Sweeney Re-Invented

Over the weekend I bought the cast album for the new revival of "Sweeney Todd" with Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris.

I LOVED it!!!

The chamber-like accompaniment of the 10 actor/musicians lends an exquisitely haunting beauty to that score that I don't think has ever been realized. I listened to it several times and it is really a thrilling version.

Patti LuPone's subdued vocals allows her to sensuously caress all those lyrics - even the usually blustery "The Worst Pies In London" is re-defined. And her readings of "Wait" and "By the Sea" are breathtaking. I think she puts the most definitive spin on that role since Angela Lansbury's original creation. The rest of the cast is equally stunning, especially Michael Cerveris' Sweeney and Manoel Feliciano's Tobias. The Act I Quartet ("Kiss Me", "Ah, Miss", "Ladies In Their Sensitivities", "The Name is Todd") and "Joanna" trio in Act II are glorious!

Can't wait to see it on stage!

Rg