[piscesmoni]

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92040.html

Thoughts?

[Uber Goober]

Well now the movie seems to have passed into Pre production from Rumor stage. I thought Russel Crowe doesn't sing! They better dub him if he's the one. Sweeney has to be a good singer, he can't just talk/scream all his songs. I really don't know what else to think since there's not much information provided at all. We shall wait and see.

[Ghost]

Crowe does sing, but his music is nothing like in Sweeney Todd.

I would much rather see Victor Garber, Tim Curry or Kevin Kline in the role.

[piscesmoni]

I'm glad Thompson is considered for Lovett.

[minesayrejoice]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUGH!!!!!!!! The suspense!!!!!!!! I can't wait!!!!!

[Ghost]

Don't worry.

They probably won't do the film.

[Uber Goober]

I'd much rather they didn't. Sweeney isn't the type of mainstream musical that could do well in a box office (chicago, phantom). Nor do I want it to become one, it's not mainstream material. Which is part of its charm.

[Timmerbo]

Russel Crowe can sing, but take a listen to his voice in the clips of his band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts on Amazon.com. He's usually able to carry a tune, and he's definitely a bass-baritone, but it's not a voice I'd like to hear playing Sweeney.

[broadway06405]

I definitely don't want him as Sweeney. It'd be great if they could get someone in there with the talent and the fame. (*Thank you capt. Obvious - all moviemakers want that). ANyhoo, I'd take talent over fame any day if I were making that film.

Liz

[Jennyanydots]

Ugh. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Russel Crowe??? Spare me, please.

[Timmerbo]

I think Crowe is a great actor... if it were a non-musical adaptation I'd love to see him as Sweeney. But not in a musical that requires trained voices.

[lavieboheme730]

I'm not sure if I'd be more depressed if they made the movie or if they cast Russel Crowe as Sweeney. Boo hiss.

[Salome]

While not a bad choice I think they could do better.


I could perfectly see Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Lovett.....Ian McKellen for Turpin anyone??

[theatre4life]

Can John Rhys-Davies sing?? He'd be a fabulous Sweeney or Judge. He's in the LOTR trilogy, and plays Arturo on Sliders.

[Timmerbo]

[Uber Goober]

I've been saying Christopher Lee forever. I love his deep bass speaking voice, and I heard he is a trained singer. Probably why speaks so well.

[musette]

NOT RUSSELL!!

"I know what'll cheer you up, Tugger! A SONG!
'Makin' movies, singin' songs and fightin' rownd the werld'"

[TychoBrahe]

Who, Crow?
Yeah, I don't know about his voice.
Right now I'm more concerned about this Groban fellow. He would be a fitting for Antony as Nichol Kidman for Lovett (a horrible, nasty, buy thankfully false rumor).

[Jennyanydots]

Okay. I'll say it. I really really really love Josh Groban. Sweeney Todd is also my favorite show. (and let me tell you, it has been for years now) I'm not new to the show. I really would love to see Josh do Anthony. Really. Me-ow. After all, wasn't he a musical theatre major at Carnegie Melon(sp?) or somewhere? He can't be THAT bad, eh? Besides, he's got quite the charming voice.

I say Green Light For Groban!

[HeroTheBishop]

[J Dawg]

Hahaha, I got to sing backup for Josh.

I also agree, he'd be great for the part.

Incidentally, when he was in it, he played Toby.

I wore my Sweeney Todd shirt at the dress rehearsal and he definitely saw it and looked up at me and gave me a knowing smile. We had a moment. It was fabulous. I was super-tempted to start singing "Nothin's gonna harm you, Toby, not while I'm around..." but I suppressed Nellie enough not to do it. Hah.

[Jennyanydots]

Did you....touch him????

Yeah, this is where I convert to 13 year old girl mode. It only comes out for celebritities like Ben Vereen, Orlando Bloom, Bernadette Peters, and Josh Groban.

