Sweeney Todd, o Barbeiro Demoníaco da Rua Fleet

Though the video technology may be dated, this classic musical play, now on DVD, is the best version of Sondheim's most important and polished work on Broadway. If you've never seen SWEENEY TODD, then you must buy this DVD. I saw this production in November 1980 at Kennedy Center in Washington--and fell in love with a pre-"Murder She Wrote" Angela Lansbury. Subsequently, I tried to find any and all of her work, among them: MOVIES: "The Harvey Girls," "The Picture of Dorian Gray," "Manchurian Candidate"; CDs: "Mame," "Dear World," and "Gypsy"; and many more. The rest of the cast is flawless, too. All in all, this wonderful DVD gives us the definitive version of Sondheim's opera!

There are no flaws in this production. Perfectly entertaining, fun, and worthy of respect.

This is what theatre is all about. Definitely not for the very young, but slightly older kids will get a great kick out of seeing it and can be introduced to theatre this way.

Astounding and amazing.

I don't think I can add to the praise given to this wonderful production. The musical itself is a masterpiece in its own right, and I honestly loved this production. I loved the darkness and bleakness of the sets, and that while the costumes are nothing fancy they are effective and nice to look at. The score is utterly magnificent, the music is completely memorable and the lyrics are something that I love to quote, the opening chorus, the epiphany, Green Finch and Linnet Bird and the ending stand out especially. The dialogue is darkly humorous, the story is suitably macabre and entertaining and even the make up is good.

The performances, both acting and singing were superb. The only person I had a problem with was Betsy Joslyn's Johanna, I just found her singing shrill at times and there were a few moments in Green Finch and Linnet Bird where she was pitchy. Joslyn aside, George Hearn is superlative as Sweeney, funny, chilling and handsome, and what a voice. His Sweeney is by far my favourite Sweeney ever, and the great Angela Lansbury matches him perfectly as Nellie Lovett. Cris Groenendaal was a charming Anthony, and Edmund Lyndeck stands out in a considerable way as Judge Turpin. Even the chorus were great. Overall, if you love Sweeney Todd, this is a must see. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox

One of Sondheim's most shocking musicals. After seeing it, it's hard to believe this is the same man who's given us musicals like "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", "A Little Night Music" or "Passion." Lansbury and Hearn are both brilliant in their roles. The music is magnificent. The sets are devilishly grim. Terry Hughes' direction is superb. Hearn won the Emmy for his performance. Lansbury had won a Tony Award for her Broadway performance with then Sweeney, Len Cariou, who also won the Tony under the direction of Harold Prince.

First of all, I have watched this show since I was a little toddler, and I have always loved it. Sure, maybe I didn't understand it when I was that young, but I still enjoyed it! And now that I have been able to understand it for several years, I love it even more. The score of this musical is the most wonderfully detailed score I have ever heard! Every note is perfect, I don't even need to hear the singing to enjoy it!

Moving on to this particular production- This is magnificent! Of course no one could play Mrs. Lovett besides Angela Lansbury, and she does it perfectly. And she should, she has been playing this part for several years. George Hearn is absolutely brilliant. The best Sweeney Todd I have ever heard. He has a wonderful voice, yet he can throw his voice so well! His "epiphany" is incredible, as you can tell by the audience's reaction to it. The Judge, Toby, Antony, and Pirelli are also so wonderful in their roles. Everyone is perfect! Well, I still have to fast forward through Johanna's Green finch and linnet bird. She just doesn't sing that song well at all.

This show CAN be appreciated at all ages, but it is not always accepted. I am not your typical middle-aged theater lover, I am only 15 years old, yet Sweeney Todd has given me a greater appreciation for music than I have gotten from any other musical.