Terry Morgan – ArtsBeatLA
Sweeney Todd is my favorite musical. I’ve seen it onstage several times, watched the film, enjoyed a cast recording (Cerveris/LuPone), and loved the Angela Lansbury/George Hearn version blessedly preserved on video. This breadth of comparisons, however, can make me picky about the show. Can the performers do justice to the songs and characters? Is it funny and tragic and a bit scary? Thankfully, the new revival at La Mirada Theatre is very strong under Jason Alexander’s inspired direction, and Lesli Margherita’s portrayal of Mrs. Lovett is one of the greatest musical comedy performances I’ve ever seen. Read more…
Jonas Schwartz-Owen – Theatermania
The musical meat pie known as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street contains scrumptious ingredients in the production currently being served up at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts: there are stirring performances, a gargantuan set, and an epic orchestra. And while setting the story in a madhouse lends a creepiness and desolation, director Jason Alexander’s personal stamp somehow leaves the product underbaked. Read more…