November 21, 2009 8PM @ OnStage

Absolutely amazing. This was the very first time that I’ve watched a live performance of Sweeney Todd, having only seen bits and pieces of the recorded Lansbury/Hearn version, snippets from dozens of Sondheim tribute concerts, bootlegs of the Lupone/Cerveris version and of course, the Depp/Burton/Bonham Carter film. The storyline and the performances gave me shivers.

Audie Gemora and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo were brilliant in this. They have strong voices that really fit their characters. I also adored Toby… Whose name escapes me right now But he rocked. The orchestrations were PERFECT. One teeny tiny thing that I didn’t like was having to sit through the Kiss Me number. OMG IT WAS SO PAINFUL, I’M SORRY. But it’s the song, not the performer’s fault. It’s so insane, crazy, fast, high pitched and lovely all at the same time.

Thank you, Mr. Sondheim. You are a genius. The end.