Sweeny Todd / Drowsy Chaperone : A Musical Swanking?

[Chernabog]

Hey guys, I was looking over the 2008 season at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and they have some good stuff coming up, so I wanted to see if anyone was interested in seeing either of the following:

A) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Playing March 11-April 6. Yes, we're all excited to see the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp extravaganza this Xmas, but there's nothing like seeing the play live on stage with the full score.

B) The Drowsy Chaperone

Playing July 8-20. This is a musical comedy which pokes fun at musical comedies. It won five Tony awards, including Best Music and Best Book (so it's well written AND sounds good ;) ) I've heard nothing but absolute raves about this play from friends who saw it in New York.

Other things coming to the Ahmanson: The Color Purple (Dec 13-Mar 9), My Fair Lady (April 9-27), A Chorus Line (May 21-July 6), 9 to 5, A New Musical (Sep 3-Oct 19), but those didn't seem as interesting to me.

Single tickets are available like a month before the shows BUT there's a 10% discount if we have 15 people interested in going, and those are available for immediate purchase.

Anyway, I just wanted to see the interest factor for going -- I'm definitely seeing both of these, so even if 15 people aren't interested we can still get a small group together!

Mods: Can you please add a poll to this? I added a poll and apparently it took more than 5 minutes, and it won't let me, which is dumb. Multiple options, public responses, 4 options (Sweeney, Drowsy, Other, and Musicals are Gay.) Also, I misspelled "Sweeney" in the title. What's wrong with me today, geeeebus!!!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We're already planning to go see Sweeney for certain. (How could two self-respecting Sondheim buffs not?) It's the retooled version that uses double-casting and cast-as-orchestra. (An old classmate of mine originated the Beadle role in the Broadway production.)

As for the Drowsy Chaperone, I'm not familiar with it but having of the ol' BFA in theater, I do enjoy the treading of the boards.

[Chernabog]

We're already planning to go see Sweeney for certain.

Did y'all get season tickets, or you're just planning on going? Tix for Sweeny go on individual sale Feb 1, 2008. :)

[Not Afraid]

I've never seen any version of "Sweeny" so I could be convinced.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Did y'all get season tickets, or you're just planning on going? Tix for Sweeny go on individual sale Feb 1, 2008. :)

Just planning on going. (We were considering the package, but we are trying to stick to a good budget.)

[Snowflake]

I've never seen any version of "Sweeny" so I could be convinced.
You should go, absolutely, hell I should, it's been over 20 years since I saw it!

[katiesue]

I'm interested.

[Chernabog]

I'm interested.

In which, or both? lol argh damn that 5 minute timer on the creation of the poll!!! haha

[katiesue]

Both just depends on the dates - if I have Madz or she's at her dads.

[Chernabog]

Both just depends on the dates - if I have Madz or she's at her dads.
ok cool I'll make a note of it. It's way too early to talk about dates, just wanted to see who was interested and go from there! :)

If we see Sweeney tho, we've gotta go out for meat pies ;)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Heh heh - we were supposed to show the original touring production dvd [Lansbury love!] to Audra last night (who was unable to come, I was bummed) and I had planned meat pies for dinner. (Well, calzones, but same diff.)

[Chernabog]

(Well, calzones, but same diff.)

That's all very well. But what were you gonna do about the Italian?

oh.... ;)

I listened to the samples of the movie version soundtrack on Amazon today -- VERY excited.

[wolfy999]

I'm interested in Sweeny if I can get rid of the Wolfette. Once the date and time is set, I'll see what I can do.

[Kevy Baby]

I'm interested in Sweeny if I can get rid of the Wolfette.Geez, whadda ya gonna do - have her whacked?

Call up Guido and have her taken care of.

[Chernabog]

Call up Guido and have her taken care of.

I'm not gonna eat one of Mrs. Wolfy's Meat Pies now :P haha

[LSPoorEeyorick]

"It's child... have a little child... Is it really good? No, alas, it's too mild.."

[innerSpaceman]

I'd be down for a Sweeney Swanking.


