Review: Sweeney Todd The Musical

 

A few weeks ago me and my dad went on a little father-daughter trip to Amsterdam where we saw the musical Sweeney Todd in 't Zonnehuis. I gave him the tickets as a Father's day present, because we both really enjoy the story and the gruesomeness of the play. What can I say, I like my stories a little morbid and gross!

The venue where the play was going to be performed was a little weird at first. It looked like a cross between a high school and a nunnery, once inside the theatre it still didn't look quite right. Even when we sat down, I wasn't that impressed with the set. It seemed really simple and even though that is not necessarily a bad thing, I was a little worried!

But then, the music started and the first sentence was sung and I was in love. The actors used the room in such a way that you fully forget this wasn't real. That the story of Sweeney Todd wasn't actually happening around me, that I wasn't a part of it all. 

To me, this is what takes a musical from great to incredible, if the cast can make me forget it is a musical. And boy oh boy, did this cast manage to do that! 

By the way, let's talk about the cast, because to be completely honest, I found out about this musical because of its lead. René van Kooten is a Dutch actor who I think is absolutely amazing. I saw him in two more musicals: The Musical Zorro and Jersey Boys. And let me tell you, AMAZING!

So, when I heard he was going to be playing the role of Sweeney Todd, a fictional character I adore, I just knew I had to see it. Totally worth the watch! Also, the woman who played Mrs. Lovett? Couldn't have been more perfect! Her voice and appearance truly matched the image I have in my head when I think of the lovely Mrs. Lovett. 

So, all in all. If you're a fan of morbid humour, murder and musicals, you need, need, need to go see this musical!