Tonight we started blocking, beginning with "Poor Thing," the song in which Mrs. Lovett fills Sweeney Todd in on the dark fate of her upstairs neighbours. We, the ensemble, act out the history as Mrs. Lovett sings the narrative. We also blocked the "Ballad of Sweeney Todd", one of several versions of the song - this the one right after Sweeney discovers his old razors, which Mrs. Lovett has kept stashed away for him all these years.
I haven't done much ensemble work - the only other show where I was cast as ensemble was Tommy in 2002, and honestly, I find it more challenging than playing a principal. As a principal, you have some dialogue and can try to divine who your character is based on that dialogue. As a mostly silent ensemble member, you have to create that person yourself from scratch, and may play multiple people, depending on what the script requires. More imagination is called for.
We have a small ensemble - 4 men and 4 women - and we are essentially the narrators of Sweeney Todd, although we will also participate as spectators, witnesses to the madness. We will be on "stage" - well, actually, since we're doing this in the round, there isn't really a stage - we will be visible to the audience, I should say, for most of the show. When Todd is singing, we are maniacally, singularly focused on him, but when he is offstage, we will be engaging the audience directly, making eye contact, trying to unsettle them with uncomfortable stares, drawing them in to our circle. I think it will be really effective, and very different from the previous Sweeneys I've been in where the ensemble has essentially been the classic Greek chorus, who stand up and sing, then disappear into the woodwork.
Our promo postcards arrived today, and look fabulous, and we also got measured for costumes by our costume designer's two assistants. They have their work cut out for them, creating at least 20 period costumes in less than a month. At least one night is already halfway to being sold out, with a month to go, so if you're interested in going make sure you book your tickets here quick.