It's been decades since I saw it. Bless Angela's heart, she's the reason I loved it. Let's see if it can be done justice without her.

[Morrigoon]

Damn, I'd be up for pretty much the whole Ahmanson season...

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I'm in!!

[wolfy999]

I'm not gonna eat one of Mrs. Wolfy's Meat Pies now :P haha

The Wolfette doesn't have enough meat on her bones...but I'll see what (or who) else I can find:evil:

[mousepod]

I'm in for Sweeney - still on the fence with the Drowsy Chaperone...

[madmonkeygirl]

Sweeny Tood sounds fun but the dates fall the end well beginning of April with Bon Jovi so i'm out for sure... Plus i'm already taking too much time off from work the month of April and money will be an issue...

[madmonkeygirl]

Oh ya and CM is out cuz he's going with me the weekend of April 4th as well so...

[Chernabog]

Can a mod PLEASE open a poll to this thread? Thanks!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Hey, there, potential meat-pie candidates. Maybe you were burned on the Burton blight and need alternative refreshment, or maybe you discovered its deliciousness for the first time and want a second serving. Either way, who's coming with me to see the re-staged 10-person cast-cum-orchestra version this March or April at the Ahmanson? Tickets are now on sale (http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=2556).

[katiesue]

Count me in.

[innerSpaceman]

Me, too ... but I can't front no monies. Um, how are we ever to arrange this so's we all see the show at the same moment and sit together? Oi.

[Ponine]

Oh we're in for sure.
Even the kid.

I assume "re-staged 10-person cast-cum-orchestra version" means the revial style with the cast playing their own instruments?

Odd staging... whose idea what that anyway. Still, IN.

[Chernabog]

Me too. But yeah, someone will have to front the money for the tickets, unless we get a group type deal (i.e. what I did for the Bowl tickets last year, where I put some money down). Let's aim for April?

LS, pick a date :) Just not the 19, 20, 21 of April because it's Passover. :)

We can keep a tentative list here on who is IN:

1) LSPoorEeyorick
2) LSPoorTom
3) Innerspaceman
4) Chernybog
5) Katiesue
6-8) Ponine + 2

[Ponine]

Is passover the same weekend as Coachella? That puts some of us out too, but I dont have the date.

[innerSpaceman]

Heheh, and don't forget MouseAdventure. :p

[Chernabog]

Coachella is April 25-27. MouseAdventure is Sunday, April 13. (though why you people participate in that, I have no idea). lol

[Ghoulish Delight]

Is passover the same weekend as Coachella? That puts some of us out too, but I dont have the date.
Oh crap!!!!! Why didn't I check this. Coachella covers that last few days of Passover.

Sigh, another Coachella where I'll be drooling at the many...many...many...many bready foods.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Run ends April 6, so there's no sweat there...

Can we maybe have a poll added? March 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, April 5, 6?

[katiesue]

I vote for March 22, 23 or April 4,6

I don't have Maddy those weekends. She really wanted to see the movie till she found out what it was about - then she had nightmares for weeks so we're not allowed to mention it anymore :)

[innerSpaceman]

Yay, actual date suggestions!


Any of those work for me. :iSm:

[Not Afraid]

We WILL be seeing it. But, our schedule is pretty full already. Pick a date and we'll see if it works. If not, we'll go at another time. I actually would prefer NOT to go on a weekend because of good seat availability. I was looking at a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Oh, and this was described to me by someone who has seen this version as a "Goth" ST. Maybe I don't want to see it with the ST purists. ;)

[Ponine]

Judging by what LSPE said and what the web says, this is the revival staging.
As I said breifly to Euro, it's patients of an asylum who in turn the characters of ST.

and, they lost the orchestra, the cast does that as well.

On the recording, Patti Lupone plays the tuba. :eek:


Sigh, another Coachella where I'll be drooling at the many...many...many...many bready foods.
I had thought of this briefly before. Wondering what one brings instead of croissants.
Mare bacon?

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Maybe I don't want to see it with the ST purists. ;)

I'm only a purist in that I prefer it to stay within the music-quality realm of operetta, which this production does. I've seen lots of other neat and unusually envisioned productions.

