Sweeney Todd in Concert

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Starring: George Hearn
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Lonny Price
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: 2002-05-14
Running Time: 150 minutes
This delicious production of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," a musical thriller of revenge and romance set in Victorian England, features Broadway diva Patti LuPone as Mrs. Lovett and veteran stage actor George Hearn in the title role. Premiering in 1979, the legendary "Sweeney Todd"--winner of nine New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and eight Tony Awards--is recorded with the San Francisco Symphony as conducted by Rob Fisher.

Now a major motion picture directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp! Opens in theaters December 21, 2007

Absolutely Incredible! Will bring tears to your eyes.
I cannot even say how much I love this DVD. The staging, with the orchestra on the stage mixed with the chorus and soloists, is amazing. The lighting and the minimal set and props fit in so well with the character of of the musical that you can't imagine it set any other way.

I have a friend who has played in the pit for Sweeney many times. He saw this DVD and I asked him his opinion. He said he was in tears watching it. I replied that I understood, the ending is really emotionally overwhelming. He said, "The ending! I couldn't get through the first half!" This DVD is that good.

If you've seen the recent movie, you owe it to yourself to see this raw, barren, yet totally sophisticated version. You owe it to yourself to hear it sung by professional singers and played by a great orchestra! See it and hear it as Sondheim intended.

...More Than a Concert
This was an amazing purchase. It is quite possibly the best version of Sweeney I have ever seen, and I've seen many. Patti is always a powerhouse vocalist, and her sexy eccentric portrayal of the kooky Mrs. Lovett alone is reason enough to purchase the DVD. Hearn didn't really do it for me in the Broadway version, but in this version he overflows with pride & love for the show and his title role, which makes his performance a joy to watch. The supporting cast and musicians are excellent. The only thing that may raise an eyebrow to those unwilling to suspend their disbelief is the aged faces of the young lovers (and Tobias, sry Neil). This performance goes about as far as a concert can without being a fully staged musical. Brilliant

Amazing Performance
Sweeney Todd in Concert is a stunning performance of Sondheim's greatest work. The only thing better than this DVD would be to have seen it live in San Francisco. George Hearn is brilliant and has eclipsed his stellar performance in the touring show of Sweeney Todd, some 20 or more years ago. As to Davis Gaines as Anthony - no one could sing that role better. Patty Lupone tackles Mrs. Lovitt with unequaled technique. But most importantly, this is the only venue in which to hear Sweeney Todd performed by a symphony orchestra...that alone makes this DVD a superior value and an absolute favorite for anyone's collection. Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!!!

Sweeney Todd in Concert
I love this musical and have copies of all of the productions that are available. In this case, I was present for the concert and had fabulous seats. I enjoyed it then but didn't enjoy watching again. The reason for that was the artifically young look of George Hearn. Between his face lift and orange hair he looks like a bad copy of himself. The singing is great, but I would recommend the original verson or the new movie over this one.

A Fully Satisfying Production
This paired-down, yet inventive, staging of "Sweeney Todd" actually enhances the excellence of Sondheim's musical score. The intelligent use of lighting suggests horror rather than hitting the audience in the face with it. Without the distractions of fake blood and trap-doors, the viewer is able to focus on the outstanding performances of the cast. George Hearn may be twenty years older, but his acting, which is phenomenal, makes up for any of the former fulness that might be missing from his voice. Patty Lupone presents a far darker Mrs. Lovett than Angela Lansbury did, but her characterization clears up some of the ambiguities of motivation that were present in her predecessor's trademark interpretation; Lupone's powerful voice blends well with Hearn's. Neil Patrick Harris was pleasantly surprising in the role of Toby, and the voices of the supporting characters, Anthony, Johanna, Lucy, Judge Turpin, the Beadle, Pirelli, are simply splendid.