— Charles McNulty
March 14, 2008
March 14, 2008
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Sweeney Todd
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Mrs. Lovett (Judy Kaye, left) conspires with the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (David Hess) in "Sweeney Todd."
John Doyle's Tony-winning chamber version, in which the acting company doubles as the band, distills the essence of what makes Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's macabre love child an un-categorizable masterpiece. No, the cavernous Ahmanson isn't the most hospitable environment for such a minimalist staging, but Judy Kaye delivers a fiendishly incandescent Mrs. Lovett.
Through Apr. 6 Sundays: 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays: 8 p.m. Wednesdays: 8 p.m. Thursdays: 8 p.m. Fridays: 8 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. 8 p.m. Price: $25-$90 Box office: 213-628-2772
Reader Reviews
April 14, 2008
Kate West Los Angeles, CAThe cast is strong, but there are some odd casting choices, such as Pirelli being played by a woman, and while it is interesting that every cast member plays a musical instrument, it is also a gimmick that steals some richness from the original piece and plays more like a stylistic concert version of a multi-layered musical. The actors literally play out to the audience and don’t make eye contact with each other or connect, leaving us disconnected. The essential horrific barber chair is missing and the blood and gore is representational. The violence is so stylized that it distills the intensity we should feel. The music is still Sondheim great, but the stories don't always come across. Every relationship, from the dueling barbers to Anthony pursuing Johanna and Todd grimacing with the Judge would be better served with more interaction between the players.www.katewestreviews.com April 6, 2008
Dary West Hollywood, CA This is one of the best musicals of the past thirty years. Musically and lyrically it is a stunning example of American musical theater. And despite some shaky vocals at times (surprisingly by Sweeney at times) this production is so unique and engaging that it really shouldn't be missed. I'm not sure where the idea that this is a "big" production comes from. Sure that's what it was during it's first few runs, but why denigrate this astounding re-imagining by Doyle? It's quite brilliant in my opinion. And Judy Kaye is pretty fantastic. Go see it already. April 5, 2008
Kermit Long Beach, CA I scarcely got a chill from the back row of the Ahmanson. A real snore and I left at intermission to as to not scar the memories of three superior productions I have experienced. I now know to not attend Doyle's staging of "Company" if it ever comes to town. Oh, the horror! Write a review | Read more reviews Current, Upcoming
May. 22 - Jul. 6 The national tour of Michael Bennett's enduring Pulitzer- and Tony-winning tale of Broadway's chorus dancers makes its way to L.A. |
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