Yesterday, Johnny Depp received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the melodic Demon Barber, Sweeney Todd. This Victorian villain, who starts out sympathetic but takes revenge a hair too far, has served stage actors well.
In 1979, Stephen Sondheim's gruesome musical earned eight Tony Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Len Cariou. In 2006 Michael Cerveris revived the role of to earn a Tony nomination.
Let's hope that Depp's portrayal of "Sweeney Todd" takes home the trophy. After all:
- He's a cut above the rest
- He gobbles up the competition
- His wit is razor sharp
- Leave a comment with your own Silly "Sweeney Todd" Pun
Additional Resources:
- Synopsis of "Sweeney Todd" musical
- A terrific Stephen Sondheim fansite
- Fact or Fiction? The History of "Sweeney Todd"
Photo © DreamWorks Pictures/Warner Bros Pictures
Comments
I hope he wins too. “Sweeney Todd” is a juicy part!
Good for Johnny Depp – Sweeney’s a meaty role, and he really fleshes out the part.
I though depp was absolutely Barberic.
(You know, like Barbaric… ugh– I’m lousy at puns!)
I like that… “Barberic.”
No wonder Shirley McClain knew him in a former life as Sweeney Scissorhands. My question is, why is a never-been like David Beckham the spokesman for Gillette instead of the more interesting, deserving, versatile and cutting Dagger Depp?
What about Helena Bonham Carter though? I’d Lovett if she’d been picked – she went right for the jugular and got her teeth into a tasty role that ultimately set the screen alight. I’d be gutted if I were her.