There used to be a television game show called To Tell the Truth. Four panelists tried to decide which of three people claiming to be Joe Schmoe was the real Joe Schmoe. The panel asked questions to which the two fakers could answer in any way they liked, but the real Joe Schmoe was required to tell the truth. Hence the title.
I was reminded of this show when it occurred to me that there might be a way to tell a Sondheim fan from a non-fan by asking one simple question:
Who is Ken Jennings?
Any Sondheim fan would instantly respond that Ken Jennings is the actor who originated the role of Toby in the original Broadway production of Sweeney Todd. A non-fan would likely come up with a different answer, one that might vary depending on her familiarity with U.S. television game shows.
Anyway, in August, 1979, I recorded an interview with Ken Jennings in his dressing room in the Uris Theatre. An edited transcript of the whole Ken Jennings interview and the story of how it came about can be found elsewhere on this web site.
I have now edited the original 40 minute audio interview, combined it with video from the televised touring company version of Sweeney Todd, and created two YouTube videos. Mostly, I edited out my questions and comments, except where needed to establish context.
In the interview, Ken talked about performing in the show, what it was like to work with people like Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, and how he interpreted the character of Toby. He also talks about how the razor works and the wig that never made it into the show.
Here is part one:
And part two:
