Sweeney Todd in Concert--PBS broadcast on DVD

There are so many versions of this show that I could have chosen from, perhaps more than any other musical theatre piece. There are opera versions, Broadway versions, concert versions, a film version, and studio cast versions. What is it about Sweeney Todd that elicits such a desire to produce and record it?

Well, the strength and variety of the music in the show may be the first reason. There are many memorable songs and musical moments in Sweeney, but I was struck in watching this concert version how much music between the big numbers I didn't remember, and how good and interesting is that connective music. This version may make more of the music than many others as the score is played by a top-notch symphony orchestra. Vocally, this version is also strong across the board, as you might suspect from an orchestral production. However, most of the performers do not come from the opera house or the concert stage, they come from the Broadway tradition.

George Hearn and Patti Lupone are particularly well matched vocally. Both are firmly from the Broadway tradition and are willing to let "vocal beauty" be subordinate--when appropriate--to characterization. I was particularly struck with the ability of George Hearn to stand on equal vocal footing with Timothy Nolen, an operatic baritone who portrays Judge Turpin. I've seen Mr. Nolen live on stage in this role, at the Lyric Opera where Sweeney was sung by Bryn Terfel. Nolen can hold his own with anyone and I believe it is the strength of both Messrs Nolen and Hearn that they can morph their vocal style to match not only the character and the moment, but also their colleagues.

Props must be given to the production team for this concert version, too. This is an ambition take from a production standpoint for an orchestra in a orchestra hall. The staging is detailed, the script and music memorized by the performers, there are costumes, furniture, some props, many light and sound cues. It must have really pushed the limits of the capability of Davies Hall.

Sweeney Todd
In Concert with the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus
Conducted by Rob Fisher
Directed by Lonny Price
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Aired on PBS in 2001, released on DVD in 2002
Cast: George Hearn, Patti Lupone, Neil Patrick Harris, Timothy Nolen, Davis Gaines, Lisa Vroman, John Aler, Stanford Olsen, Victoria Clark

Jerry Herman's Broadway: Live at the Hollywood Bowl on DVD

Tribute shows to performers or composers can really run the gamut from embarrassing to terrific, with a lot of smaltz in between. Fortunately, Jerry Herman's Broadway: Live at the Hollywood Bowl reaches nearer the terrific end of that spectrum.

One thing I like about Jerry Herman's music is that it has a strong structure; there is an introduction, an A section, a repeat of the A section, a short B section, and than a triumphant return to the A section often one step up in key. AABA--no, it's not that group that sang Mama Mia, it's a classic musical structure, and it works. Herman writes tunes you can hum, and anthems you can belt.

The cast of this tribute show is generally very good, and while several are "well-seasoned" shall we say, most remained near the top of their game at the time this show was taped in 1994. These singers know how to sell a song, when to raise the arms, how to tilt the head back, how long to hold the final note. If I have one objection to the show it is that too many of the songs are in that vein. I wished for a couple of downbeat songs that ended quietly--but that's not Mr. Herman, so he can't be held accountable.

There are the requisite taped interviews congratulating the honoree, most of which seem unnecessary. Jerry, I'll give you Angela Lansbury, but Linda and Paul McCartney?

Most of the songs included are the typical show-stopper types familiar from his shows. But if you only know Mame and Hello, Dolly, you'll hear wonderful songs from Mack and Mabel, La Cage aux Folles, and Dear World (which I had never heard of). I was particularly taken with the singing by Leslie Uggams, who I will need to check out more of during my Year.

Jerry Herman's Broadway: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Filmed in 1994
Cast: Leslie Uggams, Rita Moreno, George Hearn, Beatrice Authur, Davis Gaines, Carol Channing, Florence Lacey, Lorna Luft, Lee Roy Reams