@@afbastet I've heard he's really talented at his craft! Seldom smiles, and he doesn't have that many reviews, but I've been told that he'll give the closest shave you'll ever know, so it's worth checking out.
Jesus, this guy is fantastic. That twitchy crazy look in his eye is so uncomfortable, I get scared just looking at him. One little complaint though, I really wish he did a maniacal laugh after "I will have you!" That's one of the best parts in the stage play, that evil, psychotic laugh.
Oddly enough I've actually had a problem with the maniacal laughter because it contradicted the line 'he seldom laughed but he often smiled.' at some other point in the play, but yeah I do love it when the bad guys laugh.
When he does the whole "Who sir! You sir! How about a shave!" Thing, I feel like he's talking to *me* . I feel like I'm being threatened. Which is great.
Having seen the original production back in '79 with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, can tell you that is exactly as it should be. My hair was on end and that went for the whole audience. Anything less than that and you are not getting full Sweeney. It's scary but also deeply sad. Brilliant, and there's a brilliant song before it and a brilliant song immediately after. And one f the most diabolically funny ones too.
Honestly what makes this more scary is that the way the dude is built he looks like he doesn’t even need the knife to kill a guy but he just prefers it cause it’s “cleaner”
I was a little unsure when I heard Michael Ball was cast as Sweeney Todd (not that I detest him, I love him as a singer and actor). But watching this now? Jeez, I'm scared of his rendition of Todd, he is calm but you can tell he is completely deranged. Congratulations, Mr. Ball, you managed to knock this role completely out of the ballpark
janeyrevanescence12 yeah I totally agree! This is pretty much one of the angriest versions of epiphany I have ever heard.....why oh why did this production not transfer to broadway? Ball probably would’ve won a tony for this. I also love how his voice is deeper here and he is not as recognizable in this as he is in other cast recordings, due to the lack of vibrato.......hell, his dimples aren’t that present and he genuinely has a cockney accent here, speaking and singing.
@@flannerymonaghan-morrs4740 Oh he's DEFINITELY come along way from his 80s/90s Marius form, and NOW he's played Javert in the recent 16-week run of Les Miserables at the Gala! ruclips.net/video/gIidSA8S4ZY/видео.html
@@sullygroot924 A-men. Hearn spoiled me - he was the first Sweeney I ever saw, and it feels like none compare to him. His was a unique, very manic Sweeney despite the booming voice, and the swinging from brooding to manic energy was so flawless that he really did make the character feel like he actually started as merely a bitter, cynical man who slowly built to complete madness over the course of the story. The delivery of "At last, my arm is complete again!" in particular raised the hair on the back of my neck the first time I saw him. Don't get me wrong - Depp, Cairou and Ball all do a great job with their own interpretations, but I feel Hearn's fit the overall mood of the play better than anyone.
I like this version because it doesn't overemphasize detachment in atrocity, it imbues Sweeney with the actual emotions a person fed up with people would actually feel about those persons. Who couldn't relate to him at this point? It's the rare person who has never in a living lifetime been to some hell and back again, with the only hope of redemption being found in retribution...Equally thwarted and realized, within the same play, contrasted between the current generation with its old wounds, as well as the optimism of the next.
I had heard this on the cast recording, but this is my first time seeing him do it on video. Even though he's an unusual choice for Sweeney, I am surprised by how much this performance - at least judging by his big solo - totally works. His physical size, bright sound, and more Cockney/Estuary accent makes him totally believable as a decent blue collar bloke who after years of abuse has totally lost his mind. One of the few genuinely scary performances of this song I've seen.
Of the five versions of this show that I've seen, this the best. Even sat in the row behind Mister Sondheim at The Adelphi to watch it and he seemed pleased.
I'm not going to lie: I adore Michael Ball, but he's generally played the good guy/boy next door romantic lead and I was initially concerned, but I have never been so happy to be proven wrong! He's a revelation!
Wow, I have no words. This is incredible! A master class in acting, singing and theater. It is a crime that no DVD of this was made, the best production ever and no DVD, what a lose!
