There is a moment, about halfway through Act 1 of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street , where the audience realizes they aren’t watching a typical revenge story. They are watching a machine get built.
Act 1’s narrative hinge is the song "Johanna" (Act 1 reprise) and the failed attempt on the Judge’s life. Todd is so close to the throat of his enemy, but he hesitates. Why? Because he sees the reflection of his own daughter (Johanna) in the Judge’s ward. sweeney todd act 1
The genius of the act is that it tricks you. The melodrama of the wronged barber is familiar. But the solution—turning enemies into dietary staples—is utterly insane. By the time the interval arrives, you aren't asking "Will he get revenge?" You are asking "Who is going into the pie first?" There is a moment, about halfway through Act