Michael Cerveris & Sweeney Todd 2005 Broadway Revi... - The Contest

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While in NYC this past Christmas my partner and I were fortunate enough to see this outstanding revival. Since I had not had an opportunity to see the original I was not sure what to expect. The staging and incredible talent both vocally and instrumentaly by each performer was hypnotic. Patti LuPone was incredible as Mrs. Lovett and Michael Cerveris was very dark as Sweeney Todd. All of the other performers especially Manoel Felciano as Tobias made for a very tight ensemble. I recommend this new cast album to anyone who has either seen the original or is planning to see the revival. Kudos to a great cast and a great Sondheim classic

OMG! This is one of the most beautiful productions I have ever seen! Words can't express the passion a feel towards this musical! Every actor in this play did a fantastic job. My favorite tracks are: "Johanna", "Worst Pies in London", "Poor Thing", "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir", "As Long As I'm Around", and "Wait". You must buy this whole CD! All of the tracks are mindblowing! I only just wish that itunes had the whole scene "City on Fire". Marvelous job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just saw this play this weekend on Broadway and it was the best I have EVER seen. The staging was magnificent, the actors played their own instruments. No orchestra, just pure emotion. And Michael Cerveris? Oh my goodness, what a lead, he was just wonderful in every sense. I had the pleasure of meeting him and besides from being a nice guy, he is very rooted in his background as an artist and I suggest that everyone go buy his solo album.

I absolutely love both the revival and original productions of Sweeney and I was so dissapointed that it did not recieve very many Tony's at the 60th ANNUAL TONY AWARDS. Made me sad. Too bad. Oh well. In other news, I think Manoel Felciano really did deserve the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, not that dude from Jersey Boys. Ewwww. xoxo haley

This recording capures the spirit of this dull revival. The recording helped me re-live a dull night of theatre. Patti LuPone, who I thought could do no wrong, is just as uninvolved sounding here as she was in the theatre. Positive point: The "musicians" sound a tad better recorded than live. Enjoy!!

This CD rocks! My favorite songs are The Worst Pies in London and A Little Priest...Patti's laugh makes me crack up everytime. I wish I could have seen it on Broadway. Michael Ceveris sounds great as Sweeney. Go on youtube and search for Sweeney Todd you can watch some clips from the show!

I have been waiting for this since last June when rumors were going around that there was going to be a revival. The moment I found out this was on iTunes I downloaded it. My oh my, I have not been disappointed. I have listened to the Original Cast Album hundreds of times, and this is a whole new Sweeney. The small chorus has a power unlike any I’ve heard for Sweeney. The arrangements are perfect, and the singing is superb. Just the first Ballad almost brought me to tears because of how powerful it is. The lack of Parlour Songs and City on Fire are sad but don't ruin the CD. Absolutely buy it!

i bought this album a few months back, and i became obsessed with sweeney todd! it was my broadway obsession of the month! this is NOT a waste of money. trust me.

I have been excited for many months for this album. When I finally was elated that it was out a week early on iTunes I rushed to download it. At first glance it is very enjoyable but after the initial shock of Sondheim downsized wears off the problems are glaring. There is no emotion at all with this album. Patti LuPone is such a strong voice and person that she does not seem ditzy enough. She has no energy and I don’t believe anything that comes out of her mouth. While she is perfect for a strong role such as Evita this is not for her. Another MAJOR disappointment is that this album is missing half of the show. The whole asylum and “City on Fire” sequence is left out. If you aren’t familiar with the show the plot may not make sense, but those devoted Sondheim fans will be extremely sad that it is not included. Overall I am very disappointed with this but I am sure it would be much better live. It just doesn’t transfer to cd well. I did enjoy hearing beautiful harmonies that you don’t usually hear because they are drowned out with the big orchestra, but besides that I would recommend sticking to the original and waiting for the remastered original coming out in February. Not saying Sondheim wasn't involved or doesn't like it, just that it is weak. And missing half the show.

for those who never got to see the broadway revival (sadly it went off just recently...) the big screen version is coming out sometime in 2008. although i dunno if this version will have the singing, u can always use your ipod to get a sneak preview by listening to the songs! (And for those who are wondering, yes Sweeny Todd was already a movie before)

I have always LOVED Sweeney Todd. It is an amazing show and has a great score. When I found out that it was being revived, I was really excited! I am actually probably going to go see the show in June...Anyways, this music is particularly interesting, because the instrumentalists are the actors! That's right! All the music you hear is being played by the singers you hear! Isn't that great! :0)

Michael Cerveris is a friend of mine and that doesn't mean that I am biased with this album. I got this album before I saw the show in NY last week. I was blown away by the recording, and then I saw the show and I was moved to tears. This is the most incredible thing in the iTunes Music Store. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! GET THIS ALBUM! And if you get the chance, SEE THE SHOW!!!