Ball's acting here is wonderful! One of the best Sweeney I saw. Grotesque, tragic and scary in the same time, overreacted but still real, as the character should be. I love how he turns his usual "chubby- comforting" look in some "Oson Welles-like" frightening big man. And, for once, his voice don't sways!
I think this is the best version of Sweeney. As while Ball isn't as manic as Hearn. I think that's a good thing. Ball I think taps into the humanity of Sweeney far better than any of the others. Micheal Ball isn't balls to the walls crazy. He is able to capture the character's slipping sanity, his unfiltered anger, and his visceral sorrow all in a compelling, grounded way. Ball is able to turn Sweeney into something far more terrifying. By being expressive and realistic at the same time. Allowing us to feel fear at Sweeney's complicated emotions. Because of how human this monster is.
Everyone on here saying "they only cast him for the name" need to do their research about this production. Really, claims like that just make the ones who said it look stupid...
I still like George more but this guy represents a scary part. He looks completely demented. I like how calm he is during this. George still blows me away. Johnny did a wonderful job. He was very sad too which needed to happen. I like all of them.
I’ve only seen the movie, but I love that when he’s trying to get people in the chair he’s singing to the audience, instead of extras outside his shop. I feel like it portrays him as losing his mind
So, apparently, after Jean Valjean's death, Cosette and "Marius" moved to London, changed their names to Lucy and Benjamin Barker for some reason, and started a new happy life. Until a judge noted how beautiful the blond Cosette (Lucy) was and destroyed their family. And now, fifteen years later, Marius returned with another new name, Sweeney Todd, to take his revenge. Poor Marius... Who would have thought you would be through such a "miserable" life? *sighs* Those who know Michael Ball as 'Marius' in "Les Misérables" will know what I'm talking about. lol
Patrick Casey True, haha. Valjean comes from the lower class of society, while Marius is from the high class, that's the different. While Valjean can stay good heedless of whatever happens to him, I think Marius cannot. "Life without Cosette means nothing at all," if you get me.
the reason they left is because Thenardier knew of Marius being involved with the criminal Valjean. Even after paying him off, Marius and cosette leave for London and change their names to start a new life
I think the most brilliant part of their performance is that they manage to make the characters believable like they actually exist. That they talk and sing like normal people would do in the situation. I mean, who would go to a pie or barber shop with owners like that in the movie?
Oh my GOSH! How is this the original Marius?! It took me several minutes just to be sure it was actually him. Amazing work, and he's disguised his naturally beautiful voice so well.
I don’t know how much I love it, although it’s really good. I think the thing that amazes me most is that he is so identified as the original Marius in Les Mis with that light, lilty tenor voice that’s a hear him do this just gives me a lot of appreciation for his flexibility and ability.
Best Sweeny I've gotten to see, really see how charismatic and demented the character is. And Imelda's enunciation makes it easy to understand and hear Mrs. Lovett's lines
Gotta have some serious acting chops and vocal ability. Michael Ball waited to take this role for over a decade because he didn't think he was ready, and he's had a ton of years of Musical Theatre experience under his belt.
I remember seeing this a couple year ago on Halloween, was my personal favourite. Both put on a brilliant performance and really good eye on the details, such as a working chair which would discard his victims with the pull of a lever.
This arrangement is FUNKY to say the least! It starts in a higher key at the beginning (a half step up), and he even hits an F# for the last and highest “We all deserve to die!” It then switches keys back to the original towards the end (I don’t know where exactly it switches but I think it’s at the very end” and he hits an F natural at the end (instead of the F#). CRAZY!
I can't stop watching this version. It's the best one I've found out there. Ball's just so menacing and completely unhinged. I love his movements when he's addressing the "gentlemen" in the audience, and his last note on "joy".... Is there a recording of the full production, or was it only performed for the stage?
This is why I’m subscribed to Dollar Shave Club
See what you did there 😂😂
They hired a new delivery guy, dang, I can't remember his name, something like Rodd? Modd? Anyway, he'll be seeing you soon...
Fuck nice sponsorship plug
@@afbastet I've heard he's really talented at his craft! Seldom smiles, and he doesn't have that many reviews, but I've been told that he'll give the closest shave you'll ever know, so it's worth checking out.
