A Little Priest - Patti LuPone (Sondheim's 80th Birthday)

[@jebediahhonker-tonker5901]

TWO Sweeneys? It's Mrs. Lovett's wet dream

[@hannajung7450]

okay honey

[@Mikado8848]

Wet? Like by the sea?

[@scarletfluerr]

If you like what you see. I do.

[@hyperbaroque]

Wet? Poured for only two, but she did say a pussy should be good for six or seven, at least . . .

[@jackhanson3856]

Hyper Baroque That’s some legit Sweeney Todd level writing right there.

[@naturelover9716]

I think the line "save a lot of graves, do a lot of relatives favors," is super underappreciated. It is kinda snuck in there and is absolutely hilarious.

I don't get it, to be honest

[@InTheMorningSnow]

Nephtalí Garrido the joke is that putting someone in a cemetery, and having a funeral, can be very expensive. She's saying that by turning these men into pies, they're sparing the families of this extra expense

[@robertgrant4950]

Nature Lover Absolutely right, lover. I love this show. And the music is to die for (not by having a barber slit my throat!)

[@jackminton352]

I didn’t know that line even was in their ,

[@notesl5576]

What's the meaning of that line?

[@thaota2688]

I took far too long to realize "That was really well done, gentlemen!" can be taken as a pun too...

[@theodoreb1977]

How? Like well done steak?

[@stephenprescott9723]

Don’t cry for me Argentina

[@johndorcic4488]

Yes! Removing that comma changes it all.

[@beatriced222]

Hahahah I'm dying

[@brendydevil6665]

@@beatriced222well........... Since you're dying let's put you in the pies =-)

[@TheBabysittersReview]

Only Sondheim could get away with a song filled nothing but with puns

[@1SeniorSmurf]

+Cheyenne Printup Spamalot is filled with puns as well. Look up "you wont succeed on broadway"

[@TheBabysittersReview]

yes but that show is punny and you would expect that in a show by monty python but a show thats only touch of color is blood?

[@EliezerPennywhistler]

+Cheyenne Printup Which actual puns are you referring to?

[@softmoxymuffin2351]

Eliezer Pennywhistler the whole song is like a giant pun... i love it

[@JeffFreemanPresents]

Eliezer Pennywhistler - Dammit you are right! There are no puns in this song. Maybe the word "Heavenly" because it could mean tastes good and the place, but that's it. So what are we really talking about here? Got it. "Only Sondheim could get away with a song filled with nothing but allusions."

[@TheHighPhobia]

I love the different ways the two Todds laugh. Michael Cerveris is more like a dark chuckle while George Hearn goes full on psychotic laughter. And then there's Patti LuPone. With the best evil laughter ever.

[@jennydeamhan1703]

I can't agree more! I think Hearn has my vote for best laugh though. :D

[@ninatorres4369]

Fun

[@JeffFreemanPresents]

What great are those characters that such different performers can do them justice. Sondheim is a genius.

[@ar_t_lo]

LuPone should play a witch 🤷‍♂️

[@dogsarefab]

Mrs Lovett's laugh is amazing 🤩🤩

[@trab49]

Patti LuPone more than holds her own against the two Sweeneys

[@jws1272]

AND, she's played Mrs. Lovett to BOTH of them!!!

[@maggiet644]

trab49 omg I know

[@leovisser9285]

What I wouldn't do to be sandwiched between two Patti Lupones though..

[@IJVin]

That's the thing. They needed two Sweeneys to match one LuPone.

[@xak999]

Would like to see Helena Bonham Carter do that.

[@emilyd.623]

George Hearn was 76 in this. He looks amazing for 76 and still can sing fantastic. God bless him.

[@codymays9943]

He’s 85 these days and can probably out-sing half of Broadway. What a legend.

[@adler923]

Yes - and he truly inhabited Todd, like an old skin.

[@jonrosen7980]

@@adler923 I saw him on Broadway with Dorothy Louden (thinking I had missed the best with both Lansbury and Cariou out of the show) and was stunned by how great he was. Then I got to see Hearn on tour in LA with Lansbury and was knocked out as well. Stunning performances.

[@zentraveler1834]

This is one of the best performances of “A Little Priest”. The difference between someone coming out to sing a Sondheim song versus actors who have lived and embodied the parts their performing, it’s exhilarating.

[@christinabadger2826]

Nah Lansbury did it much better. But that's just my opinion. She might not have had the better voice but her character is deeper than this lady's. She still did good but nobody can beat Angie's performance.

