Help with Green Finch and Linnet Bird?
I am currently playing the role of Johanna in a production of Sweeney Todd. Opening Night is this Friday, and I am doing quite well with the song “Green Finch and Linnet Bird,” according to the directors, however, they told me that although the song sounds pretty, I am having trouble expressing enough emotion during the song. I portrayed her as sad and longing, because I know this is the “I Want” song of the show. I understand that the bird is symbolic of Johannas situation. Any direction or suggestions as to how to show expression at certain parts of the song would be greatly appreciated. Thank You! 
This is a difficult question because it speaks to the heart of good acting. I wouldn’t try to “portray her as sad” as that will probably appear cliched. Some people use substitution – think of a time when you felt trapped – image you are in that situation again. Some people imagine they are really in the situation of the character – she is basically imprisoned, with no life of her own. Think about what that would feel like.
Also, remember that she doesn’t feel just one way in the song – she changes, discovers things, as she sings the song. Allow yourself to realize things.
In the first section she seems to be genuinely baffled by birds who can still sing beautifully in cages – she really can’t understand how they can do it. She’s baffled.
Then she seems to be thinking of possible reasons why they can sing: “are you rejoicing? Are you just saying hello? are you screaming? are you just doing it because you’re paid to do it?” she goes through a whole bunch of possibilities – you should have a reaction to each one. How do you feel about the idea that the caged bird sings just to say hello? Is that enough? How about if they sing because they are paid for it? Is that good? Do you like that? Have the idea and then think about how you feel about each idea. Does it make you angry to think that birds might sing just to get food? Would it be depressing if their beautiful song was actually a scream? Etc.
Then in the last section, she’s asking them to help her – “teach me how to sing” – she is desperate for help…. and she knows they can’t actually help her. Have you ever desperately needed help and known you weren’t going to get it?
So she’s not just “sad and longing”, she’s going through a thought process and is reacting to the different things she’s discovering.
hope that helps.
singing finch bird