Background

Question 1

Music and lyrics by who?

Answer 1

Stephen Sondheim

Question 2

When and where is the story of Sweeney Todd set?

Who is he and what does he do?

Answer 2

19th century England, London

ST used to be a baker until he was sent away by a judge and returned as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street who murders people and uses people’s flesh for Mrs Lovett’s pies.

Question 3

Describe scene before Anthony sings ‘Johanna’.

Answer 3

It’s the return of Sweeney Todd after 15 years of exile.
Had revenge on the Judge Turpin, conspiracy with Mrs Lovett (the Baker).
Anthony saves ST at sea and arrives in London.
ST goes to bakers, where he was known as Benjamin Barker.
Judge sent him away, then captured his wife, she then died but the daughter, Johanna, survived and was looked after by the Judge.
Mrs Lovett agrees to help ST.

Question 4

Describe scene before Anthony sings ‘Johanna’ part 2

Answer 4

Anthony falls in love with Johanna without knowing she’s ST’s daughter.
Judge chases Anthony away, he promises to return and save Johanna.
She then escapes with him at the end.

Question 5

Describe ‘Johanna’ (meaning, mood, emotions, structure)

Answer 5

Act 1 - solo - sung by Anthony.
Love song but Anthony and Johanna only just met so partly dreaming and partly desperate.
Has 2 parts separated by an instrumental dialogue.
Strophic form

Question 6

Describe part 1 ‘Johanna’

Answer 6

Bars 1 - 40 with longer note values and yearning harmonies - dreaming
Instrumental is also in part 1 bars 25 - 40

Question 7

Describe part 2 ‘Johanna’

Answer 7

Bars 1 - 40 with shorter note values and syncopation - action and drama