Intricate, illuminating, pitch-perfect interpretation of this classic show. If you don't leap at the opportunity to see this in its current Broadway run, I swear you'll live to regret it.

I saw this show on broadway and i wanted to kill myself. I jumped for joy when intermition came! It was horrible and the album is even worse. I mean yes, Patti LuPone has a great voice and so does Michael Cerveris but the story line is horrible and the show is just painful to sit through.

Quite frankly i thought that this soundtrack was fantastic! Micheal Cerveris has a stirring voice while Sondheim's music haunts one's imagination for days. It is not a musical to easily disreagard, and thus every musical theatre lover must have this album!

this soundtrack is AMAZING! patti lupone and michael cerveris are so good. and manoel felciano is great as tobias. i was able to shadow the lighting board operator for a show, and it was amazing on broadway!

This is musical theatre at its best. A new twist on a beautifully demented show is just what we all need. Michael Cerveris is simply amazing as Sweeney, and the rest of the cast is delightful as well.

The Brits, (and I am one), are too interested in concept. And we have already seen this concept - Peter Brooks' Marat/Sade. Cerveris is so miscast, the "Anthony" Magnuson is so below pitch, and who wants to hear this limp orchestration (Sarah Travis)? Todd should have better than this Todd. Patti is good, but she is GREAT in the concert version. Plus THAT concert had George, who is better now than he was on Broadway. (And that is saying a great deal!) This recording, and production are only loved by intellectual elite and those that listen to them. TELL THE STORY! The story must come first! I don't care if an actor can play the piano, violin and cello! The actors, all of them, should be able to sing and act the roles first! Stephen may have wanted small for Todd, but he can't have wanted this. None of us should.

Great Musical extremly dark and sassy but I love it if you like cannabalism and violence this is a play for you

When approaching a revival of a musical, there's always the struggle of keeping the original dream alive and still bringing new vision to the show. This 2005 revivial of Sondhiem's Sweeney Todd not only won a Tony for "Best Orchestration in a Musical," but recieved four other nominations, including "Best Revival of a Musical." Michael Cerveris (Sweeney Todd) captures the intensity and darkness of Sondhiem's music brilliantly, while Patti LuPone (Mrs. Lovett) goes to prove that you can recreate an Angela Landsbury role. Not only does LuPone make Lovett her own, she makes her shine. This 2005 Cast Recording is a priceless addition to any Broadway Collection and should not be missed.

The new orchestrations necessitated by the staging, sharpen the score to a fine point. Harold Prince's original production benefitted from the looming and dense sound. This one gasps, bursts, and sings with such pointed intensity that you're pulled even deeper into the recesses of the murderous barber's mind. "It stings a little" to borrow a phrase from the score, and it keeps stinging until its final glorious moment. Buy this recording NOW.

Like most people, I approached this revival with a healthy bit of skepticism, but it is truly revelatory. I know from talking to people that this production is effective on many different levels, but for me the most amazing thing is Sarah Travis' orchestration, preserved here on these CD's. Who knew that reducing the instrumentation so drastically would actually enhance the score? Although necessarily dominated by the onstage piano, the orchestrations are beautifully transparent, and reveal the heart of Sondheim's music. In the viewing, they also add subtle layers of meaning to the actors' characterizations (ya gotta love Patti Lupone marching around stage huffing on her tuba!). These CD's are a must for any fan of Sondheim or musicial theatre.

A wonderful new recording of "Sweeney Todd". Of course, Sondheim is the true genius. This new recording allows the listener to more fully appreciate the lyrics, absent all the orchestration of the original production. Patti Lupone is great as Mrs. Lovett, but the real star of the recording (and the show) is undoubtedly Manoel Felciano in the pivotal role of Tobias. Highly recommended!

Patti Lupone, Michael Cervaris and cast are at their best! Do not miss Sweeney on the stage! This was an unforgettable performance... unique and entertaining! Buy this soundtrack!

When I heard that Sweeney Todd was coming back to broadway, I was so exicted. I had just finished performing the show myself as Tobias. So when I bought this album was expecting the great songs and voices synomous with Stephen Sondheim. The voices are good, the instrumentation ok, but the one thing that i really felt was missing from this album is the creepiness and intensity this show demands. The ballad is no where near the spine chilling suttleness as the original. In the end the album is good, but i suggest instead of spending $20 on it, buy the DVD with Angela Lansbury and George Hearn. It has not only the songs, but the entire play.