@@afbastet Todd
Jesus, this guy is fantastic. That twitchy crazy look in his eye is so uncomfortable, I get scared just looking at him. One little complaint though, I really wish he did a maniacal laugh after "I will have you!" That's one of the best parts in the stage play, that evil, psychotic laugh.
Oddly enough I've actually had a problem with the maniacal laughter because it contradicted the line 'he seldom laughed but he often smiled.' at some other point in the play, but yeah I do love it when the bad guys laugh.
Don't forget that he's lipsynching to the cast recording, so it could just be that the producers chose not to include it in the recording.
he's spitting he's so into it.
He is good i just like the way he sings it.
@@villanueva41 seldom, not never
When he does the whole "Who sir! You sir! How about a shave!" Thing, I feel like he's talking to *me* . I feel like I'm being threatened. Which is great.
I agree
Been cutting my own hair since
That’s exactly the point of that part. In that moment Sweeney is breaking the fourth wall and threatening the audience.
Having seen the original production back in '79 with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, can tell you that is exactly as it should be. My hair was on end and that went for the whole audience. Anything less than that and you are not getting full Sweeney. It's scary but also deeply sad. Brilliant, and there's a brilliant song before it and a brilliant song immediately after. And one f the most diabolically funny ones too.
His choreography when he starts the "Alright, you sir, how about a shave?" part is wonderful
1:34
He looks and sounds absolutely unhinged.
@@toilaconhaisam3037 1:33
YES his sanity slippage is at 100% at 1:33 and 1:55
Honestly what makes this more scary is that the way the dude is built he looks like he doesn’t even need the knife to kill a guy but he just prefers it cause it’s “cleaner”
I mean, he does take out Pirelli by just punching him in the face until the guy goes limp.
I was a little unsure when I heard Michael Ball was cast as Sweeney Todd (not that I detest him, I love him as a singer and actor). But watching this now? Jeez, I'm scared of his rendition of Todd, he is calm but you can tell he is completely deranged. Congratulations, Mr. Ball, you managed to knock this role completely out of the ballpark
janeyrevanescence12 yeah I totally agree! This is pretty much one of the angriest versions of epiphany I have ever heard.....why oh why did this production not transfer to broadway? Ball probably would’ve won a tony for this. I also love how his voice is deeper here and he is not as recognizable in this as he is in other cast recordings, due to the lack of vibrato.......hell, his dimples aren’t that present and he genuinely has a cockney accent here, speaking and singing.
Was that a pun?
@@flannerymonaghan-morrs4740 Oh he's DEFINITELY come along way from his 80s/90s Marius form, and NOW he's played Javert in the recent 16-week run of Les Miserables at the Gala!
ruclips.net/video/gIidSA8S4ZY/видео.html
1:35 - his understated “How about a shave” with the eyes and the brows and the nod and the mask-like grin is just perfect.
Honestly, he’s the scariest Sweeney Todd, and I love it
One hell of a good rendition
Better than Johnny that grief wow
He ain’t, sorry but Johnny depp better
@@mothmanparanoid Depp ain't got shit on George hearn
@@sullygroot924 A-men. Hearn spoiled me - he was the first Sweeney I ever saw, and it feels like none compare to him. His was a unique, very manic Sweeney despite the booming voice, and the swinging from brooding to manic energy was so flawless that he really did make the character feel like he actually started as merely a bitter, cynical man who slowly built to complete madness over the course of the story.
The delivery of "At last, my arm is complete again!" in particular raised the hair on the back of my neck the first time I saw him.
Don't get me wrong - Depp, Cairou and Ball all do a great job with their own interpretations, but I feel Hearn's fit the overall mood of the play better than anyone.
Funny how Both Bellatrix Laustrange and Madam Umbridge Played Mrs. Lovett.
And Trelawney!
And Sweeney Todd and Anthony were played by both Gellert Grindelwalds.xD
@Stefan Sharak it's Bellatrix Lestrange
@@MsWickedWolf its wengadium leviosa not leviosa
Also Sybill Trelawney played Mrs Lovett.
