I Feel You... A Little.

Ida: "I get easily frustrated when I can't understand the words."
Russ: "It's because of the enunciation."
Ida: "I can deal with the enunciation!"
Russ: "Sshhh!"

The balcony is not exactly a good place to watch a play with actors donning the British accent. I found the sound system at Greenbelt 1 Onstage to be below par, although they adjusted it on Act 2. Or did they? We went to nearer seats eh. Hehehe.

Audie Gemora seemed to lack the energy for the title role. Nasapawan tuloy siya ni Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Mrs. Lovett. His momentum built up only from the time he went down the stage ramp. And this, unfortunately, being one of the moments when Russ was asleep. I nudged him more vigorously than demanded and said, "Hey, Sweeney Todd might slash your neck. He's going to the audience!" But that was just wishful thinking. Not a drop of (fake) blood was shed. I was totally expecting something in the fashion of the 1991 movie "The Addams Family," the part where Wednesday and Pugsley slashed each other in their school play. I didn't know Repertory Philippines didn't plan on doing it like that. But why? I seriously don't get it. That's why I can't help but compare this play to Papa Johnny Depp's movie by Tim Burton, which was so intense. Even when I was in grade school, a beauty pageant contestant was able to execute something like it (the skit involved her vomiting spaghetti and spewing blood).

I'm sorry, but the play, which I watched during its first public run, felt rather like a dress rehearsal. Tell me I'm mean, go on. I'm just saying that there are lots of points for improvement. It would help if Audie Gemora gets more practice brandishing a razor. He should take a cue from Marvin Ong who was great as Tobias and who did him in. I wonder why Audie Gemora's swaying movements were limited; could it be that the razor was real?! Hahaha... Anyway, there was also this part where it was Judge Turpin's first time to go up the barber shop. Sweeney Todd was pondering on killing him but when he turned to face him, he did so clockwise. So when he hid the razor with his right arm, the Judge, played by Roger Chua, must have seen it. Should have seen it. This fluke would have been avoided if the crew didn't rotate the establishment, which was done to show that Toby went to the back and sat there. Obviously, to me, the scene could have done without the 180-degree turn because it only disrupted the orientation of the top floor which was more crucial at this point. It didn't seem logical but then it probably was on the script. Oh well.

"Gusto pa naman ni Ida si sailorboy," said Russ. "Not him, the song!" I retorted. I was referring to "Johanna" by the character Anthony, played by Franco Laurel. Wish I heard it clearly though the first time. Either his voice was really soft or his mic was busted. The technical staff tried to remedy it on Act 1 but you can hear the scratch, meaning the volume was increased instead of just having the mic replaced. At least on Act 2 it was ok already. Going to Johanna played by Lena McKenzie, who Russ said looked like a Sto. Niño and who I said looked like a poodle, I would have to agree with Inquirer critic Gibbs Cadiz about her diction. Let's just say she didn't nail it. And her voice fluctuated at one point while reaching for the low notes. I'm not a musician but I know when something just doesn't sound as it should. Like when Beadle, played by Robbie Guevara, kind of missed his timing. I would have to say though, that the highlight of the play is the orchestra conducted by none other than Gerard Salonga. I even peeked below the stage during the break because my ears were quite pleased so my eyes had to see where the music was coming from. I liked it. Period. With regard the play, it was so-so. To tell you the truth, I even thought it would be a tad better if they invited Borat/Sacha Baron Cohen to play Alfonso Pirelli. Hahaha!

For an expert's review of the play, check out Gibbs Cadiz.