Summary

• Baron Cohen wowed Tim Burton in an extraordinary audition by singing all of Fiddler on the Roof, showcasing his vocal talent and storytelling ability.
• His portrayal of Sweeney Todd character Signor Adolfo Pirelli added humor and theatricality to Burton's 2007 cinematic adaptation.
• Baron Cohen's ion for musical theater dates back to university days, where he starred in productions like Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady.

Sacha Baron Cohen earned his the gothic and stylized Burtonesque world, a cast of complex characters adds depth to the narrative, blending horror with unexpected moments of dark humor.

Baron Cohen emerges as a remarkable presence, portraying the Sweeney Todd character Signor Adolfo Pirelli, a flamboyant rival barber with a secret. Baron Cohen, known for his chameleon-like ability to completely immerse himself in a variety of personas, from the outrageous Borat to the political firebrand Ali G, showcases a different facet of his talent in Sweeney Todd. His performance as Pirelli is crucial, adding a layer of theatricality and humor that contrasts with the overarching darkness. This role also demanded vocal skill given the musical nature of the film, and Baron Cohen earned the role by impressing Tim Burton.

Sacha Baron Cohen Sang All Of Fiddler On The Roof In His Sweeney Todd Audition

Burton Wished He Had Recorded The Audition

Sacha Baron Cohen's character in Sweeney Todd is Signor Adolfo Pirelli, who has an ostentatious personality and dubious authenticity as a barber, which sets the stage for one of the film's most memorable moments — a shaving contest that showcases Todd's unmatched skill with a razor. This role, blending humor with an underlying menace, required an actor capable of delivering both the vocal performance the musical format demands and the depth to navigate its darker undercurrents. That's where Baron Cohen came in, as he wowed Burton in his audition by performing the whole of Fiddler on the Roof.

Baron Cohen's audition for Beetlejuice 2 director Tim Burton was nothing short of extraordinary. Choosing to perform the entirety of Fiddler on the Roof instead of a piece from the Sweeney Todd score was a bold move. This performance not only displayed his vocal talent and range but also underscored his deep understanding of theatrical storytelling. Baron Cohen's decision to present himself through Fiddler on the Roof, a musical that explores themes of tradition, change, and resilience, cleverly mirrored Pirelli's flamboyant yet nuanced character. Tim Burton recounted the audition, noting (via Female):

"He came in to audition and he brought in the score of Fiddler on the Roof and basically did all of Fiddler on the Roof. He was great, I ired him because he could have gone off and done lots of different stuff, but he chose to do this and it was great that he did it... I wish we had a camera, because he literally went through the whole score of Fiddler on the Roof."

The audition was impressive for several reasons. Firstly, it showcased Baron Cohen's ability to engage with a complex score, highlighting his vocal proficiency and his capacity for emotional expression through song. Secondly, by choosing Fiddler on the Roof, Baron Cohen subtly aligned himself with the theatrical and narrative depth of Sweeney Todd, signaling his understanding of the film's darkly comic and tragic elements. His initiative and boldness in this choice likely resonated with Burton, who is known for his appreciation of unique and creative talents.

Baron Cohen's approach to the audition also demonstrated his understanding of the importance of character work in musical theatre. By embodying the entire essence of Fiddler on the Roof, he showcased both his range as a performer and his ability to deeply immerse himself in a character's world. This trait is crucial for a film like Sweeney Todd, where each character contributes to the intricate tapestry of the story. Baron Cohen's audition, therefore, was not just a display of his musical talent but a testament to his artistic intelligence and versatility.

Baron Cohen Has Always Loved Musicals

The Performer Acted In My Fair Lady & Fiddler On The Roof In College

Sacha Baron Cohen's ion for musical theater traces back to his university days when he was actively involved in stage productions (via Deadline). His performances in Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye and My Fair Lady as Alfred Doolittle at the University of Cambridge are particularly noteworthy. These early roles not only honed his skills in musical theater but also ignited a lifelong ion for this genre. Baron Cohen's portrayal of Tevye, a role demanding a strong vocal performance and the ability to convey deep emotional nuances, was a precursor to his diverse career in both comedy and drama.

In an interview with the New York Times, Baron Cohen expressed his affection for musicals, describing them as his "embarrassing ion." This sentiment speaks to the depth of his connection to musical theater, a genre that combines storytelling, music, and performance in a way that resonates with him profoundly. His involvement in musicals, both on stage and in film, reflects a genuine love for the art form and an eagerness to explore its possibilities. This skill can even be seen in his raunchy comedies like Borat. Baron Cohen stated:

"I love doing musicals. Musicals are my embarrassing ion; they give me joy."

Baron Cohen Also Sung Fiddler For His Les Misérables Audition

Director Tom Hooper Sprung A Surprise Audition On Baron Cohen So He Couldn't Prepare

Sweeney Todd isn't the only musical movie adaptation Sacha Baron Cohen has starred in, as he was also part of 2012's Les Misérables cast. However, once again, his audition was extraordinary, where he also sang "If I Were a Rich Man." His decision to sing from Fiddler on the Roof for both Tim Burton and Tom Hooper showcases a strategic approach to auditions, leveraging a piece that not only demonstrates his vocal ability but also his capacity for emotional and narrative depth.

Baron Cohen also revealed that Les Misérables director Tom Hooper turned up at his house unannounced with a piano player and sprung an audition on him. The actor recalled (via Deadline):

"He actually kind of sprang the audition on me; he came to my house and there’s a guy with him. I asked “Who’s this guy?” And he basically was a pianist and then the electric piano arrived and then Tom made me sing “Master of the House” for him which I thought terribly unfair because I hadn’t prepared for it at all and hadn’t really, you know, sung it since the age of 15 when I first saw it in the West End. It was the humiliation of having to sing a bunch of songs for Tom Hooper in my kitchen."

The surprise audition at Baron Cohen's house further highlights the actor's adaptability and readiness to perform under unconventional circumstances. Being asked to perform "Master of the House" without prior preparation would have been a daunting challenge for many. However, Baron Cohen's willingness to dive into the performance proves his commitment to his craft and his ability to deliver under pressure, though it's hardly surprising that the Borat actor was so easily ready to put himself out there.

Baron Cohen being cast in Les Misérables is somewhat poetic, as the actor recalled the embarrassing moment when he lined up outside in the rain for hours only to humiliate himself. In the interview with Deadline, Baron Cohen explained:

"I only have a history with Les Mis in that when I came out of university at age 20 or 21, I went through an open audition for the chorus in Les Mis; not even one of the named roles. And there were about 300 people who were lining up outside the Palace Theater in the West End and I ed the first audition which was singing and then they had a group audition for dancing and they taught a little routine. I had no idea how to learn choreographed steps and so I just decided to freestyle and came to the actual audition. There were seven people doing perfectly choreographed steps and then me just doing some very bad breakdancing in the corner and I did not get the role. So, there is a history."

This audition illustrates his early determination and the setbacks he faced. Despite not being a trained dancer, Baron Cohen's attempt to stand out through freestyle movement during a dance audition highlights his creative approach and willingness to take risks. This persistence and willingness to engage with the musical theater world, even in the face of rejection, speaks volumes about Baron Cohen's character as an artist. While not without setbacks, Sacha Baron Cohen's journey from performing in university productions to starring in major musical films like Sweeney Todd underscores his dedication to the craft and his love for the genre.

Sources: Female, Deadline, New York Times