I like this version because it doesn't overemphasize detachment in atrocity, it imbues Sweeney with the actual emotions a person fed up with people would actually feel about those persons. Who couldn't relate to him at this point? It's the rare person who has never in a living lifetime been to some hell and back again, with the only hope of redemption being found in retribution...Equally thwarted and realized, within the same play, contrasted between the current generation with its old wounds, as well as the optimism of the next.
Sweeney: **walks around stage threatening people with a razor**
Comments: I mean, honestly, relatable.
@@uglebeffus Wait... You haven't threatened someone with a razor while singing never? Guys these days...
Its relatable in that at this point he is a sympathetic character.
I had heard this on the cast recording, but this is my first time seeing him do it on video. Even though he's an unusual choice for Sweeney, I am surprised by how much this performance - at least judging by his big solo - totally works. His physical size, bright sound, and more Cockney/Estuary accent makes him totally believable as a decent blue collar bloke who after years of abuse has totally lost his mind. One of the few genuinely scary performances of this song I've seen.
Of the five versions of this show that I've seen, this the best. Even sat in the row behind Mister Sondheim at The Adelphi to watch it and he seemed pleased.
watchetboy holy shit you sat behind Sondheim himself????????? Wow.
YOU SAT BEHIND SONDHEIM ARE U FR
Staggering performance. No wonder he won the Oliver Award for this role. The man is a powerhouse performer.
When I saw this at 2:02, Michael looked at me dead in the eye. Never been more petrified in my life...
They should really release a full dvd.
Ideally yes they should have , as far as we know at Michael's fan club only this showreel stuff was filmed !
I think they were going to but something happened and it didn't work
@@applefrost3324 That's so sad! Heard the cd, everyone is amazing!
I found this one a while ago, the quality is trash but even still I love it
ruclips.net/video/Ve7dZ0T4t_o/видео.html
I'm not going to lie: I adore Michael Ball, but he's generally played the good guy/boy next door romantic lead and I was initially concerned, but I have never been so happy to be proven wrong! He's a revelation!
He's an epiphany
@@fangchinghungproductionsUnderrated reply
I never would’ve guessed this was the same guy who played Marius in Les Mis. What an incredible transformation. He’s really amazing in this
Personal favorite out of all the Sweeneys I've seen. Probably the one Sweeney that actually terrified me.
The pain in his voice during the Johanna-parts is spot on
Yeah, he sounds like he’s about to cry, and ya know what? Fair enough.
Wow, I have no words. This is incredible! A master class in acting, singing and theater. It is a crime that no DVD of this was made, the best production ever and no DVD, what a lose!
Agreed. How the heck did they not do a proper DVD of this, it’s brilliant.
If you go on RUclips you can find it
Ohhhh where can I find it? It’s amazing! Glued me to my screen.
Imelda's acting at 1.19 onwards! She subtly goes from cowering scared to listening with interest all without taking the attention away from Todd.
I agree about the first two things that were said. I wasn’t a fan of Johnny depp I think I like the staged version better
This was fabulous. The portrait of a man driven mad by grief and anger. Heartbreaking. Magnificent. What a voice.
Ball's acting here is wonderful! One of the best Sweeney I saw. Grotesque, tragic and scary in the same time, overreacted but still real, as the character should be. I love how he turns his usual "chubby- comforting" look in some "Oson Welles-like" frightening big man. And, for once, his voice don't sways!
This is genuinely terrifying
I think this is the best version of Sweeney. As while Ball isn't as manic as Hearn. I think that's a good thing. Ball I think taps into the humanity of Sweeney far better than any of the others.
Micheal Ball isn't balls to the walls crazy. He is able to capture the character's slipping sanity, his unfiltered anger, and his visceral sorrow all in a compelling, grounded way.
Ball is able to turn Sweeney into something far more terrifying. By being expressive and realistic at the same time. Allowing us to feel fear at Sweeney's complicated emotions. Because of how human this monster is.
Everyone on here saying "they only cast him for the name" need to do their research about this production. Really, claims like that just make the ones who said it look stupid...
michael ball is amazing, like you said people need to educate themselves about it without making a quick judgement on it
Yeah, you look at that and legitimately believe he's insane.
is there a video of their production? I really love it
they kinda did this suck ass
@Divya Narayan That makes me really happy!
