Michael Ball & Imelda Staunton Led SWEENEY TODD Headed to West End & Broadw

[Rob]

Click Here to Read Michael Ball & Imelda Staunton Led SWEENEY TODD Headed to West End & Broadway?

[givesmevoice]

I almost don't even care that we just had a revival. I'd really love to see Staunton's Mrs. Lovett.

[frogs_fan85]

Yes, please.

[qolbinau]

Argh, this is the revival I wanted reunite Mandy and Bernadette

http://broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1025843

and

http://mesa.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=995481&boardid=1

Although I am completely satisfied seeing Bernadette in NIGHT MUSIC and FOLLIES now and realise Mandy isn't very popular so I'm willing to lay this tired, ridiculous fanboy request to rest (although I can't wait for the replacement discussions!!).

I don't think 2013 (which I assume is the earliest it could come after the West end transfer) would be too early from the last revival.....8 years is a while, and the film etc.

[E.Davis]

Yes, I do not like Ball but I have liked what I have seen from him in this.

Also Staunton is AMAZING at everything.

[Jordan Catalano]

I'm all for it if it'll wipe the memory of that last horrendous revival out of my mind.

[kec]

Saw this a couple of weeks ago -- amazing production, Michael Ball & Imelda Staunton were outstanding.

[qolbinau]

There are some good reviews on the west end board. Apparently it's set in the 1940s/WW2 though? Which is a bit puzzling.

[Michael Bennett]

Also the possibility they could bring this to BAM for a limited run

[givesmevoice]

Argh, this is the revival I wanted reunite Mandy and Bernadette

Pretty sure neither of them could handle the show vocally at this point in their careers.

[bjh2114]

Pretty sure neither of them could handle the show vocally at this point in their careers.

This, but also Mandy has never had a low enough range to be able to sing the role.

[Jordan Catalano]

And Sweeney isn't supposed to sound like a goat, I'm pretty sure.

[theatreguy]

Which of Lovett's songs could Peters not handle?

[givesmevoice]

And Sweeney isn't supposed to sound like a goat, I'm pretty sure.

When my local petting zoo put on a production, a goat played Sweeney. A lamb played Johanna and, in a pretty risky move, a ram played Mrs. Lovett.

[kec]

It's set in Pre-WW 2 London. I thought it worked quite well.

[jo]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2057405/BAZ-BAMIGBOYE-So-ate-pies-Well-wasnt-Sweeney-Todds-Michael-Ball.html


>> Ball had to beg to be auditioned for Hairspray; and he pursued Stephen Sondheim until he was given permission to play Sweeney.

In fact, the composer saw the show last Friday and delayed his return to the U.S. to see it a second time. I understand he considers the Chichester Sweeney to be a landmark production and would like it, and its two stars, to go to New York.<<<

An endorsement from Mr. Sondheim himself for a Broadway transfer - can't get any better than that!

[qolbinau]

"Which of Lovett's songs could Peters not handle?"

The only problems (which I realise would be detrimental) I could imagine are maybe a lack of stamina through the quick "Worst Pies" or maybe even not having the stamina necessary to get through the whole show in general (I have no idea though, I'm just imagining). In NIGHT MUSIC her "Glamorous life" if I remember correctly was a lot slower than how Zeta-Jones performed it, do you think it was because she couldn't sing it quickly? (I mean, I imagine it to be a similar thing to Worst Pies).


I don't think she lacks the raw vocal ability to sing the songs though (see: FOLLIES).

Glad I'm not the only one who suggested Bernadette for this revival in the past, though :P

http://broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1006693&boardname=&boardid=1

[best12bars]

Bernadette screen-tested for the movie and didn't get it.

So did Imelda, actually.

[kec]

I think the Daily Mail is off on the time frame when Sondheim was there -- I think he was there the 21st not the 28th.

[best12bars]

Fraudulent!

[EponineAmneris]

I hope this transfer happens

[The Distinctive Baritone]

If it is true that Peters auditioned fir the movie and didn't get it, then I like the movie a little less now.

I'm all for this 1940's Sweeney. We have enough 1800's versions. And if Sondheim is indeed the modern Shakespeare, mankind will be seeing all sorts of productions over the centuries! I'd like to see a modern dress production...but you know, with a proper set and orchestra.

[AC126748]

Staunton is the ideal Mrs. Lovett--warmly comic, yet genuinely chilling. If you go to that site, you can hear her singing "The Worst Pies in London," and it's fantastic. I had forgotten that she was seen for the film; that would have been great casting, but I guess it all comes down to whether or not you're doing the director in this case. According to IMDb, Toni Collette, Annette Bening, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Cyndi Lauper all wanted the role, as well.

[Reginald Tresilian]

Not that I'd want a Patinkin Sweeney, but isn't Michael Ball a tenor as well?

And re non-Victorian settings, the John Doyle was what? Late 50s, early 60s?

Anyway, I'd love to see this production! I've never seen Staunton onstage, and frankly I'd take a new production of this show every couple of years.

How about this in rep with the recent Paris production?

[jo]

Michael Ball has clarified in an interview that his voice is classified as a high baritone.

[Reginald Tresilian]

Ah, interesting.

I actually am kind of tired of the standard "Sweeney sound." I saw Cerveris early in the run, and he wasn't doing it. But by the time the recording happened, he was all hollow and rumbly sounding. To my ear, anyway.