SWEENEY TODD Broadway Review | revival of Sondheim musical starring Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2024
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OHMYGOD HEY!
While I was on Broadway, I absolutely had to go see the new revival of SWEENEY TODD at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York.
This new production, directed by Thomas Kail, stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford as well as Jordan Fisher, Gaten Matarazzo and Ruthie Ann Miles.
Check out today's brand new review video for my thoughts on this revival, its creative strengths and why I don't think it's quite perfect...
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03:19 - what is this production like?
07:44 - which creative choices were the strongest?
12:23 - what were the shortcomings?
15:30 - how was Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd?
18:41 - how was Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs Lovett?
22:40 - how were the featured performances?
26:23 - which moment was a highlight?
27:44 - who would enjoy this show?
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Honestly, I find it interesting to hear that this rendition of Sweeney is more “present” in the relationship with Mrs. Lovett. To me, that makes him seem like an even more malicious character, kind of sociopathic. He’s aware of how she is feeling, fully listening to her plans and dreams for them both, even engaging with her enough to form a connection, and despite all that he does not care at all. He continues to use her for his own means without guilt, and when she’s no longer any help to him, she is useless. As a true crime addict who’s heard many a story of a husband killing his wife once she becomes no more than a nuisance to him, I find that portrayal of his character fascinating.
As true as this is, you also have to realize that she uses him right back, and having seen this show myself back in April, Annaleigh did a great job of portraying the twisted calculations of Mrs Lovett in that sense. Per the story, she purposely leaves out that his wife is actually alive, just because she wants to get with him. She also willingly capitalizes on his dark spiral into homocidal tendencies to line her pockets; the idea of cooking people into pies is literally HER idea, no? And in Annaleigh's portrayal, she very much does so with glee.
As malicious as Sweeney becomes to her, she is just as toxic to him- if not moreso, in her enablement (and encouragement of) his psychotic side. Plus, Sweeney's disregard for her isn't calculated- it's more that he's so self-centered in his own misery he has complete lack of awareness, or at the very least is apathetic towards it. Which is part of why the tale is so beautifully tragic and effed up by nature, because they are two very much not-okay people with each of their own delusions. And I do agree that Groban and Ashford had the chemistry to pull it off in a deliciously twisted way onstage. While Groban was more present and less brooding than, say, Depp's Sweeney, it was a really neat take on it to see the constant, understated simmering switch into anger and going off the deep end in the last act.
In the one scene where Sweeney calls down to Mrs Lovett to "send up the boy", I thought that was very chilling knowing what Sweeneys intentions were. Groban pulled that moment off brilliantly
No matter how involved he is in the relationship, it's Mrs. Lovett who is the truly fucked up one. She's evil.
I think Mrs. Lovett is more evil than Sweeney. She could have saved him so much grief ifshe had told him the identity of the beggar woman. She used him to a more heartbreaking degree than he used her.
Lovett is the real villain of the show for sure.
I really enjoy Groban as Sweeney. Even though in real life he seems young, he FEELS old in the show. His Sweeney felt more sad than angry, which I feel adds a new layer to the character. He doesn’t feel angry or brooding or full of rage, which makes him scarier in my opinion. If you look at a performance like George Hearn’s, he’s obviously a killer based on his rage alone. Groban however is much more subdued in his anger, and feels more like a sad old man, which makes it much more jarring when he kills someone. Real life serial killers are always the last person you’d expect to be a serial killer, and Josh gives that energy in this revival.
Josh Groban is several years older than Len Cariou was. Plus, the character is not as old as everyone assumes.
True, but Josh’s Sweeney FEELS older. Like you said, Sweeney is only in his mid-late 30s, but going through what Sweeney went through ages a person severely, and I feel Josh portrays that beautifully.
@@Pretzils1031 - That is great to hear. My sisters and I are taking our mother to “Sweeney Todd”, in June, for her birthday. Sounds like Josh Groban’s interpretation of the character is more realistic.
@@ChienaAvtzon Minimal age difference...Len was 40, Josh is 42.
I love the Michael Ball version. He is malevolent as a man might be after being done wrong
I’ve never thought about By the Sea too much, but Annaleigh Ashford’s version, my goodness. I just kept thinking about Sondheim supposedly telling Angela Lansbury he hadn’t written in anywhere to breathe in the song. And then to do all that physicality on top of it!
Only problem is, Annaleigh’s enunciation and accent choices make it hard to catch any of the words 😅 I went to see the show with my partner yesterday, and while I understood all the words- because I already knew them by heart- he had no idea what she was saying besides “seagulls!!” Hahah. Same goes for Ruthie Ann Miles, unfortunately. Her lines were completely unintelligible to him :(
I second both of these statements. Annaleigh blew me away during By the Sea (and overall). I never loved that song and now it is one of my favorites. She's absolutely hilarious and entertaining throughout the entire show. Unfortunately, I also had a hard time understanding some of her words.