I saw this musical last night, and it was absolutley brilliant. Sondheim is my favorite, and Sweeny Todd reaffirms that favorite once again. If you like Sweeny Todd check out The Assasins [also by Sondheim] it's about all the people that have murdered Presidents of the United States. But...Sweeny is still my favorite! BUY IT! You won't be wasting your cash =)

I've been impatiently waiting for this recording to arrive ever since I saw the new production, which is one of the best shows I've ever seen on a Broadway stage. This is so different from the original production, which was so grand and imposing, but this "smaller," tighter version seems to be more accessible to audiences. Even if you don't see it, by all means buy this album! You won't regret it!

If you've ever seen the original Sweeney Todd, the remake is horrible. I have the original with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury on DVD and the soundtrack on CD. To me, the revival was quite strange and disappointing. If you're going to see Sweeney Todd, check out the first version.

Sweeney Todd is one of the most amazing musicals. I wish I could see it on Broadway, but I live on the other side of the country and I am 13, so no chance of flying to New York, but anyway buy this album. I recommend: "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" "The Worst Pies in London" "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" "A Little Priest" Those are some of my select favs, so check them out!

This, in my opinion is the best recording of a one of the greatest musicals of all time. I have seen this production live, and while listening to this recordiing I can take myself back to the theatre and re-relive what is arguably one of the better theatre experiences of my life. Michael Cerveris is an exemplary Sweeney, one for whom the listener(or theatre go-er) cares. Patti LuPone, on the other hand, plays Mrs.Lovett as a revolting, evil, old woman, one might cheer when she is killed... ANd this portrayal rivals if not exeeds Angela Lansbury's original. the supporting cast is also phenominal, made up of primarily newcomes who more than hold thier own next heavyweights Cerveris and LuPone. I recomend this recording as the best one out there, the only drawback being, one cannot experience the full power of this unique and beautiful production.

This musical was written by the brilliant Stephen Sondheim. I've been waiting a long time for iTunes to have Sweeney Todd...you'll love these sometimes operatic songs about revenge, love, and madness.

A completely different exerience than the original Broadway production - but perhaps even more rewarding. It took a while to shake the sound of the original orchestrations from my mind which were so lush and beautiful. Instead what you hear in this production is much more intimate. It was an amazing evening in the theater- it makes you realize how packaged so many other shows are. A very human experience by a group of talented people. What more can you ask?

This revival is the epitome of what a revival should be-- not just a new cast of the original, but a new take on it. The cast playing their own instruments is phenomenal (especially Patti LuPone on the tuba)-- though the woman playing Pierelli (and the accordion) really was grating for some reason. Manoel Felciano as Toby was my personal favorite, though. Not While I'm Around became even more haunting, and I nearly cried when the attendant took his violin away at the end. Lauren Molina as Johanna was amazing as well, between her sweet voice and her emotional cello playing. Verdict? Better musically than the original, though nothing will ever compare to Angela Lansbury.

It is amazing. Not to mention the orchestra players are the actors themselves. They did a fantastic job with this revival recording.

If this reincarnation of SWEENEY TODD doesn't clean-up at the TONY™ AWARDS then we should demand a re-count! Without a doubt this is the most unusual and satisfying of ALL of the Sondheim Sweeney's! Aside from the remarkable re-scoring and rethinking of this tour-de-force musical, the musical performances are simply not to be missed. The singing (and instrumental performances) are amazing (the instrumental parts are completely memorized by the actors and actresses in the production save for a lone piano score upstage for the tag-team pianists). The great Patti LuPone is the miraculous EVIL antithesis of Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett and Michael Cerveris is a brooding and brilliant Sweeney. The end result of the rethinking of this show is a "chamber musical" the likes of which will probably never be seen or heard again on Broadway (special kudos to Sarah Travis for keeping all the brilliance of the Sondheim original in a masterfully re-imagined orchestration). While I sometimes miss the remarkable fullness of Sondheim's original score (I have played the 1st horn book of this show) the score and part reduction allows the lyrics to really jump out at the listener. I have seen SWEENEY somewhere around 15-20 times (original production, Circle-in-the-Square revival, NYC Opera stagings) and I find something new in every performance. This one is completely mind-blowing! If SWEENEY TODD is not the greatest musical of the 20th Century (WEST SIDE STORY is neck and neck, don't you think?) this recording certainly proves Stephen Sondheim's genius. This is a theatrical event that will long be remembered for its daring and unconventional ways. A TRIMUPH, A TREAT, AND AN EXPERIENCE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN! We can only hope and pray that Mr. Sondheim, and the director/producers/actors in this production will allow for a historical filming of this production for the archives. I can't wait to see it again. Let the award ceremonies begin ...

