[Mistress]

I've discovered at least a couple poeople on here looking into the stage show after being exposed to the film in some way. I thought I'd set up this thread to help them. We can post information, Youtube links to good clips, advice on what to listen to first, dates for stage performances, etc.

I'll start:

Definitley watch the Hearn/Lansbury Movie, it has all the original staging, not to mention some fantastic acting and singing *coughAngelaLansburycough*

There is also the Hearn/Pattie LuPone 2001 Concert DVD

In terms of Cast Recordings, we have:

the OBC (original Broadway cast ) recording with Angela Lansbury, Len Cariou, and Victor Garber (yes, I do mean Jack Bristow )-I think there was new version of this released, with some extras added. including a snippet of Julie Andrews singing the Beggar Women's Lullaby

The OBC highlights

The 2005 Revival Cast recording-this was done in a minimalist style with only 10 actors who also palyed all the instruments, so everything is on a smaller scale, music wise. It stars Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone. I own this one and can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy it, although it's met met with very mixed opnions on here.

In terms of current productions, there is a North American Tour of the Revival production going on, with David Hess and Judy Kaye (a goddess as Mrs. Lovett...see my avatar for a visual )

I let other people post any advice or information they want, and hopefully we'll get some more movie bleeders into the show.

[qmechanic]

I found it really helpful to watch the Southbank documentary on the making of the London production for Sweeney Todd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WyVSaXbPYY

It really increased my appreciation of the musical, in particular the staging of "God, That's Good!"

[Salome]

never buy a highlights recording. big tip that one!

[musical_maven]

I myself was a Sweeney virgin when I saw the movie. This forum has made me fall in love with all of Sweeney Todd, not just the movie. Since the movie's release on December 21, I have bought the OBC cast recording, (listened to it nonstop), and I have watched the Lansbury/Hearn version plus the Concert version numerous times and have been driving my parents and friends up the wall talking about it.

[Flitterbug]

I have to say... some of these things are easier said than done when you have limited funds and music shops notorious for not stocking what you want. (They slap on fees if they have to order out of state too.)

If anyone can point me in the direction of a reasonably priced (preferably cheap) recording of the stage show (OBC or revival, both maybe), preferably already residing in the country of Australia, do let me know.

Unfortunately I can't actually go see the show for myself... Since that would require several thousand dollars and a current passport.

[Barberous]

I got my OBCR from Readings, in Melbourne, for $29.95:

http://www.readings.com.au/product/0828766863925/

If you live in Melbourne, I can tell you a few libraries which have copies of some other Sweeney stuff. If not, this site:

http://librariesaustralia.nla.gov.au/apps/kss

is a massive library catalogue.

[Flitterbug]

I'm in QLD - specificly Brisbane. Hence having a lot of trouble finding things. Brisbane is built like one big, huge small town and tends to act like one as well. *grumble*

But thanks for the links. Here's hoping I can find somethin'. ^_^

[dasiy_babes]

Thank you for all those pointers much appreciated

[Mistress]

Yes, I know some of these things can be pricey, that's why I just rent what I can from local libraries, although I don't know what it's like were the rest of you guys/girls live-my city has some really well stocked libraries, I must say.

Oh, and for anyone living in...Washington, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) I've heard there's archival Lincoln Centre footage of a Len Cariou/Angela Lansbury performance you can watch in-Library...alas, I live in Canada, so I'm foggy on the details.

[Barberous]

Forgot to mention, this site provides a pretty generous (and legal) sample of the revival recording, with three complete songs:

http://www.nonesuch.com/Hi_Band/sweeneytodd/

You can also hear the movie versions of three songs here:

http://www.nonesuch.com/Hi_Band/index_frameset2.cfm?pointer=various_artists.jpg

(Click on one of the CDs, then click on the link to the left which says 'Listen to this album'. There's also a great video there of Sondheim talking about the movie.)

[Brock07]

www.ruckus.com

If you are a college student...you can download all of the Sweeney albums (and tons of other stuff) legally, and FREE!!!!

But you must be a college student with a college e-mail.

[theatre_grl]

The entire Sweeney Todd in Concert is on Youtube
And I think the Lansbury/Hearn movie is on there, but I don't know if it's complete.
You can get the libretto free online.

[Kragey]

[mastachen]

[Brock07]

There's no catch...it works like they said it does.

And you can't transfer it anywhere...so you have to listen to it on your compter using the Ruckus player....but its either be forced to listen to it on your computer, or be forced to live without it. So do you sacrifice Sondheim's materpiece, or the ability to be able to listen to it anywhere you want?


I'll sacrifice mobility.

And at one point, the entire Hearn/Lansbury DVD was on youtube, but I can't say for sure that it still is.

[Kragey]

[pish123c]

[Kragey]

[qmechanic]

I prefer to buy the real CD and rip the audio myself. I hate DRM and I like having control over the quality of the audio files. I usually rip to both FLAC and MP3. FLAC is a loss-less format so you can use it to back up CDs in case they get damaged.