Is he, like, nice? C'mon spill. I want details!!!!

[J Dawg]

Almost. He was so close I could smell him. And he smelled really nice. Not sure what he was using. It was vaguely cinnamon-y. I did not touch him, though, regretfully. And man, he was so nice. It was on Valentine's Day and he was like, "Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! You sound amazing! I feel like I'm honored to sing with you guys!" etc. He was such a sweetheart. But shorter than I had imagined him.

[Jennyanydots]

How short? How short? And isn't his girlfriend ugly or something? I heard she was, but I haven't seen a pic. If she is, that just goes to show how nice he must be.

So have you ever conversed with him? I want more details! Tell all!

[TychoBrahe]

J Dawg, where did you get that avatar? It's wonderful.

[J Dawg]

Josh is supposedly 6 feet tall, but he seemed definitely more my height, which is 5'7" (he was a little taller, so maybe he was 5'8"). He's just got a tall personality. Hahaha.

His girlfriend? "Esteemed" actress January Jones? I don't think she's gorgeous at all... plus she's a really bad actor. He deserves better!

TychoBrache, I made this avatar! (I also use it for like, everything... AIM, deviantArt, this forum, etc.) I do a lot of pixelwork. I also made this icon for use somewhere:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/shippeth/lovett.bmp

I work pixel by pixel and with the mouse, so these things take me a long time. But if people want avatars like this of certain characters, I could possibly make them!

[piscesmoni]

Wait, January Jones, as in the girl from American Wedding?

[Jennyanydots]

yup. ugh.

[Jennifer Lynn]

I'd be the first to recommend Christopher Lee--he's got an EXCELLENT singing voice--but the age is an issue. He's FORTY years older than Sweeney ought to be. A studio recording would be the better bet. (I'd also love to see a South Pacific studio recording with him as Emile. I know he's done one for The King And I.)

Or...cast someone who looks the part and dub in Christopher's singing voice.

[Kad]

No, no, they're suggesting Lee be cast as Judge Turpin.

[Jennyanydots]

Which I would **love** to see.

Do you think they'll have the whipping scene? I've never seen it done and I'd love to see it pulled off well.

[minesayrejoice]

I can't wait!

[Salome]

[broadway06405]

I'm getting so excited to see what happens with the casting. Gah!!!

Josh Groban, btw, is a favorite!!!! Fangirl? Yes, indeed, I am. Though a lot of people argue that he has no talent at all, I think he's AMAZING.

-Lizard

[Kad]

[Jennyanydots]

At the same time, that might not go over well with the majority of the movie-goers who don't see the character's need for it. I can see why they'd cut it, though I'm hoping they won't.

[Salome]

If TAim Burton is director that scene will stay.

[Jennyanydots]

Isn't it Sam Mendes?

[Salome]

is it? well if its Mendes he will keep it too..he put on gritty stage productions of Threepenny Opera, Cabaret and Company in London...I think its safe e that the judge's Song will be included either way.

[Ghost]

Tim Burton and Sam Mendes would both be perfect.

I hope Hal Prince won't have anything to do with the film if it id to be done.

[Jennifer Lynn]

[AngMisto8182]

Looking back at some of the previous posts...Josh Groban as Anthony? Oh man, what I wouldn't give for that to happen... he'd be great times a million! *sigh* Ooh, sorry, that's wandering a bit off from the discussion here... But man, that would be great!

[Ghost]

If he could act it. Which he most probably couldn't.

[Descartes]

I hear Groban was pretty bad as Anatoly in the 'Chess' concert a while back.
And isn't he a baritone? Anthony is a tenor.


Des.

[TychoBrahe]

Besides, he's too pop-y.

[Uber Goober]

I'm not rediculously crazy about Josh Groban, but I don't see a problem with putting him in the role. I've never seen him act, but he was a Musical Theatre Major at Carnegie-Mellon. He can't be too bad... and he's got a good voice. I don't think he's too Pop-y. He's one of the least pop-y pop artists I know of right now. And he's got a nice Lyric Baritone voice, fine for Anthony - the roles not out of his range.

