5 Reasons Why You Should Watch Sweeney Todd

I recently watched the musical Sweeney Todd at the Theatre at Solaire and all I can say is that I had a bloody good time.  This show means a lot to me as I had the pleasure of playing the role of Anthony Hope in the Repertory Philippines production 10 years ago with Menchu Lauchengco Yulo as Mrs. Lovett and Audie Gemora as Sweeney Todd. 

We rehearsed for two months, the first month was dedicated to music alone. You see the music of Stephen Sondheim is quite complicated, and Sweeney Todd is the most difficult to learn and sing.  I remember one co-actor of mine saying if you can do Sweeney Todd then you can do anything else after that. It was one heck of a ride and I simply had a blast doing the show where I got to work with some of the best actors and musicians in the industry.

So when I heard that Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group was staging it again, it got me really excited cause this time I get to sit in the audience and just simply enjoy the show and I did.

Now here are 5 reasons why you should watch the show.

In no particular order…

• The Set by David Gallo –  The Tony award-winning set designer pulled out all the stops and created a stage that will blow your mind.  I will not say more about it cause I want you to see it for yourself. All I have to say is Mustang, motorbike and run down cars.  You will know what I mean when you watch the show.

• Bobby Garcia’s Direction – Bobby took this 40 year old musical and made it his own by giving it a fresh take with a post apocalyptic approach that made it more relevant for today’s audience.  As always his direction is impeccable.  What he did with that Mustang is really clever. Again you will know what I mean when you watch the show.

• Lea Salonga is a BEAST – When I heard that Lea was going to play Mrs. Lovett, the first thing that came to my mind was wow that is totally different from what she has done in all her shows.  To be honest I was wondering how was she going attack the role?  Oh boy was I literally blown away with her performance. She made it her own and she literally lit up the stage every single moment she was on it. Watch out for her songs The Worst Pies In London in Act 1 and By The Sea in Act 2.  It was bloody amazing! Her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett is what I call a career defining moment.  She clearly showed why she is a Tony and Olivier Award winner. 

• Gerard Salonga’s Musical Direction – This is Gerard’s second time doing the musical. The first time he did it was in our 2009 run and he was a great help to all of us. He patiently worked with us and made sure we sung it in tune and the correct way. He did it again for this run, He swept us off our feet by bringing life to the haunting music of Sondheim. He truly is a gem of a guy and a huge asset to have in any show. 

• The Cast – Jett Pangan’s vocal prowess and his take on the iconic character of Sweeney Todd was a sight to behold. Nyoy Volante’s scene stealing portrayal of Adolfo Pirelli was so succulent that we bought everything he sold us! Great job Nyoy! While his wife Mikkie Bradshaw Volante was pitch perfect as Johanna. Arman Ferrer showed his versatility as an actor in the role of Beadle Bamford, his comic timing in Parlor Songs (Part 1 & 2) Sweet Poly Plunkett and Tower of Bray is something to watch out for. Loved watching Ima Castro’s nuanced performance as the Beggar Woman.

The revelation of the show was Luigi Quesada! OMG where do I begin? He was perfect for the role of Tobias. He sang each note and delivered his lines as clear as a Swarovski crystal. He gave a performance that will be remembered for a very long time.  The future is definitely bright for Philippine Theatre with the likes of Luigi in it.

A huge congratulations to Andrew Fernando and Gerald Santos for making their debut on the Atlantis stage and showcasing their God-given talent.

I have to give a huge shout out to the rest of the ensemble for doing a great job learning the songs of Sweeney Todd in a month’s time. It takes a seasoned actor to tackle the material and present it the way they did. Bravo Dean Rosen, Steven Conde, Kevin Guiman, Jep Go, Christine Flores, Sarah Facuri and Emeline Celis.

Sweeney Todd will run until October 27, so don’t waste anymore time and get your tickets cause they are selling fast.  I promise you will have a bloody grand time at The Theatre at Solaire!

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