[innerSpaceman]

I could do a weeknight, too. But i'm not sure that works for everybody.


/monkey wrench throw

[Chernabog]

All those dates work for me. Pick a nite.

[wolfy999]

Would love to join in but only weekends work for me. Hollywood is just a bit far (and way too much traffic) to make it during an evening during the week.

I'll wait and see what date you finally decide on and will go from there.

[innerSpaceman]

So, what ever happened to this?

And what does cast-doubling-as-orchestra mean????


:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Kevy Baby]

And what does cast-doubling-as-orchestra mean????It means that while acting their respective parts, the actor playing Sweeney Todd will be carrying a viola and the actor playing the Judge will be carrying a contrabassoon.

[Chernabog]

So, what ever happened to this?

So it's like yes weekends, no weekends, etc. etc. LOL... ok I'm picking a date since nobody else will -- March 22, which is a Saturday, day before Easter. Both the 2:00 pm and the 8:00 pm performances have 10 seats together in the mezzanine rear. I think 2:00pm is better because then we can go out to eat afterwards and not feel rushed (and if you gotta get home to do Easter stuff well, then you've got time to do that too). 2:00 pm it is.

We need 15+ for group tickets and I don't think we have that. I can credit card all the tickets as long as I'm paid back, of course -- that means if you're in on the date I purchase the tickets (Feb 20), you're obligated to pay whether you go or not ;)

Tickets are $65-$75 PLUS a $7 service fee per ticket (ugh!). I go to Court weekly right next to the Ahmanson, so I might be able to finagle the service fee down if I just get the tickets directly at the BO.

Does all that sound good? I'd like to purchase tickets on Feb 20... so I hate to do the mouseketeer roll call again, but if you're in for March 22nd, please respond with an "I'm in for the 22nd for __ tickets" (or PM me with that) and I'll make the purchase. If I get down there on Feb 20 and there's some kind of problem (i.e. there aren't enough tickets left that are seated together) then I'll just post again on here (or I'll try to split us a little so we're in the same general section).

And what does cast-doubling-as-orchestra mean????

Somehow I am picturing Dick Van Dyke and his one man Poppins band ;)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I'm in for the 22nd for 2 tickets. Thanks for picking a date, Cherny!

And cast-as-orchestra... means that when they're not in the main action, they're playing one of a variety of instruments. It's staged like it's in an asylum and all of the inmates are "putting on a show."

[katiesue]

Yesssss - no Kidlet. Count me in for one.

[Chernabog]

oh I should start an actual "who's in" list.

PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FOR MARCH 22, 2008, 2:00 pm of Sweeney Todd at the Ahmanson. A reminder -- if you want on or off this list, you have until February 20th :)

1) Chernabog
2) LSPoorEeyorick
3) LSPoorTom
4) Katiesue
5) innerSpaceman

[Ponine]

Out for the 22nd, we have previous plans.

I apologize, I did not notice the dates and voting. My bad.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm in for one ticket, please

[Chernabog]

I apologize, I did not notice the dates and voting. My bad.

It's ok we'll see you at another swanking!!! There wasn't really a "vote", it was sort of a lot of dates and I just picked one so as to save time ;)

[Not Afraid]

Two(2) tickets for Chris and I.

[Chernabog]

Hey! My edit button went away! ;)

PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FOR MARCH 22, 2008, 2:00 pm of Sweeney Todd at the Ahmanson. A reminder -- if you want on or off this list, you have until February 20th

1) Chernabog
2) LSPoorEeyorick
3) LSPoorTom
4) Katiesue
5) innerSpaceman
6) Not Afraid
7) Swankymeinke

[Kevy Baby]

3) LSPoorTomHee hee

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I"m on the fence.

[innerSpaceman]

Get in the chair, then.

[Chernabog]

Just a reminder for those who are undecided and/or are sitting on the fence (it makes me underwear ride so!) -- I'm getting the tickets on Wednesday morning, so if you want in you need to post to this thread or PM me by Tuesday nite. Okelydokelydoo!

