Sweeney Todd:Burton and Depp together again, a cut above the rest

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2008)

"My one true friend!" as Sweeney Todd sings this line, leering into the mirror, viewing the reflection of himself, in the polished silver, straight edged, razer he holds tenderly in his hand, close to his demonic face, once again after 18 years of incarceration, a sardonic smile appears. The audience knows that blood will flow, and lives will be lost, in a revenge driven musical, based on the original play by Stephen Sondheim. Johnny Depp takes on the persona of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with such ease one would almost imagine he was not play acting at all. Joining Mr. Todd is the lovely (sic) Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) who joins him in this lively but deadly, duet. Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett make a handsome couple, although their facial colors are a bit ashen, and the circles about their eyes are rather dark, non the less they seem quite appropriate, for working class folk in the mid-1800s, in London, England.This 'R' rated opera is lavishly funny, with ghoulish glimpses, of blood curdling buffoonery, and musical merriment, although, it is difficult to hear all of the wonderful lines, in the verses in the songs, while one is laughing, from the previous lines,while listening to the quick witted phrases currently being sung by our favorite, devilish duo. Mrs. Lovett runs a bakery, specializing in meat pies on Fleet Street. She allows Mr. Todd to use the room above her Estblisment to ply his close cutting trade. This gives rise to a fresh supply, and a new ingredient, for Mrs. Lovett's now fiendishly good meat pies, and an increase in business. Special notice must be given to the performances by, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Ed Sanders. Be forewarned; this is not everyones tea cake. Sweeney Todd does get carried away while shaving some of his customers, too closely!