An award-winning Sondheim expert dives into all facets of this unique, murder-filled masterpiece-its slimy roots, original production, characters from killers to lovers to bakers, soaring score, gripping storytelling, and lasting power.
This bloody tale is often considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. Rick Pender provides a kaleidoscopic view and interweaves a wealth of archival materials and insights, starting with the show's 19th-century gruesome literary origins and Christopher Bond's 1970 stage adaptation that inspired Sondheim to transform it into a Broadway musical. Pender extensively explores the show's development and its Tony Award-winning original 1979 production, focusing on Sondheim's majestic score and the show's masterfully written and intricately plotted book by Hugh Wheeler. Also profiled are members of the all-star creative team led by director Hal Prince as well as legendary orchestrator Jonathan Tunick, renowned musical director Paul Gemignani, and the original cast, including Len Cariou, Angela Lansbury, Victor Garber, Sarah Rice, Edmund Lyndeck, Ken Jennings, and Merle Louise.
The book surveys major, subsequent productions by theater and opera companies, as well as Tim Burton's dark 2007 cinematic adaptation featuring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter. Critical assessments of the original production and numerous adaptations are shared, including John Doyle's 2005 Tony Award-winning actor/musician production and the 2023 revival starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. The book ends with a look at the musical's cultural impacts and legacy. Rick Pender provides riveting exploration of Sweeney Todd will please fans of musical theatre, Sondheim enthusiasts, and those who gravitate to horror stories.
- 265 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - PDF
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Information
Subtopic
MusicTable of contents
- Cover
- Half Title
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Chapter 1: Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd
- Chapter 2: Sweeney’s Bloody Roots
- Chapter 3: First Blood on Broadway: Sweeney Todd, 1979
- Chapter 4: Blood on the Big Screen: Tim Burton’s Horror Musical, 2007
- Chapter 5: Sweeney Swings Back . . . Again and Again: Revivals, Opera Houses, and Concerts
- Chapter 6: Sweeney Settles the Musical Score
- Chapter 7: Take Sweeney Home to Listen: Recordings
- Chapter 8: “Isn’t that Sweeney there beside you?”: Cultural Impact
- Appendix 1: Sweeney Todd Productions Worldwide
- Appendix 2: Song-by-Song Commentary
- Notes
- Index
- About the Author
- Blank Page
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Yes, you can access Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd by Rick Pender in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Media & Performing Arts & Music. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.