Sweeney Todd

Musical or Opera

“Whence comes this melody
Constantly floating?
Is it rejoicing or merely aloaming…?
Green Finch, and Linnet Bird, Nightingale, Blackbird,
Teach me how to sing.”

Since its inception in 1979, critics and audiences have argued over whether Sweeney Todd should be considered an opera or musical. The show has graced the Great White Way three times, all to critical and commercial success; however the world’s most prestigious opera houses continue to include the magnum opus in their seasons. Stephen Sondheim has been known to say that an opera is simply what plays in an opera house and a musical is what plays in a theatre…Whether musical theatre lover or opera buff, here’s a handy guide to let you know if you’re watching a descendent of Le Nozze di Figaro or a close kin to Oklahoma!

Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
The orchestra is dressed in black tie.
Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
The orchestra is dressed in black t-shirts.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
It stars a legendary singing actress with an illustrious career.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
It stars a debut artist who hasn't played any of the major houses.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
The director's interpretation totally ruined it for you.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
The conductor's interpretation totally ruined it for you.

Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
“The Worst Pies in London” is an aria.
Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
“Epiphany” is a showtune.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
That rude person next to you didn't applaud the stars' entrances.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
That rude person next to you applauded while the orchestra was playing.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
You were on the phone the moment tickets went on sale because you wanted great seats for the biggest theatre event of the season.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
It came with your subscription.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
Stephen Sondheim is the supreme musical dramatist of our time.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
Stephen Sondheim is one of those annoying 20th Century composers who always give me a headache.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
Nobody in the audience knows what a character mime is.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
Nobody in the audience knows who Hugh Wheeler is.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
That guy playing Pirelli is hilarious.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
That guy playing Pirelli is the only one singing correctly.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
Tobias' big song is “Not While I'm Around”.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
Tobias' big aria is “Nothin's Gonna Harm You”.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
Anthony and Johanna take their curtain call together.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
Even the guy playing Fogg gets a solo bow.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
You wonder why Mrs. Lovett takes her bow after Sweeney.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
You wonder why the mezzo takes her bow after the soprano.

Sweeney Todd is a MUSICAL when…
The factory whistle is a symbol of the incursion of the industrial age on the human spirit.
Sweeney Todd is an OPERA when…
The factory whistle is a G sharp.

References:
Dale, Michael. 'Sweeney Todd' is a Musical! No, it's an Opera! Or Maybe it's a Ballet? Retrieved from www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=699

Tickets

$38, $40 and $45, depending on seat location
Mountainlair Box Office
Creative Arts Center Box Office
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