be missed and will go down in history and one of the best revivals to ever hit the Broadway Stage.