I didn't actually know what to expect from Repertory Philippines' production of Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd, knowing how Hollywood reminded us of the classic. Since it was a night show, RP placed their best actors: Audie Gemora (I saw him in The Sound of Music in 2006 as Captain von Trapp) and Menchu Yulo (Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof) as the lead roles.
Don't even get me started on the set. WHOA!!! and a bunch of other expressions could be heard from the audience every time something was moved. For the first 20 minutes of the second act, and maybe the rest of the show, I concentrated on the chair Todd used to send his victims to the Baking Room without carrying them down the stairs where everyone could see. Needless to say I was at awe (if that's even grammatically correct), when some type of trap door opened, the chair became a part of some slide and whoever the victim was honestly slid.
Now THAT is called a set. As for the acting, the lead actors were excellent, and I preferred Mrs. Lovett's mood swings and catch phrases on scene. But Lucy (the beggar who turned out to be Sweeney Todd's wife who went all coockoo) was outstanding and unforgettable, which is exactly every stage performers goal.
I wouldn't want to miss out the fact that the conductor was actually Gerald Salonga, Lea's brother.
To conclude, first, I wish they'd show this in CCP. Second, this is probably Repertory Philippines at one of its finest peaks, knowing there had been even better shows before I was born. This is how a musical should be on stage. A standard that would hopefully be maintained or improved by the generations to come..
I have to sleep now. I hope you like my first entry.. This is Glen O, thepersona, signing off.
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