It would have been twenty years ago; Never forget. Never forgive

Back in 1987, before the Internet (I just like saying that), times were simpler for the Big Bad Spat. I was just cutting my teeth at UConn as a human being and as a student in the Department for Dramatic Arts. Yep, theaterfag. I was blessed with a great group of peers that made the stale and tawdry curriculum, bearable. We also had some fantastic shows that we put up that I really thought were restaurant quality, if you know what I mean. We had some shows that all the evidence of was destroyed to protect the guilty.



One such success was a collaboration between the Drama and the Music Departments. Usually mutually exclusive, as we did share a building, the students didn't mix well. Different creative processes? Who knows, who cares. But this particular show, directed by a very dirty old man and musically directed by the constantly cocked conductor was outstanding. Sweeny Todd introduced me to Stephen Sondheim, where I immediately threw down my allegiance. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice took my virginity, but Stephen and I had a real love affair, until I threw him out for Jonathan Lawson, but I digress. The darkness of that show is so mesmerizing that you forget any prejudice you might feel towards Musical Theater. The lyrics, the blood, the characters, the blood, the rhythm, and the blood all make for a delightful night out. Our show utilized the drama graduate students and the darlings of the music department with yours truly and my band of merry men running costumes. Costumes includes laundry, did i mention that there is an ocean of blood involved. The show became a proud moment for me, and the piece itself is an icon in my psyche.


Which brings me to Dreamworks' Film Sweeny Todd starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman and directed by Tim Burton. I was scared to see what was going to happen with this little baby of mine. There have been so many bastardized babies of Musicals to Film that I was concerned. Dreamgirls was disappointing and Rent was embarrassing. When I began to hear the compiling of talent and saw the first trailer, they had me with the first cut. Johnny Depp can do no wrong in my eyes his talent is epic and he creates amazing work. All of his characters are complete and amazing to watch. Sweeny was no different, his deliberate and sullen walk, and intense eyes were selling points to this. His vocal quality, not Great White Way worthy, was still competent for the job. And Helena Bonham Carter was devious, devoted and delicious. I don't often gush about a movie but this one and I have history. All of my hopes on the score being kept true to were met. Tim Burton's vision of the time and the place were outstanding. The use of blood was lascivious. It was enormous and erotic. There was so much blood in spots that it stopped just short of laughable. Burton's movie is one I can't wait to own. GO SEE IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even GirlFran had this to say....

And the joke of a Golden Globes Award Ceremony recognized Sweeny as Winner, Best Film Comedy or Musical, and Johnny Depp as Winner, Best Actor in a Film Musical or Comedy. That means something, y'know.