[@hpatss4966]

@@christinabadger2826who asked

[@emerson3323]

the fact that this song is nearly eight minutes long is truly hilarious to me. like, you get the gist after the first couple verses and then it just KEEPS GOING

[@joshuakohlmann9731]

I think in the context of the show it needs to be. After the drama leading up to this moment and Sweeney's misery and anger building and building and building to the explosive "Epiphany" song - and the implications of Sweeney's devision for the inhabitants of London - you've reached such an emotional peak that you need a long comedy number just to diffuse all that tension. Plus, there are two things that everybody knows about Sweeney Todd: the murders and the meat pies (assuming they don't know the musical). The whole of Act One has built up to the one: now we need to give equal weight to the other.

[@vbesmay]

If you can’t revel in every moment of this song, you probably should find a different show.

[@emerson3323]

@@eprince7911 This is... a weirdly rude and pretentious way to approach a stranger. 1. I adore this song. Not sure what gave you the idea I didn't unless you presume the length of a song detracts from its value, to which I would respectfully disagree. 2. This song, as well as the musical as a whole, does deal with a lot of interesting themes. I particularly like the classism critique throughout. That being said, I think most people can understand Sweeney Todd. It's a renowned and beloved musical, but not complicated or niche enough to warrant your level of sheer insufferability.

[@raoulaguilera4946]

Get out.

[@christophercrafton3373]

So....why did you stay for the entire 8 wonderful minutes if you didn't approve of the emotional respite that is this Sondheim treasure?

[@milhouse14]

I can't believe that the audience is still laughing when most of them have probably seen this bit like a couple of times.

[@BoHista23]

Milhouse that's the magic of proper delivery, patti is truly magical when it comes to that.

[@witchesmortuary235]

She does it the same every time but always a bit different and I think it's the fact how bad the puns are. 😂 That's what makes them so funny

[@bethpekar1245]

I've watched this video more than a couple of times and I'm still laughing. XD

[@SoaringTrumpet]

This is the dumbest comment I've seen in a long time.

[@radic888]

More than a couple.

[@BGTitanAvatar]

That is the most wicked despicable trio. It's Mrs. Lovett and the Todd brothers.

[@somnodaur8064]

Sweeney Todd and Tweeney Sodd

[@dinaandcarson155]

@@somnodaur8064 Sweeney Todd and Weenie Toad

[@jws1272]

0:32....."Seems a downright shame".......closeup on SONDHEIM.........The Master Laughs.............LOVE IT!!!!!

[@blueshell292]

Oh holy shit, THATS SONDHEIM!

[@zagorith14]

Lol, it even has George Hearn cracking up about that one.

[@aldranzam3456]

[@jacksonkamiska]

I can't stop replaying that evil laugh at 4:30 she's so awesome

[@digifreak90]

I know, I love that laugh.

[@jacobfeagin8560]

I'm willing to bet that was a real laugh haha

[@TwoWholeWorms]

@@jacobfeagin8560 Absolutely totally from the heart xD

[@AnthonyLafferty]

The ‘HOW. CAN. YOU. TELL.’ at 5:11 creases me every single time and makes me love this even more

[@sarahpowers8143]

And thus, many Sweeney fanfics were written that day.

[@witchesmortuary235]

actually not. There are not enough fanfics. XD

[@Doktorlady]

Dude the comments are littered with fanfic moments of au possibilities

[@workself1487]

And Mrs. Lovett wrote most of them.

[@scarlettina710]

Sweeney Todd fanfics? You may have just changed my life :: runs off to AO3 ::

[@GarrettWatts]

I cannot stop watching 🙃

[@kourt1462]

Omg Garrett!!!

[@trisha2214]

Oh, you're here

[@favss6084]

Been here for a year get in line, my love

[@neppietism]

during my daily midnight sweeney todd binge i never expect garrett to be here but its not unwelcome lol

[@Scarboroughfair742]

I never thought I'd find you on a song about cannibalism

[@kikenna]

Imagine if they made Sweeney Todd where there were two brothers running the barber shop together but to get vengeance on different people?

[@witchesmortuary235]

Spooky Wow now that is an idea! 🤔 And always a little fight over Mrs Lovett. 😏😂

[@somnodaur8064]

Sweeney Todd and Tweeney Sodd

[@DragonsRuby]

...Dang it, I really want to see this now. Imagine Epiphany! Or The Judge's Return!

