[deedlebug103]

Hi everyone!

I was just cast as Johanna, my first lead role, in my community theater's production of Sweeney! The problem is, that I don't know very much about the character or the show I haven't gotten my script yet, and I am dying to know: other than "Green Finch and Linnet Bird" what does Johanna do? I she in a good bit of the show?

Thanks!

[Sweeney Hyde]

Congradulations!

She is in a good bit of it yes.

She sings with Anthony in "Kiss Me" as well as the quartet that is made up of The Beadle, Turpin, Anthony, and Johanna. She also sings in Sweeney's version of "Johanna" in the second act, as well as a few of "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd"s.

Oh yes.

You get to shoot a man too.

[sunshinekate]

Woo Congratulations! It's a great show... and a great part! Plus first lead roles are always fun

[Holly]

[Sweeney Hyde]

[Salome]

the trick is not ot play her as a willowy ingenue. she is also a bit insane from being help captive by her guardian for 17 years.

[deedlebug103]

Yes! I definitely don't want to be a boring Johanna.

[BubbaDan]

First of all Congrats!!!!

To me casting Johanna is the most important part.
I know people think that Sweeney Or Mrs Lovett would be but nope.
Johanna is the whole PURPOSE of the show. If it wasn't for her, there would be no need for the show at all. If you really think about it.

Johanna may be a bit eccentric but not crazy. She is desperate to get out of her "Cage" as she says
"My cage has many rooms, Damask and dark.
Nothing there sings, Not even my lark. Larks never will, you know,
When they're captive. Teach me to be more adaptive."
She is trying to deal with her fate. However at the first chance to GET OUT she takes it.
Does she LOVE Anthony? Sure - for now. I think she THINKS she loves him, but in reality, she sees him as an escape, and grabs it.

Every show I have seen (except the last revival) plays her as a dumb blonde - No way is she dumb, she is cunning and smart - and a bit manipulative to say the least. But dumb? no way.

Everyone is ST is simply out for survival - except Sweeney who is out for justice - or revenge whichever way you look at it. And I guess you could say that is survival too.

I am directing this show at the end of the season, so I have put a lot of thought into this show. They are not characters. They are PEOPLE.
With real emotions, needs, wants and desires. That is what makes it so frightening - they could all be US.

[Kaiana]

[deedlebug103]

Thanks for all of the advice so far! I definitely don't want this character to come off as a shallow, 2-dimensional person. Many people play her as naive and innocent--She IS young and has been quite sheltered, but I also LOVE the idea of playing her as "cunning and smart."