[wolfy999]

1 for me.....a Birthday Present from Tim!

Anybody coming from OC and would like to carpool?

[Chernabog]

PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FOR MARCH 22, 2008, 2:00 pm of Sweeney Todd at the Ahmanson. A reminder -- if you want on or off this list, you have until February 20th.

1) Chernabog
2) LSPoorEeyorick
3) LSPoorTom
4) Katiesue
5) innerSpaceman
6) Not Afraid
7) Swankymeinke
8) Wolfy

... schweeeeet :)

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Ok, the fence is starting to hurt.

I'm gonna pass. Though, my thanks to Chernabog. :)

[Chernabog]

Awwww sorry u arent going Bornieo :(

Le liste final:

1) Chernabog
2) LSPoorEeyorick
3) LSPoorTom
4) Katiesue
5) innerSpaceman
6) Not Afraid
7) Swankymeinke
8) Wolfy
9) Mr. Cheesegasm

Getting the tickets tomorrow mornin! :)

[Chernabog]

Tickets have been purchased!!! :)

We are in the mezzanine, 8th row. (Our other option was to be in the orchestra up close, but way off to the side.... and the guy selling me the tickets said that it was better to be up in the mezzanine for a musical).

Tickets were $65 each -- we saved 6.50 per ticket (in service charges) by me taking an underground adventure on the subway to the music center instead of ordering it on the phone/net :) Yay!

So anyway, if you want to send me a check (preferable) thru the mail and you don't have my address, just PM me. Or you can just pay me at the show (but I'd prefer a check over cash there too.... that way, I'll actually use it to pay the card bill instead of spending it lol).

So we can see the show at 2, and we have a month to think of a dinner spot to follow. Can we just eat some Creme Eggs for dinner?

[wolfy999]

Thanks Chernie! Check will go out in tomorrow's mail.

[Chernabog]

No problem!! I sat next to this insanely crazy lady on the subway who was accosting random people -- first she would mutter gibberish, then she would mutter spanish, and then she'd go: "YOU! YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? WITH GOD! YOU GO WITH GOD! HE SEES YOU!!" ... like right in people's faces. Then she'd go back to chanting. It was quite the ride.

At least she didn't go, "alms! alms! For a miserable woman!" or "City on fire!!" or anything like that or I'd have been a little freaked out :P

[innerSpaceman]

I would have loved if she'd asked you if you wanted a little jig-jig.








(Would have proven how delirious she was)

[lashbear]

So we can see the show at 2, and we have a month to think of a dinner spot to follow.
Hang on... the show goes for a month ?!?!?! I hope there's more than one interval !! :eek:

[Not Afraid]

Well, there are plenty of good restaurants and bars in the area.

[Chernabog]

Just three weeks away!!! Here's the flier I got when I was at the Ahmanson (front and back.. sorry it was folded in my wallet lol):

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb99/jlevy77/IMG_opt.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb99/jlevy77/IMG_0001_opt.jpg

http://sweeneytoddtour.com/

^^ that's the official website. Definitely some bizarro casting choices -- should be fun times!!!

[Gn2Dlnd]

A female Pirelli? What next, a woman for president?!?

Mm, probably not.

[innerSpaceman]

;) Bumpity Bump in the Night.


This coming Saturday, folks. 2pm. We should meet up where? And is there anywhere good to park, or is the Music Center parking our best option??


:cheers: Oh, and we didn't use that month to hash out dinner plans. Um, maybe the next 3 days? I don't know squat about Downtown. It's one of my least favorite areas, and I get lost there often. (Um, I'm sometimes known by the nick "WrongWay Figueroa" for my post-Edison driving stunt.)


Any suggestions from the Downtown cognizent??

[katiesue]

I have no suggestions but I'll be driving up from San Diego if anyone needs a ride.

[wolfy999]

I'd love to hitch a ride, then I won't have to go by myself into Downtown LA....I'm off the 5 right by the Park.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Oh, and we didn't use that month to hash out dinner plans. Um, maybe the next 3 days? I don't know squat about Downtown. It's one of my least favorite areas, and I get lost there often. (Um, I'm sometimes known by the nick "WrongWay Figueroa" for my post-Edison driving stunt.)