[@EvilsDeathAzul]

One for the Beedle and one for the Judge

[@me4lyfe54]

What if Johanna wasn't Todd's daughter at all but he and his wife were looking after her for his brother who travelled over seas. He discovers his brother and the two hitch a ride with young sailor Anthony. They get back to London learn the story of Lucy and Johanna. Sweeney takes revenge on the townsfolk who had no mercy on his wife, only watched and laughed and the Beadle who lead his wife to her awful fate. The brother kills Lucy because of mistaken identity. And the brother the finishing blow to Turpin. But then Sweeney kills the brother. And instead of Johanna running off with Anthony, she runs the pie shop after Ms. Lovette's demise with Anthony and adopts Toby.

[@bonnieedwards6582]

"And we'll serve anyone, meaning anyone and to anyone at all" always gives me chills

[@annacampbell3809]

5:13 hOw CaN yOu TeLL?

[@ianmitchell9986]

After reading this comment I can only think of that meme whenever that part of the song comes XD

[@kandyappleview]

😂😂😂😂 my favorite part!

[@RosesNightengales]

Anna Campbell ITS PIPPING HOT!

[@finleyforevermore]

​@@RosesNightengales then BLOW on it first!

[@juangabrieldevilla6775]

PATTI LUPONE IS LITERALLY EVERYTHING

[@valentinabucibattorti9813]

Therapy: costs money This once a week: free

[@gigigrace7351]

Michael looks so done with the puns towards the end of the song I love it

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

And it works - if he and George were playing the part the same way, it wouldn't be nearly as fun!

[@anxietyarmadillo5208]

God I love watching Patti she always looks like shes having so much fun, and she just makes it look so effortless, not to discredit any of the other amazing actresses who have played Mrs. Lovett.

[@irinakermong1217]

Michael Cerveris is all of us when he's there looking fondly at George Hearn and Patti LuPone singing

[@pamelatorres156]

RIP Sondheim. You're the biggest gift Broadway could ever receive. :c

[@rleutz13]

the applause after "Seems a downright shame" makes me smile, as the audience, and those watching know there in for an amazing, show-stopping spectacle!

[@toolworks]

I like the Hearn-LuPone chemistry best.

[@jacksonkamiska]

Right? They were unbeatable at the concert version together

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

jacksonkamiska I love when they do the Rear Admiral/General joke, both of them completely crack up, and it takes them a second to regain their composure, but even then you hear their voices wavering as they try not to laugh anymore to get through the rest of the song. 😂

[@ladyblakeney]

Same! I'm pretty willing to sit through any stage version of Sweeney Todd, but given the choice, I pretty much always pull out the 2001 concert version they did together, simply because of how fantastic the two of them are together. I do have to say, though, the LuPone-Cerveris version is definitely worth watching if you can find it. As someone who dabbles in pretty much all areas of the theater, I found it fascinating to see how they worked out the aesthetic and staging.

[@mychakk]

Seconded! The Concerto version is the Best!

[@Emrose93]

Patti is brilliant as Mrs Lovett..

[@mckenna8663]

I am NOT at ALL a fan of Patti's - but I must agree. She did a fabulous job here.

[@ingriddubbel8468]

She is always brilliant.

[@ShuffleboardJerk]

Mc Kenna why don’t you like patti

[@calciumchloride710]

@@ShuffleboardJerk I love Patti and there's no disputing her singing ability, but I hate her in this role. Listening to her pop into a poor migratory British accent for three words once in a while is awful. Just do her a favor and set the damned thing in San Francisco for her. Just for fun, though, I think it'd be amazing to see her do a few numbers in complete blackout wearing glow-in-the-dark lipstick, haha.

[@ShuffleboardJerk]

Calcium Chloride so you hate her in the role because she isn't amazing at an accent?

[@dharmallars]

This performance so accurately depicts the horniness of Lovett’s character. She was as ready to throw it down for BOTH of these Sweeney Todds.

[@emilywebster1056]

Horniness? Where are you getting that from? I watched this, and didn’t see it at all. I totally disagree with the word being used to describe this

[@joed180]

I'd throw myself at em

[@FluffieXStarshine]

@@emilywebster1056 I mean Mrs Lovett is a widower who is pining for Todd through the whole play, who mostly doesn't seem to get it becuase he's focused on his revenge and daughter. I think Lust would have been a better term, but watch Lapone's movements and facial expressions. She does such an amazing job with it.

[@overlydramaticpanda]

Man, this video is just the perfect thing to remember Sondheim by... This is hands down one of the best musical theatre songs anyone ever wrote - and this is absolutely the most fun version of it to watch with Patti LuPone and George Hearn going full crazy cannibal killers and Michael Cerveris basically channelling everyone by alternating between fondly watching them sing and being so damn done with the increasingly (and wonderfully) awful puns. All three of them were just clearly having such a blast doing it. And that shot of Sondheim bursting out laughing when he realises where the whole intro is going is just golden.

