[.ca] Sweeney Todd in Concert

From Amazon.com:
The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra's 2001 concert production of Stephen Sondheim's witty shocker is musically superb and (even without scenery) theatrically effective. The performers are in costume and use a few essential props such as Todd's razor, but more than these details the quality of their singing and acting makes this production stand out. It looks like a final seal of approval at the end when Sondheim comes out, smiling, to take a bow. Sweeney Todd evokes a special balance of horror and comedy because injustice, revenge, and cannibalism are the subjects of its grisly humor, balanced with moments of romantic idealism. George Hearn in the title role and Patti LuPone as the enterprising, utterly amoral pie seller Mrs. Lovett are both brilliant, with an excellent supporting cast. Members of the orchestra are occasionally seen behind the action, but frequent, effective close-up shots of the singers generate a dramatic atmosphere. --Joe McLellan

Absolutely Brilliant:
This recording was my first exposure to the masterpiece that is "Sweeney Todd," and I was absolutely blown away. First off, you have that score, that glorious Sondheim score. Almost entirely sung through, "Sweeney" is one of the few musicals where I wouldn't remove a single song, and the operatic voices in this concert coupled with the huge orchestra highlight Sondheim's brilliance perfectly. The group numbers are especially effective, and the six-part harmony in the Act II opener "God, That's Good" will make your eyes bug out. And the actors!!! They are all amazingly talented, have divine voices, and have an incredible grasp on the complex characters. Twenty years after replacing Len Cariou on Broadway, George Hearn proves he still has what it takes to make an amazing Sweeney. If anything, the added years have made his performance even stronger than it was on the '82 video recording, and his voice hasn't weakened one bit. Another real find is Neil Patrick Harris (who knew the ex-Dougie Houser was a tenor?), who earned Sondheim's seal of approval as "the definitive Tobias." Watching this performance will prove the platitude is not wasted. Harris is instantly charming from the moment he takes stage, and the Act II ballad "Not While I'm Around" will break your heart. He sings it with such emotion and a crystal-clear tenor voice that your heart will immediately go out to him, and the song is one of the highlights of this uniformly excellent DVD. However, for me "Sweeney Todd" has and will always be about Mrs. Lovett, and Patti LuPone's performance delivers in spades. Now, don't get me wrong, Angela Lansbury's performance in the original cast is irreplaceable, but LuPone comes in a very close second. The vocal pyrotechnics she brings to the role outshine almost all of the cast, and she belts out her songs with a feiry gutso that is utterly captivating. She knocks her two big solos ("The Worst Pies in London" and "By the Sea") out of the park, and along with Hearn is so utterly charming and entertaining you can't help but rooting for the murdering, revenge-seeking duo. Granted, Mrs. LuPone lacks a bit of the subtlety Lansbury brought to the role, but at the same time Mrs. Lovett is so much larger than life it hardly matters. To make a long story short, BUY THIS DISC. Overall, this is my preferred recording of Sondheim's operatic masterpiece, although the '82 version is also essential due the presence of Angela Lansbury. Musical theatre fans better start saving, because now there are two essential versions of "Sweeney" to own.

Not as good as the '82 version:
Because it's a concert, you lose some of the visual aid that helps the story come to life. The costumes definitely help- particularly for Sweeney and the Beadle. Overall, I enjoyed watching this concert because I like the music a lot. But if you're only going to buy one version of this, get the '82 production with Angela Lansbury. Patti Lupone's interpretation of Mrs. Lovett was almost too sinister, too sensual. She was really unlikeable. Neil Patrick Harris was surprisingly good. My only problem with him is that he looked a little too old (perhaps costume might have helped here too)and too wise. Maybe it is because he is so tall.. Overall, I just got the feeling that there was something missing. It felt too serious and I felt that when the audience laughed, it wasn't because they were laughing at Lupone's great delivery, rather it was because they knew a funny line was coming so they laughed courteously. If you're a true Sweeney Todd fan, you should have this as part of your collection. Otherwise, stick to the '82 version.

I loved it. . . .:
Having read all of the comments on this DVD I just felt like I had to put in my oar. I loved this version to me dispite the lack of costumes or props this is the prefect version. I loved George Hearn in the role of Sweeney. Neil Patrick Harris was cute and so pathtic. But the real star in this show for me was Patti Lupone in the role of Mrs. Lovett, she was very funny and her voice is wonderful. I saw the other version but it didn't really hold up for me. The thing i really loved about the virsion is that pretty much every one (well not Joanna) was a good actor, and it is a joy to watch them.

George Hearn does a bloody good job 2. time around!!:
This is a very well staged Concert production of Sondheims Sweeney Todd and really proves that music and characters are so strong that no opulent scenery or costumes are needed. Gerorge Hearn reprises the role as Sweeney and is once again brilliant and Patti luPone are great as Mrs. lowett... but.. She isn't Angela Lansbury and this dvd-version will have great competition when the Hearn/Lansbury DVD of Sweeney Todd is released. But why not have both.. ?? *SS*

For True Entertainment:
I have seen all three versions, Harold Prinze whom introduced it to me personally when he did the 1982 version, but this new version slightly different lacking a set, but only adding to your appreciation of the talent your watching . Order it ...........You won't regret it !