Thirded. Previously one of my least favorite songs and she made it insanely entertaining.
The staging of ‘City on Fire’ was incredible. My jaw literally dropped. Loved every second of the show.
just saw the show yesterday, and i know this comment is 4 months old but i had to pipe up to agree! City on Fire was the absolute standout of this production!
YES. I saw it a few weeks ago, and the lighting for that sequence astounded me.
@@HoneyB_-god, i wish I could see it again. Saw it a month ago and just WISH I could see the amazing staging and choreo.
Terrific review. One small point, the Judge’s song, Joanna, was also cut in the original Broadway production. It was included on the album, but cut during previews. Sondheim liked it enough it it is sent out with the score so you can choose for your production to do it or not, but the original production did not use it.
I saw the original more than 15 times. It wasin during most of previews but people were walking out in droves as the judge flagellated himself.
Correct, but I believe it was cut after the very first preview.
thx awsome
It was also cut during the original West End production, as well as the second half of the Pirelli scene (the tooth pulling). As a matter of fact, the original London production in 1980 was very scaled down compared to the Original Broadway version.
I wish they would have kept it it’s my favorite song. I’ve seen 3 other productions of ST before I saw this one on September and 2 of the productions kept the song.
I loved the fact this wasn’t a “Halloween Horror Nights” version of the show. It allowed us as the audience to revel in the genius nuance of lyric and harmony without being overshadowed by screaming and spooking.
I was worried about Josh Groban but he pulled it off. A much more subdued take on Sweeny though. Annaleigh was amazing as expected. Great production overall.
Subdued, a bit funnier, and also pour his version of pretty women into my ears forever
Sweeney Todd is my favorite musical so when I heard about it I bought tickets immediately. I think the best thing about this production was the fact that they stayed true to the source and didn't get experimental for no reason! Also I was afraid that Josh and Annaleigh were too young for the roles but Annaleigh blew my mind by making it the horniest Mrs Lovett ever and it was hilarious!
I was blushing at how horny her Mrs. Lovett was, it was actually hysterical. I absolutely adored her character choices and physical comedy. Not so keen on her accent, though….
One of my favorite parts of this was in little priest when Annaleigh and Josh start laughing at their puns, I felt like the pair were just laughing like it wasn’t acting that they were having the best time of there lives in that moment, and I live for that!
I absolutely loved this take on Sweeney Todd. I truly believe the duality of the comedy with such a dark source material made this a lot more digestible for all audiences. Incredibly grateful that this is the year of Sondheim.
I was switching back and forth between Josh and the shadow during Epiphany. It was absolutely mind blowing.
Exactly what I was doing!
@@MickeyJoTheatre I also have to comment on Maria - her physicality of Johanna, down to her fingers and head movement, and even in her costuming, it was quite literally watching a twitchy, fidgety bird on the stage. It was actually a lot of fun to watch her... flit around.
From the clips I've seen, it's a stellar showing of the score - great full orchestra, amazing vocals. I'm not as keen on some of the direction, including eliminating the factory whistle which I consider part of the orchestration and the inherent soundscape of the world. It has a pitch! It specifically clashes dissonantly with the music! And it's even been documented that the organ prelude as written by Sondheim intentionally noodled its way down the octaves into the basement so that first high whistle would be an _especially_ surprising jump scare to set the audience up for what they were in for.
Even if they didn't want _a whistle_ they could have replicated it in the orchestra with any available brass just blaring their instruments' top notes. The murders really need that button.
The problem with the whistle, is that “Hadestown” now uses it. Many theater goers now associate it with that show.
That’s super interesting. I’ve only listened to the cast recording and I’ve never made the connection/noticed. Was it on the cast recording of Hadestown?
@Chiena Avtzon The whistle used in Hadestown sounds very different and is MUCH lower pitched. I’ve seen both Sweeney Todd and Hadestown live and the correlation never even crossed my mind.
I finally saw this production. Actually, I found the lack of a whistle even more disturbing. The murders felt inevitable within the universe of the show. That's why I also found the comparative lack of blood even more disturbing. The murders felt quiet and inevitable. I've seen it with the whistle and without, but I found this production to be the most emotional on a visceral level.
As someone with sensory issues who hates piercing sudden noises like that and genuinely can have anxiety because of them…no thanks.
I have been DYING for your review. I just saw it last week and it was so amazing! My mom thought she didn't like Sweeney, but after this production her opinion changed very quickly
For me, the scene that wasn't included in this production that I always find disappointing is the tooth pulling bit from The Contest. It's a small thing, and I get why it often isn't staged simply for time, but when done well it emphasizes how poorly Toby's life is going, casts him in a light where the audience finds extra sympathy for him, and helps to explain his attachment to Lovett. It's an extra 5 minutes of show, but I feel like it adds an extra layer to Toby that gives the audience just that much more horror at the end.
For me it really kicked off at Epiphany, the complete breakdown blew my mind. Annaleigh stole the show for me though, she was born to play Mrs. Lovett.