Any suggestions from the Downtown cognizent??

I think Joe said that Lisa had some fave place in mind, if not, we're walking distance to any number of restaurants, including those in Chinatown, Olvera Street, and Union Station. (are there any restaurants in Union Station?)

[Kevy Baby]

I have no suggestions but I'll be driving up from San Diego if anyone needs a ride.Would you mind picking me up in Santa Barbara?

[Chernabog]

I'm thinking I will take the subway into downtown as to avoid all traffic issues on the 101 freeway. The Civic Center exit (where the Courthouse is) on the red line, and is 2 blocks from the theatre. (Of course, they are uphill blocks, but not lengthy).

Yes, NA had a restaurant in mind but I can't remember the name.

[innerSpaceman]

That's ok. I'm good with Lisa's restaurant recommendation.


(Less so with us deciding as a group, on the spot, from the dozens of downtown area restaurants.)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We'll be there for the play for sure, but how long we hang out beyond that will have to depend on how well I'm feeling. So wherever is fine restaurant-wise; we're flexible.

[katiesue]

I'd love to hitch a ride, then I won't have to go by myself into Downtown LA....I'm off the 5 right by the Park.

Excellent - happy to pick you up.

Would you mind picking me up in Santa Barbara?

Absolutely not a problem. Say 8 AMish?

[innerSpaceman]

Can you fit eight Amish people in your car?


And, hold on a minute, since when will they ride in a car???

[katiesue]

I blindfold them and make clippy clop noises to fake them out.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I assume you'll go swanky, but if any of you are inclined to check the downtown staple, The Pantry, I'd avoid at all costs. Even their breakfast menu is suffering these days. Bad. Food.

[innerSpaceman]

Thanks for the tip, EH.


Now, can you tell me precisely where Figueroa suddenly becomes a one-way street??

;)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Thanks for the tip, EH.


Now, can you tell me precisely where Figueroa suddenly becomes a one-way street??

;)

Hah, hah! No, I can't. As a pedestrian, they're all both ways to me. Not for much longer!

I'm not sure if this was on her list of suggestions, but we had a wonderful meal at Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant (http://www.takamisushi.com/).

Quite possibly the best desserts I've ever had. It also affords a lovely view of the city.

[Kevy Baby]

Now, can you tell me precisely where Figueroa suddenly becomes a one-way street??From looking at Google Maps and confirming with street view (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=figueroa+and+olympic,+los+angeles,+ca&sll=34.045166,-118.25218&sspn=0.006338,0.008261&ie=UTF8&ll=34.045032,-118.263488&spn=0.006338,0.008261&z=17), it appears that Figueroa becomes a one way street (heading North) North of Olympic.

[Not Afraid]

The restaurant I was thinking of is Nick and Steph's Steakhouse.
(http://www.patinagroup.com/nickStef/)
It's a Patina Group property and aways good. It's right near the music center property. It alse serves MEAT which I thought would be appropriate given what we're experiencing earlier in the day. However, I think someone should make reservations. I'm heading out again in a few minutes, and can't make the ressie until this evening. Does someone else want make the call?

[katiesue]

Happy to call them - what time do we want ressies for?

[Chernabog]

Sounds good to me -- it's roughly 3 blocks from the Ahmanson (probably a 10 minute walk) and we get to pass by the Walt Disney Concert Hall too.

Show starts at 2. So what do you think? 5 or 5:30 reservations? Not sure how long the show actually is supposed to let out.

EDIT: Performance length according to the website is 2 hours 10 minutes. With a 20 minute intermission that lets us out around 4:30, and then we need time to get to the restaurant.

I'd say 5:00 or 5:15 should be sufficient.

[katiesue]

We're set for 9 peeps at 5 PM. Let me know if we need to make any changes.

[Chernabog]

We're set for 9 peeps at 5 PM. Let me know if we need to make any changes.

Awesome thanks!!! Just stick their # in your phone - if we're running a little behind schedule we can always give em a ring to let them know we're en route.

