STAGE THEATRE

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• Event Name: Sweeney Todd... The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  "Attend this tale"
  Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Oct 08, 2010
  

  Admittedly, the cards were a bit stacked against this show for me. With the exception of a couple songs, I'm not a fan of the music & it was going to be a stretch given that I was not the target... Expand

  Admittedly, the cards were a bit stacked against this show for me. With the exception of a couple songs, I'm not a fan of the music & it was going to be a stretch given that I was not the target audience. That said, I was impressed once again with Sunnyvale. The staging was brilliant, very clever and very effective for the space. This was a hard working and endlessly energetic ensemble! The orchestra was spot on. All the technical elements were in place (makeup!)The choreography was shockingly strong, and Ruth E. Stein and Jordan Pajarillo as Mrs Lovett & Tobias would have stolen the show if the rest of the elements weren't so strong. All in all the 3 hours went by much faster than I expected and I was pleased to see the house nearly full with lots of highschoolers! So, the only warning I give is that to the casual musical attendee, this is a complex, modern, dark musical, the productions value is high which it will be hard NOT to enjoy, though the music may be a struggle to embrace. Collapse

• Event Name: Sweeney Todd... The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  "Production Highlighted by Strong Ensemble & Key Performances"
  Review posted by: Greg from San Jose, Oct 06, 2010
  

  Minimalist but effective production, with a hard working cast with varying degrees of vocal and acting talent. It's bolstered by some genuinely creative staging and the good fortune of being... Expand

  Minimalist but effective production, with a hard working cast with varying degrees of vocal and acting talent. It's bolstered by some genuinely creative staging and the good fortune of being accompanied by a live orchestra. The lead is competently portrayed by the gigantic Walter M. Mayes. His sheer physical stature lends the part a unique gravitas which his performance would be lacking otherwise. On the otherhand, Ruth E. Stein's Mrs. Lovett is polished to a bright lustre, both in singing prowess and comic-timing. The remaining cast members carry their weight, with honorable mention to Jordan Pajarillo, who's superb vocal interpretation and earnest characterization of young Tobias almost steals the show. Enjoyment of the overall experience was tempered only by some annoying audio problems and poor execution by the lighting crew. Disappointingly, the theatre was undeservedly half full on a Saturday night. Please support your local repertory companies, South Bay! Collapse

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