Paul and Corey Cross the Streams is a bi-monthly podcast in which hosts Paul Pakler and Corey Pepper watch and review streaming content. It’s the Great American Podcast where two friends learn about life as they float down the river of streaming services.

Let’s put on a show! It’s season 8 for Paul and Corey Cross the Streams, and this season we’re watching musicals. It’s a singular art form with a dynamic history, and we get to listen to a lot of cast recordings…

Attend the podcast on Sweeney Todd!

Yes, this week Corey chose the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp joint Sweeney Todd (2007). This adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant musical from 1979, was…bad. Which is too bad because the musical is one that Corey and Paul both love very much.

In the episode, they discuss Stephen Sondheim’s body of work and his singular style; the history of the archetypical characters of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett; Tim Burton’s career (and artistic limitations); whether the musical is, as original director, Hal Prince, claimed and Sondheim disagreed, a satire of “the Industrial Revolution;” and most importantly why and in what ways this adaptation struggles with its source material.

(A factory whistle blows)

This Episode’s Focus: Sweeney Todd (2007)
Host’s Choice: Corey Pepper
Stream on: Streaming on Pluto TV; Rent on all the usual suspects
Corey’s Recipe Recommendations for This Episode: Classic Meat Pies and Easy Gin Cocktails

Be sure to subscribe to Paul and Corey Cross the Streams on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@PACCTSpodcast)!

Special thanks to Tobin for our incredible theme song and Dave Droxler for our podcast’s logo and artwork.