This is the plot of the story in short version.
Sweeney Todd is a musical that explores the themes of revenge, justice, and morality in a dark and twisted way. The main character, Sweeney Todd, is a barber who kills his customers and turns them into pies with the help of his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett. The musical shows how Sweeney Todd’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt Judge Turpin, who ruined his life and family, leads him to become a ruthless murderer who loses his humanity and sanity. The musical also examines the social and economic conditions of Victorian London, where poverty, crime, and injustice are rampant. Sweeney Todd is a tragic and complex anti-hero who challenges the audience’s moral judgments and sympathies.
Assignment
Consider what elements of the direction and writing/storytelling were successful (or not?) What elements of the design support the storytelling (or didn’t?) What compelled you about the acting work (was the acting compelling? Who stood out?) What other elements might be important to include in this particular review (history, social context, etc)?
Next Consider: who will your audience be for this review. Are you writing for the New York Times? The Hollywood Reporter? Rolling Stone? (You are NOT writing for me or your classmates). How might your review shift in tone and language depending on your audience?
Example of a review (The first link is basically how the play looks like)
Review: A Noise Within’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ Cuts Deep With Barbarous Passion & Revenge – LAexcites.com
‘Sweeney Todd’ Review: Josh Groban Stars in Sondheim on Broadway (variety.com)
Here is a Pant flip of the theatre play with the cast and background
Sweeney Todd Program by anoisewithintheatre – Issuu
Trailer of how the play looks like
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Trailer) (youtube.com)