[katiesue]

Done - and they have my cell should there be any "issues".

[Chernabog]

Yay!!! I'm excited. The reviews I read of this production

thought that the actress playing Mrs. Lovett was AWESOME and funny, so I can't wait!

Meaty! Does steak go with a side of bacon?

[innerSpaceman]

Variety ran a really positive review earlier this week. It got me all jazzed.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Steak, good. Patina, not so much. The service is beyond suck.

That said, I'll order a nice steak and a Caesar salad, impose ThinKrisps on everyone, and be happy.

Swing your steak knife high, Sweeny!

[Not Afraid]

I've never had bad service at a non-Disney Patina restaurant.

[Chernabog]

Swing your steak knife high, Sweeny!

More like "Swing your ThinKrisp high Sweeney / Cheddar in the light! / Heaven help the carbs of those who ketosize!" ;)

[Chernabog]

OK to everyone going -- I'm gonna be in front of the Ahmanson Theatre at approximately 1:30 with the tickets. If you're running late, please give me a call and I'll stick your tickets back with will call. (I think everyone has everyone's phone #s by now lol).

Hmmmmm now I have "I peeeeeeeeeel youuuuuuu..... banaaaaanaaaaaa" stuck in my head again :p

[Chernabog]

Hmmmm might be a little issue with dinner -- Cheese man brought home a menu from the restaurant since it's across from where his Friday farmer's market is... it's out of my price range by about double. I don't know why I didn't actually look at a menu beforehand *smacks forehead*. (I'd say it's going to be $80/person at the bare minimum if you get a steak). I'll see what else is walking distance around there, obviously we don't want to repark cars if we can avoid it :P But it's early enough dinner that places won't be crowded whatsoever.

http://www.patinagroup.com/nickStef/

^^ menu for Nick & Stef is on that page, check it out, ... it does look good tho :p

[innerSpaceman]

We could just get appetizers. Those are the price of dinners at most restaurants.


Otherwise, yeah, um, let's try something else. Sheesh.

Hint: I'd like the show to cost more than dinner.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We're still dubious about my feeling well enough to do anything beyond the show. (Even that may be pushing a little, but we're comin', dammit.)

[innerSpaceman]

So sorry you're still not feeling well, LSPE. Perhaps some bloodthirsty musical barbarism will help.



And perhaps we could just do "Happy Hour" at Nick & Stefs. Appetizers and such are really just a dollar or so less expensive than at dinner, but at least we could get away with appetizers and stuff (stuff being, ya know, cocktails) without making cheap fools of ourselves at a restaurant that's pushing the comfortable price point.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Pinot Grill (http://www.patinagroup.com/pinotGrill/), the cafe (run by Patina, natch) in the Music Center courtyard, has lovely outdoor seating, a much more affordable price point (http://www.patinagroup.com/cgi-bin/menu.cgi?url=http://www.patinagroup.com/menu/pinot_grill/springSummer.swf&LinkName=Pinot%20Grill), and martinis for those of you who martinize.

[Not Afraid]

Hmmmm might be a little issue with dinner -- Cheese man brought home a menu from the restaurant since it's across from where his Friday farmer's market is... it's out of my price range by about double. I don't know why I didn't actually look at a menu beforehand *smacks forehead*. (I'd say it's going to be $80/person at the bare minimum if you get a steak). I'll see what else is walking distance around there, obviously we don't want to repark cars if we can avoid it :P But it's early enough dinner that places won't be crowded whatsoever.

http://www.patinagroup.com/nickStef/

^^ menu for Nick & Stef is on that page, check it out, ... it does look good tho :p

$80! What in the hell were you planning on ordering?

[wolfy999]

I guess when you order a steak, a side, a salad, drink etc. it could easily add up to over $80.00. It is a bit on the pricey side.

The Pinot Grill sounds nice, but I'm open to whatever the group decides.

[Not Afraid]

This is your standard steakhouse style fare. The side are enough for 2 or 3 people. I usually split a couple of sides with others. I never have enough room to eat BOTH a salad or soup and a meal at these places. If you have a HUGE appetite, I suppose you could eat away $80. I couldn't do it.