[AngMisto8182]

Exactly! He's definitely not as "pop-y" as most of the singers out there, and he is undeniably a great singer. Plus, even though he is principally a baritone, he can sing quite high. Anthony's part certainly wouldn't be out of his range.

[minesayrejoice]

Carnegie Mellon is the only college I bothered to audition for, and I did the MT audition. Too bad they didn't accept me.

That's a pretty good program! He really aught to be good, if he did that! Whoo-ey!

[Salome]

[TychoBrahe]

While I am not fond of Groban being cast as Antony, the character is young. Antony could be easily be in his late teens.

[Timmerbo]

[lavieboheme730]

I never heard that Anthony had to be in his thirties. I thought Anthony should be younger than that.

[Uber Goober]

I think he should be in mid to late 20s. Long enough to have been at sea since he was 17ish maybe. That's plenty of time to have been all over.

[Kad]

[Uber Goober]

We're talking about Anthony. He was never in prison...

[Jennyanydots]

[TychoBrahe]

Poor Mr. Groendal. When I first showed Sweeney to my cousin (who loved it, of course) he made terrific fun of our follically challenged friend by constantly stating how similar he was to Pat Boon.

[Salome]

a wonderful Anthony but ontape so obviously bald..they could have gotten him a better hair piece. lol

[Kad]

[AngMisto8182]

I've always thought that Anthony was in his mid-twenties, perhaps younger but definitely not much younger. I still think Josh Groban could pull it off, but you'd need a really awesome Johanna to pair him with. (I volunteer.... haha Just kidding!) Even if there was a studio kind of recording of Sweeney Todd someday.... Josh Groban could still sing the part. I'm sorry, I'd really love him as Anthony though! haha

[pinkstiletto510]

Anthony shouldnt be over 24!!

Johanna is 16 so it would only make sense that Anthony is *around* her age (18 or so)

[what_the_heck013]

I don't know if anybody mentioned this yet: I think that if it is made into a movie, a substantial amount of the songs will be turned into dialogue.

[TychoBrahe]

It has been mentioned and it terrifies me.

[Descartes]

I don't see how this could be turned into a film and do well by any standards.

Des.

[RainbowJude]

Well, I think it could be an absolutely stunning film. With its intensely structured narrative and wonderfully complex characterrs, the piece absolutely lends itself to a visual interpretation on film.

Later days
David

[VictorVonDoom]

What songs do you guys think will be cut/turned into dialogue? I'm just curious...

My guesses:
All Ballad reprises, except for the finale.
Ah, Miss
The Letter
Wait

[what_the_heck013]

Yes, sadly I do think that they would cut the ballad reprises, although they shoudn't. They would probably also cut a few of the "Johanna" reprises.

[VictorVonDoom]

[belleboi80]

This is one of the shows ever written that I really feel that the reprises of songs, really enhance the plot and character

[what_the_heck013]

Here's what I think would be cut (in no particular order) :
1. Ah, miss--this could very well be dialogue
2. Johanna (Reprise I)--a.k.a the creepy one with Judge Turpin. I would cut it because I don't much like it.
3. Wait--just shortened
4. By The Sea--just shortened
5. The Letter
6. Wigmaker Sequence--shortened

[MrsJamieWellerstein]

Cuts, everyone's already said.

She didn't make the revival...but I'd like to see Lauper try Lovett.

[what_the_heck013]

[Sweeney Todd]

Wow! So a Sweeney movie actually might happen. I would like for Tim Burton to direct it. That would be neat. But then he would probably cast Johnny Depp as Todd.

[MrsJamieWellerstein]

[dramaqueen220222]

Perhaps they might make it a limited release film. That way, they could have a little more artistic license, knowing that they didn't have to please the masses. And if it did very well, they could always put it into more theatres, like they did with Napoleon Dynamite or Garden State.