[@emerson3323]

I agree completely! It and Epiphany are just so maniacally evil

[@unicornloverjones8513]

Patti has grown on me as a performer - I never got her at first, but when I did wow - awesome

[@deshaunx776]

I think a lot of people have that "Patti" moment... It comes somewhere between understanding her pronunciation and feeling the rhythm of her humor. Once those codes are unlocked, she's phenomenal.

[@amandalogan89]

I love George Hearn just looks like he's having a blast.

[@amanda-_]

i could listen to Patti LuPone for hours on end. she’s so funny and charismatic. her voice is phenomenal. i love her so much

[@piecesofme8531]

Masterful. They’ve performed this thousands of times, and they still infuse the freshness and intensity of an opening night performance!

[@benbaines2583]

I've seen so so many performances of this song.. NO ONE comes CLOSE to Patti Lupone - you can understand every single word clearly and she makes it all make sense better than anyone else! QUEEN!!

[@ar_t_lo]

Hearn can't contain his excitement lol. Cerveris looks serious as fuck and then Hearn is constantly smiling like a dork haha love it

[@theodoreb1977]

I wonder if any of the band laughed at the instrument puns

[@joeltham1979]

It is so nice to be able the hear every word clear as a bell.

[@grumpyphoenix]

10 years, 10 years, and it's still the best version.

[@lianelonergan8215]

Michael Cerveris is a treasure and so beautiful I can't even.

[@digigroovestudios]

Patti LuPone is so professional in this. Her voice is so amazing. OMG

[@tophers3756]

My new favorite version of this song.

[@catherineelmore2004]

George Hearn?! Oh heck yes! He was the first Sweeney I ever saw - I know Len Cariou came first, but the video I saw was George and Angela Lansbury. So you put my Sweeney with my idol, the one and only Ms. Patti Lupone, and you get me going into incoherent fangirl squeals.

[@Theateroi]

Catherine Elmore Well, they did the whole show together... it's somewhere on KZbin, I'm sure.

[@catherineelmore2004]

I've actually seen parts of it, now that you remind me. That was awesome! Seeing all three of them together is just... yea!

[@magicamadeye]

the original filmed production with hearn is available on DVD at most barnes and nobels in the theatre section

[@sappysuds4545]

Amazing. What I wouldn't give to see Patti LuPone perform live.

[@solarprogeny6736]

I love how Sondheim (the one who wrote the lyrics) suddenly realizes where this is going at 0:32

[@colinallan1962]

Lyrics AND music.

[@pearcetaylor7019]

Is it just me or does 1:40 give you chills when he sings “know” and “delectable” so beautifully😻

[@elkereali2456]

I would do literally anything to see Sweeney Todd live with Patti LuPone and George Hearn

[@bethpekar1245]

I think my favorite thing here (and there's a lot to love) is watching each Sweeney's expressions while the other one is singing. They're clearly having so much fun.

[@screamingopossum7809]

She just goes into Ms.Lovett's voice in a snap.

[@ziiclmn]

I just love how during the Piccolo player bit and the Privates joke, the second Mr. Todd was so tired of their puns 😂😂

[@KEW13rocks]

Poor Michael 😂

[@edwardroberts9397]

Lansbury's version will always be my favorite-. but Lapone still hits a home run here!

[@benenter8739]

That. Was. Boss.

[@maggiet644]

Ben Enter riiiiight

[@DG-us6rh]

sometimes I feel like they should surprise the audience when they're trying to rhyme with "locksmith" like "nah something my palate can knock with" and the audience would just be bewildered cos they finally rhymed with it 😅

[@naomiotten1605]

GOD, Patti is so wicked, i love it! she is born to play this role

[@fionan19carroll]

Why does Michael Cerveris seem like the kind of guy that was always trying to sabotage and suck up in drama class.Love him

[@lauriesmith4575]

I absolutely love Michael's voice. i could listen to him all day

[@phyllispetras3369]

I watch this to see Stephen's glee!!!!!!! I miss him

[@alidabaxter5849]

Don't we all.

[@miamiracer]

A performance fueled by immense talent, experience and being in front of the grand master...

[@Brenoo14]

I LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE SO MUCH IM GONNA CRY

[@thewitchofsloth]

Whyyyy is this specific rendition so charming??? I ADORE it!! 🥰

[@notesl5576]

Oh Gosh! Patti's delivery and projection is amazing!

[@dogsarefab]

They clearly had an absolute blast doing this, they had waaay too much fun 😆🤣 FANTASTIC!!