[Not Afraid]

Here's what I would get:

Petit Filet Mignon - $31
Pepercorn Crust - $2
Grilled Asparagus - $4.50 (split $9)
Sweet Potato Fries - $2.50 (split $5)
Pelegrino - $9

$49 plus $13 tax and tip = $62

It's not cheap by any means, but if we're looking for cheap, then we should find a diner or go to Phillipe's.

Cafe Pinot's also great, but its not cheap either. I spent more there than I would at N&S.

http://los.angeles.diningguide.com/dl1dt.htm - here's a list of restaurants. Find one that makes everyone happy.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, I agree the price point is typical steakhouse stellar. I didn't pre-select and price-out my meal, but a rough glance gave me the impression the average steak price was $50. A side, a glass of wine, some tax and a nice tip easily comes to $80. Though of course, I could get by easily on the Petit Filet (mmm with peppercorn crust) for the magical price of $33 that would likely equal a yummier meal than at Club 33.

So thanks for the menu hunting, NA. I'm good either way, but I'll respect anyone's choice if they would rather bring the meal in at less than the show tickets (a handy, if not ultra-realistic comparison, to my simplistic way of thinking).

[katiesue]

I'm heading out. Someone call me if I need to make changes to the reservation we currently have.

[Chernabog]

$80! What in the hell were you planning on ordering?

Wait, you mean I can't have those martinis? ;)

That's just what it seemed to me at first glance when steaks are $40 (as you know, in a full dinner versus a la carte the a la carte gets pricey). The restaurant sounds lovely, it really does (and got nice Zagat reviews too).

I don't want to be cheap, but our options are not expensive steakhouse or Dennys, no ifs ands or buts. And I'm going to have a lovely day and not worry too much about what the group wants to do for dinner. I'll go along with whatever. :)

[€uroMeinke]

Heh - even without including the pre-show drinks, we passed the $80 mark - but what a fun show, fabulous dinner, and provocative conversation.

Here's hoping that Easter in Norwalk won't be so bad

[wolfy999]

Had a blast...even pushing the car down the 5 freeway was fun!

[Not Afraid]

Ahhhh, every good dinner conversations should include the subject of butt fu<king.

[innerSpaceman]

Well, it got those pesky people at the next table to leave, didn't it??

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

What? No Transformers?

How was the show?

[innerSpaceman]

Frelling amazing.


Even though I knew it going in, I can't overstate how impressed I was with the versatility on display by having the cast be the orchestra and the orchestra be the cast. Joanna (Lauren Molina in the best playing of that role I've ever seen) playing the cello even while she was playing her part. Toby doing likewise with the violin, all the while being so damn cute he kept my pulse racing (Christ, I just wanted to bag Edmund Bagnell. arrhhhggh drool, gagged and straitjacketed,arrggghgh). Actors/Players on the piano constantly switching off during numbers so one could act while another took over at the ivories.

Judy Kay was hysterical as Mrs. Lovett. David Hess nothing short of excellent as Sweeney Todd.


I've seen the full-on production with Angela Lansbury as Lovett (alas with George Kearn as Todd) and THIS current production of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the best and most entertaining I've ever seen. Certainly makes mincemeat pie of the movie coming out on DVD next week.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I was really impressed with the show too. (I was sad to have missed dinner, though - just wasn't feeling well enough to do anything but go and lay down, bleah.)

The actor-orchestra didn't always work for me, just because it seemed pointless at times. But the times it seemed very pointed, I loved it - particularly Toby's violin solo during "Not While I'm Around." I would've liked more of the insane-asylum staging, which I enjoyed but thought could've been pushed more. All in all, I was very happy we saw it and quite enjoyed.

[katiesue]

I thought it was amazing (even though we missed half of the first act).

Special thanks to wolfy for pushing my car down the 5 :)

Dinner was wonderful although I can't imagine why the people next to us didnt' request a new table after the first 5 minutes.

Now off to Norwalk to pick up my hopefully funcitonal car.