This amazing new revival of my second favorite Sondheim show sends shivers down my spine. Each member of the cast fits into this puzzle so perfectly, from Manoel's perfect portrayl of Toby, Michael's frightening control over each song and the lightheartedness mixed with sheer villany of Patti LuPone. I went up to NYC for the cd signing and got to meet the whole cast and Mr. Sondheim himself! If this musical can't do sweep the tonys, then nothing can.

This new soundtrack captures the new Broadway production very well. I have been a fan of Sweeney for more than 10 years and the new cast breathes life into staid roles. I was quite skeptical of the whole actor-musician concept, but I saw the show in November and it works wonderfully. Dare I say it? If you love Sweeney, you'll love this album!

Huge fan of most previous incarnations of Sweeney. Was kind of skeptical with the smaller orchestrations, etc. It's actually a much cleaner version of the show. Yes, the huge orchestras flush out the score and slam the audience with that sinking feeling that accompanies the piece. This recording though, doesn't feel "reduced," it's just a smaller, cleaner sound. Numbers are generally slower than their originals, which is also great. When they slowed some numbers in Into the Woods, not so much. Here, you can actually concentrate on the musical brilliance that Sondheim wrote. Hear every note, every word, every motif. Very well done. And kudos to Sarah Travis on the new, and wonderfully original, orchestrations.

This is the best!!!!!!!!!! It is worth every cent, I love Pati LuPone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think that everyone should buy it.

I'm going to keep this review short; if you love a good story, and smart music, you'll love this. I'd reccoment reading a quick synopsis of the story before listening to the music, as there are plotholes in the continuity of the cd due to the fact that the whole show wasn't recorded. My favorites are "The worst pies in london", sang by the wonderful Patti LuPone, "A Little Priest", and the final "Ballad of Sweeney Todd". Enjoy!

I saw the show. I would know. This isn't considered Sondhiem's greatist work for no reason, ya know. I haven't listened to the soundtrack with the new cast, but they did well on Broadway, it's bound to be good. GET IT NOW. STOP WASTING TIME.

This is a must-own for any Broadway fan. Even if you didn't see the show this is still a great recording, basically the whole play is here. I would highly reccomend buying this.

I have to admit that this show wasn't one I was "dying" to see, but am SO GLAD I DID. The entire cast is superb--especially Patti LuPone! Seeing her play the tuba was a real treat. Perhaps this experience will make me more appreciative of shows by Sondheim. I usually like more melodies, but the more I listen to this album, the more a like it! "Not while I'm around," "Johanna," and "Greenfinch and Linnet Bird" are real standouts on this recording. If you get the chance to see this show in NYC, do it!

I like this version, I like John Doyle's concept. However, the dramatic effect of the score has been lost. If only iTunes had the original Broadway cast recording. Plus I'm in love with Angela Lansbury.

Simply a MASTERPIECE. The show and music are so deep and packed with emotion- i am the kind of person who likes to analyze things and pick them apart, and this show is so multi-dimensional that it really gets you thinking. i cant even begin to describe how much better this music is than anyone of those overrated shows like mama mia and wicked. honestly- its just amazing

I love Sweeney Todd, but this recording leaves a lot to be desired. Having seen this production, I have to say that this is a far weaker show than the cast is capable of putting on. This isn't a bad cast, but you're far better off with the original cast recording. It's hard, after all, to compete with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou.

I don't know what some of you are talking about. Sondheim was very involved in the process of this revival. He has even said himself this version of Sweeney is more true to his original vision. He originally visioned the show as a "small show." But we know how Hal Prince works. So THIS is how Sondheim intended Sweeney to be. He has said it himself, people.

I saw this show live and also saw the original on DVD. I thought there was no way they would be able to recreate the genius of Lansbury but I was amazed when I saw the show live. The musicians are also acting and they are phenomenal, the creepy looks on their faces, the tension they protray draws you in and creates the perfect mood for the show. For those complaining about the missing songs, that is very normal when it comes to broadway shows on cd, more often than not this is the case. Remember this is broadway not hollywood. The ingenuity, creativity, and effort in this work are second to none. I was actually amazed but Lupone is not the star of the show every single person on stage was a star in my opinion, WOW. Believe me this is not your usual Broadway show, no girls tap dancing around with a glittery dress, or a full emsemble but it is a wonderful show.

i can't put into words how good the play or the soundtrack is.i highly suggest buying the tickets and soundtrack.

this is the BEST u.s. production of this show ever - and i've seen 'em all. simple, clean, thoughtful, terrifying, but oh so beautiful. all the singers play all the instruments as well. truly amazing. kudos to lupone and ceveris for being ensemble players - despite their individual star power.

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