[@uglebeffus]

Anyone else get chills down their spine when Michael says "You're a bloody wonder" instead of "What a charming notion"? fdjslakj bit early to throw someone under the bus, dear, much less into an oven

[@arundelmercure553]

So rollicking, bright and joyous, with such grisly subject matter! What wonderful voices.

[@hotgritz4sho]

This was so enjoyable! Love Patti Lupone! She is everything!

[@rebekahsmith326]

She's so energetic! I love it! This was a pleasure to watch and listen!

[@trex1563]

Effortless genius on stage and in the material. Bliss

[@themiddleman13]

her laugh is contagious it makes some of her songs sooo much like this one or some of her other stuff from anything goes or gyspy

[@blueleader2187]

Pattie Lupone is the embodiment of miss lovet! It would be a cool interpretation of 2 Sweeney’s being her demented personalitys

[@BitchGirlStar]

George Hearn is brilliant. I can't believe he's over 70 years old, his voice is flawless.

[@lunaisbellavalentine1823]

like umf, I just want a soundtrack of her singing" lift" IN those notes

[@apanpensee]

I could've given my left foot to see this show! Patti is such a perfect mrs Lovett

[@gekost79]

Michael Cerveris is so lucky to be singing with those two huge actors !!!!! I m so jealous !!!!

[@evae.7696]

George's voice hasn't changed a bit! What a wonderful person. He and Patti are my fav sweeney todd team

[@TwoWholeWorms]

Honestly, that "With the price of meat what it is, when you get it, if you get it." line is probably the best joke he ever wrote. :p

[@stellaguarnieri354]

that laugh after 'locksmith' cracks me up every time

[@Toto-ov1pk]

Sees it’s on Spotify **breathing intensifies**

[@tozzilil]

She’s effortless. What a Queen

[@MrUnderhill1991]

This is the most epic version ever!

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

My two favorite Sweeneys with my favorite Mrs. Lovett??? Heavenly!!

[@milhouse14]

I love Angela Lansbury but Patti Lupone is the best Mrs Lovett.

[@cornelldgreen]

I didn't always think so… but this performance has pushed me over the edge

[@barbaraecker1]

BOY OH BOY!! I LOVE SONDHEIM AND HIS MATHEMATICS. He makes Rhyme and musical sinc come together so superbly that even a novice (like me) can sit in an electric wheelchair and dance "correctly" to not only the beat and and the "tempo relating to the singer", but also the nuances relating to the entire theme He's fatastic with his specificity and accurracy of creating just the right nuances for the scene !!

[@ACIDICcitric]

This is brilliant! Had me smiling ear to ear

[@laurenceesposito3393]

Saw the show in previews way back and was astounded by the way in which Sondheim dealt with cannibalism. Just terrific. And here, excellently performed!!!

[@giubn]

I LOVE THAT PERFORMANCE SO MUCH IM GONNA PEE

[@anthonybridge702]

This makes me want to see a version with the Todd Brothers, rather than one Sweeney

[@CountChrisdo]

Man those deep voices

[@dohaperson1]

+Countchrisdo Yeah, isn't Patti's great?? :)

[@TDItaly98]

I always find myself coming back to this amazing video!

[@FacetiousFellow]

King George Hearn. Ever still amazing.

[@michaelmartin4842]

They wanted their ladies who lunch moment so bad lmaooooo

[@mg3873]

I saw Patti Lupone live in a musical...can't remember what it was but she's excellent as Mrs. Lovett...I adore her.

[@philthomas8351]

Nicely done by all. Love my Patti.

[@lawrencebailey3008]

BRILLIANT!!!!!Sondheim is a genius and a magician!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevenuniverse9098]

Omg the yellow diamonds voice.💎👏

[@sheenajaynecanoy2814]

Patti LuPone is the best❤ I love her☺❤

[@mattspencer5848]

this is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@UmmOopsy]

kinda wish lansbury performed tgis together with them as well

[@TheBlindSinger3]

Yeah one Mrs. Lovett isn't quite enough to handle 2 Sweeneys. But guess that just means she could have two seaside weddings.

[@tonyscheinman3538]

I LOVED IT! Mrs. Lovett and TWO Sweeneys! Perfectly rendered, bringing a full toothy grin to my face!

[@kevincantwell6909]

So Love Patti LuPone!!!!!

[@kevincantwell6909]

Alexis StClair I love when she laughs - it sounds dirty lol

[@rjnuzzi1648]

The best rendition... every line acted & pronounced to its fullest intent & pun... just when you thought no one could best up Lansbury... ouch LuPone!!!!