Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Such excellent musical and performances that the strange set and locking choices are excused.

I watched the film version over a decade ago and can barely remember it, so I can't really compare the two. It's refreshing to see so much Black Comedy and a general Gothic horror atmosphere in a Broadway Musical, but there were definitely song numbers that felt completely unnecessary, a few too many convenient plot contrivances, and I hated the actress who played Johanna. Overall, pretty good, but nothing special.

Angela Lansbury is dazzling, and George Hearn has so much strong and expressive presence. There's a feeling of humor that's missing from other adaptations. And yet... somehow, this stage version really feels like it puts the shallow cynicism of the narrative front and center.

Just take it for what it is: a taped performance and nothing else. Hearn is one of the best Sweeney's to ever swing his razor and Lansbury is the definitive Lovett. The Johanna is sort of awful but everything else is good.

Best video version of this play. Angela *is* Mrs Lovett.

Terrific horror musical. Yes, there can be such a thing, and it can work

Now this is more like it! Before Tim Burton took all the fun out of it, "Sweeney Todd" was a Black Comedy to the farthest degree. With great performances, especially by the absolutely loopy Angela Lansbury, and incredible singing I would choose this over the Tim Burton film anyday.

George Hearn is excellent. It has a great story and there's generally nothing bad about it, it just fails to stand out. Doesn't have too many memorable songs, and some are pretty unnecessary overall. Bit too long.