[theatre4life]

Im glad to see Toni Collette under consideration for Mrs. Lovett. Although she is very young in appearance, i'd love to see if she could do it.

My choices, should they ever make the damn film, are still Kelsey Grammer and Christine Baranski, though.

[Sweeney Todd]

[dramaqueen220222]

[what_the_heck013]

[BenjaminB]

But how gory should the film be?

[cabaretfreak]

I think it should be like light gore. No blood fountaining out, but still have a little amount.

[BenjaminB]

I can't wait till the film is released. Yet, I have a very overwhelming feeling that the movie will flop. Hopefully not. I also have my doubts about Johnny Depp, no doubt he could play the character, but I don't know about his singing. And Tim Burton, Tim would be great to direct this film, but I have a feeling that if he directs, he will make the film be all about the horror and gore. I don't know about a film. It would be great. But I don't know.

And about the songs in the film. I dearly hope that they don't cut out that many. They better not cut out Johanna(Judge's version) or Epiphany. But they probably will.

And I hope that they don't add some stupid sub-plot that takes away from Hugh Wheelers wonderful book. I hate it when the screenwriters add subplots and change events around. I don't like the idea of the film starting out in an asylum will Tobias recalling the events. Doesn't work the me. But I do like the take that the Royal Opera House and the Chicago Lyric Opera took, actually not having seen it, but read a review this morning about it.

It would be neat if Timothy Nolen played the judge. I liked him in the Concert version. Christopher Lee would be great. But isn't getting pretty old. I know he was in film's last year, yet can he deliver the performance that is needed? No doubt he can! He's a wonderful actor.

It wouldn't work as a t.v film. I hated the Music Man version that they produced on t.v a few years ago. Except for Broderick and Chenewith(pardon the spelling.) Speaking of Chenewith. She would be wonderful as Johanna.

Tobias? Who should play Tobias? I really don't know of anyone.

Pirelli? Yet again, I don't really know of anyone as of yet. Maybe Alan Cumming.

It's all about the stars isn't? I mean like Phantom, they cast Butler for the star value, I believe. But that is just my personal opinion. Yet Chicago was wonderfully cast.

Wait, isn't the Burton and Depp just a rumor or has it been confirmed?

[theatrefanatic]

Burtons my hero

i think he would do great things with "Sweeny"

[Megan the Phantom Girlie]

It's still a rumor, you guys.

*wanders back to her dark corner to plot revenge*

[B3TA07]

[Salome]

god..if they ever consider that idiot chenoweth for johanna i'll slit my fudge fudge wrists.

[Kaiana]

I hate Chenowith's voice, it's so vibratoy and vapid....I think Tim Burton would make Sweeney less realistic, he'd stylize it too much. But he's definitely still a rumor, I don't think it's gonna happen...

[what_the_heck013]

[Salome]

only if she learns to act.

[Pounce]

Right now, Hollywood and the public are in a horror film mood so maybe Sweeney Todd will be a go. Horror films have been good for the box office and right now, musicals seem a bit dubious so maybe they'll go for a horror film Sweeney Todd with making it a musical as something new.

It might spawn a new generation of musical films.

Friday the 13th: Jason Sings!
The Amityville Horror: Music from Bad Musicals Comes Out of the Walls!
Nightmare on Elm Street: Freddy...Dances!
The Shining: The Musical...Here's Johnny! Da Dum Da Dum Da!

Saw: The musical
Jigsaw: You must shoot Annie before she finishes her song or you'll both die!
captive: Please Annie...please...don't sing that song!
Annie: Hey, everything will be all right! You'll see...cuz...The sun'll come out...tomorrow...
captive: Auuuuuuuugh!!!! Bang!

[Trevor reincarnate]

OMG you guys! I heard Johnny Depp's gonna play Sweeney!

[Luc]

[actor]

[dantheman]