Episode 142 - Epiphany

The end of the 70s and, in some ways, the end of an era. Starting with Cabaret, we have traced the changes happening in theater in the wake of the end of the Golden Age. More mature themes and language, less traditional storytelling, new kinds of music, and simply a broader range of acceptable topics -- all of these changes and more occurred extrmely rapidly. And while it's hard to pinpoint exact when this period ended, Sweeney Todd feels like as good as a place as any. An artistic masterpiece, a Tony triumph, a cultural landmark, but ultimately a commercial failure, and maybe the last big swing that Broadway was willing to tolerate for a while. We talk all this, and more, with "Epiphany." Two editor's notes: Sweeney Tood is not exactly a family friendly show, so listener discretion is advise, though I have removed the swear work from the song itself. Also, Shannon's audio track had some issues and she sounds a bit strange. Our apologies. All clips are from the 1979 original cast album of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street featuring Len Carious and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify! Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: [email protected] Recommended Reading/Viewing: Ethan Mordden, Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theater (Mordden's other volumes are also excellent resources for more in-depth discussion) Broadway: The American Musical