I've never heard the instrumental music come through so clearly before. You can actually hear the individual instruments and instrumental solos.
this is a guy who knows how to act like a psychotic slasher villain while simultaneously nailing every difficult rhythm and pitch
I was terrified when I saw this. I thought it was wonderfully acted. Just wish I could see the whole thing at one time instead of clips.
Absolutely outstanding performance.
I think this verison of Sweeney is pretty interesting, especially since many don't portray him as this emotional.
*SWEEDY*
@@IfIHadMyTimeAgain LISTEN I'M SO DUMB EVEN NOW
@@laurelleaves I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend
@@IfIHadMyTimeAgain no its all good lmao i thought it was really funny
He knocked this role out of the park. For such an amiable and sweet public personality, it was such a surprise.
I still like George more but this guy represents a scary part. He looks completely demented. I like how calm he is during this. George still blows me away. Johnny did a wonderful job. He was very sad too which needed to happen. I like all of them.
+Jackie Weiler Michaells has more convincing brittish accent
Dika well he is british though....
@@flannerymonaghan-morrs4740 that's the point
This is the best version of Epiphany I have ever seen and I am angry I haven't seen it until now. My goodness. 2 powerhouse performers.
I’ve only seen the movie, but I love that when he’s trying to get people in the chair he’s singing to the audience, instead of extras outside his shop. I feel like it portrays him as losing his mind
The way he moves at the “alright you sir”, is almost like he knows which camera is on him at the exact time as he makes eye contact with us
So, apparently, after Jean Valjean's death, Cosette and "Marius" moved to London, changed their names to Lucy and Benjamin Barker for some reason, and started a new happy life. Until a judge noted how beautiful the blond Cosette (Lucy) was and destroyed their family. And now, fifteen years later, Marius returned with another new name, Sweeney Todd, to take his revenge. Poor Marius... Who would have thought you would be through such a "miserable" life? *sighs*
Those who know Michael Ball as 'Marius' in "Les Misérables" will know what I'm talking about. lol
Patrick Casey True, haha. Valjean comes from the lower class of society, while Marius is from the high class, that's the different. While Valjean can stay good heedless of whatever happens to him, I think Marius cannot. "Life without Cosette means nothing at all," if you get me.
that was amazing, you're my new favourite XD
I hereby accept this as canon.
the reason they left is because Thenardier knew of Marius being involved with the criminal Valjean. Even after paying him off, Marius and cosette leave for London and change their names to start a new life
Hunter Daniachew
Hahaha, excellent theory!
I think the most brilliant part of their performance is that they manage to make the characters believable like they actually exist. That they talk and sing like normal people would do in the situation. I mean, who would go to a pie or barber shop with owners like that in the movie?
Oh my GOSH! How is this the original Marius?! It took me several minutes just to be sure it was actually him. Amazing work, and he's disguised his naturally beautiful voice so well.
Love how Imelda didn’t play the joke “that’s all wel now…” she’s genuinely frightened and trying to calm the situation. So good
I don’t know how much I love it, although it’s really good. I think the thing that amazes me most is that he is so identified as the original Marius in Les Mis with that light, lilty tenor voice that’s a hear him do this just gives me a lot of appreciation for his flexibility and ability.
Best Sweeny I've gotten to see, really see how charismatic and demented the character is. And Imelda's enunciation makes it easy to understand and hear Mrs. Lovett's lines
The way this guy's built, it looks like he could break you in half...
i would let him
what a talent!! He is so underrated.. He is incredible!
I wish this was on DVD so bad this is awesome
When you scared he is about to slit your throat but then realize it's a video. Scary good acting and singing
This is just excellent. If I ever get the chance to be in this act, this guy inspires me to take on the role of Sweeney Todd
Gotta have some serious acting chops and vocal ability. Michael Ball waited to take this role for over a decade because he didn't think he was ready, and he's had a ton of years of Musical Theatre experience under his belt.
i have watched this video about a million times and each time i get a chill down my spine, michael ball NAILED this role
I'd expect a former Marius to play Anthony, but here we are and I wouldn't change it.
Love his performance, I also love the music, how amazing. Also the change in pacing is unnerving in the best way.
The despair in his voice when he ironically sings "joy" is what always gets me. Incredible talent.
I want to watch this whole thing SO BAD!!!!!!
The Best Sweeney and Mrs Lovett, they are EPIC
Out of all the Sweeney Todds that I've seen and heard, Michael Ball is the most terrifying......
This is amazing! He comes off as terrifying! I love it!
Just love the way he says hundred “hundrade”
I love all these iterations of Sweeney! It's a lot of flavor I'd say!
OH MY GOD! This is so good. Most incredible version of epiphany I've heard!
This is so good and what an actor he is.
This might be the scariest and most amazing representation I’ve seen of this character
"practice on less honorable throats!" ha ha ha
No-one has ever been so terrifying this role, or sung it so well.
He definitely performs epiphany the best
I absolutely LOVE Michaels version of Sweeney.
this is terrifying and i *love* it
The things I would do to have this full production and cast filmed like this
I listened to another version of this song.
*not even close to this masterpiece*
Michael Ball is unrecognizable! Wow! He is incredible!!!!!!!!!!
Sweeney: I am fed UP with dis world.
"You are just a chicken! Cheep cheep!"
I'm afraid here are no plans for this :s this and Little Priest were the only scenes that were shot
Imelda, has an amazing voice
Now that's how you play a musical psychopath.
The BEST version of Sweeney. He kills it (no pun intended) like no one else ever has.
Much better than I expected. He uses his body language very well.
His hair keeps hitting him in the eye and you can tell he's trying to be nonchalant about it.
This is my favorite casting omg please release a DVD!
I remember seeing this a couple year ago on Halloween, was my personal favourite. Both put on a brilliant performance and really good eye on the details, such as a working chair which would discard his victims with the pull of a lever.
The very welcoming yet disturbingly off putting "alright you sir how about a shave" is * chefs kiss *
I think this is my favorite version. He sounds like a man who would cut people up for pies. Terrifying, creepy and unhinged.
The scenes with the red light is awesome 1:32
Gosh I never got to see this! So gutted I didn't. Michael is absolutely fabulous in everything he does!
0:33 The way he says 'SHEET' is just the best part.
That “joy” is chilling
Everyone is terrified of Sweeney Todd, but they don't know that Dolores Umbridge is here too💀
I still love him ,doesn’t matter what he does
This is how I remember Sweeney Todd on stage, one of my last times seeing the play! Much better than Johnny
Fuck this is a amazing entertaining piece of art! Thank You!
This arrangement is FUNKY to say the least! It starts in a higher key at the beginning (a half step up), and he even hits an F# for the last and highest “We all deserve to die!” It then switches keys back to the original towards the end (I don’t know where exactly it switches but I think it’s at the very end” and he hits an F natural at the end (instead of the F#). CRAZY!
This song is pain man
Spot on Stevie, I'm pretty sure it was the 50's that it had been modenised to!
Seeing this live was spinechilling. Absolutely incredible performances by both of them
Unlike Depp and Groban, Michael Ball makes me feel Todd's rage, despair, and dark, dark joy. Incredible performance.
I saw him do this live as the stage came forward towards me he and Amanda where fantastic a great show
I can't stop watching this version. It's the best one I've found out there. Ball's just so menacing and completely unhinged. I love his movements when he's addressing the "gentlemen" in the audience, and his last note on "joy"....
Is there a recording of the full production, or was it only performed for the stage?
I think I found my favorite Sweeney variation. So well done!
Also my favourite part!
This is my favorite variation of the song. This is the version I try to copy whenever I sing along too this song
Who else came here after watching Shuck's new animation?
This isn’t my favorite Sweeney Todd, BUT this is my favorite performance of this song. This knocks even the ‘79 recording out of the fucking water.
I love Michael ball! He's amazing 💜
This performance is sick asf
But I admit Johnny depps balance of Todd’s low voice/Benjamin and the high/grizzly Todd voice is absolutely amazing