Josh Groban is perfection.
This was one of your best reviews. I saw the original with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou 8 times. I have never wanted to see a revival until now. I have tickets for June 21. Can't wait!
Jine 21st is my birthday
Please tell us if you loved it.
@@loriromig6565 I was thrilled with this production of Sweeney Todd. It retained all of the darkness of the original, but with Josh portraying Sweeney as an almost sympathetic character, made it more heart breaking. Annaleigh Ashford was fine in the funny bits, but I did not feel she portrayed any feelings for Toby (Gaten Matterazzo, also wonderful). In the original, Angela seemed devastated when realizing Toby knew what was going on. Annaleigh portrayed it as another thing to get through.
The lighting and choreography were excellent!
As someone who can barely afford upper upper upper mezz seats, I appreciated the raised platform so, so, so much. It felt like a nod to those of us in the 99% of folx who don't frequent Broadway and often when we do our seats up high are usually obstructed views (I'm looking at you, Moulin Rouge), so this was a really nice way to enjoy the full show. It made me feel seen. I was happy the blood was not American Psycho level, but I agree with you that it was too minimalist.
I agree. I was worried that our seats were so far away but it turns out, they were perfect. It was a great view!
I’m not sure how else you’d stage it given that the barbershop being physically located above the pie shop and dropping victims out of the chair into the bakery being explicit in the script
An exceptionally well thought out critique. Glad I found you. Looking for more of your reviews.
I was lucky to see sweeney todd in 2012 westend starring imelda staunton and micheal ball. I absolutely loved it so much. Im hoping it comes back to the westend soon.
Was waiting for your review of this! Thank you :)
Agree the Judge's "Johanna" can be easily left out, though I played Turpin in a production I'm glad left the song in. It was great having a song where I / he could really show his depravity (and get a solo of my own - haha). And, it's a wonderful counterpoint structurally and morally to Anthony's "Johanna". I loved how at the end of each performance of that, the audience never clapped. Only song where that didn't happen in the show. I'd like to think it was because they were shocked and stunned and not because I sucked. 🙂
I have been lucky. Played lead roles with n five Sondheim productions including Sweeney and 20 years later Turpin with Mia Culpa. My favorite role of everything I have done is Sweeney. I still shudder at realizing I had killed my wife. I still cry. ❤️
Thank you for sharing - I bet you were terrific!
Like Assassins, I've seen many, many Sweeney Todds. And having loved Kimberly Akimbo and already loving Victoria Clark I was sure she deserved the Tony. Until I saw Sweeney Todd. I loved the production but Annaleigh Ashford is giving one of the great performances of certainly MY life, and I think her's. She is amazing. He comic and dramatic chops are on full display. She is glorious.
Your review recipe is utterly delightful & truly informative. I'm enjoying watching & listening! Thank you 👍
Hmmmm, I have a weekend in NY next month, maybe I should Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd?
Was really hoping you’d review Sweeney. Thank you!! It’s up there with my favourite musicals for sure. 🤗💕
Yay! Glad to hear it!
I've been following you for a long time, first comment though.
I love and trust your reviews, with all the nuance and insights they bring. I only saw Bonnie and Clyde and Great British Bake Off on the back of YOUR REVIEWS & STAR RATING. I look forward to seeing your star ratings outside theatres in the future. I tell many friends to come here if they really want to check out a show before investing in increasingly expensive theatre tickets when our budgets are tight.
Thanks for your great work. I've been waiting for your Sweeney Todd review. ❤
I really appreciate your perspective - especially on staging and characterization!
Gonna need a new video about Aaron Tveit, Sutton Foster and Joe Locke! I can’t be the only one shocked by how incredible Joe Locke’s voice is!
Mickey, Judge Turpin’s “Johann - Mea Culpa” was removed from the original Broadway version. The sight line issues are something that has been an issue with the Lunt-Fontanne forever. The theater needs to be remodeled desperately.
Ive seen a lot of Broadway shows over the years but was never interested in Sweeney Todd because of the gruesome subject matter. When the star studded cast for the revival was announced, i just had to see it and I did. When the last bows occurred, accompanied by thunderous applause that i thought actually shook the theater, i became a Sweeney Todd convert and hope to see this current revival at least one more time.
I loved the production so so much. I just watched it yesterday and it is definitely the biggest spectacle i’ve seen on broadway. Despite an incredible set and direction, it doesn’t rely on it for a great show and trusts the actors to give it that spectacular feeling. As if I wasn’t sold already, the staging for city on fire made my jaw completely DROP
Your review is spot on, based on my experience in April! A note: I missed the steam whistle majorly. I saw the principal cast as is save for an alternate Anthony, and his dialect work was good. As I also had excellent seats, upstairs got a tad tiring as well. The end not hitting all its potential dramatic points also resonates. Agreed this could actually be a long-running show-and here’s hoping that becomes the case!
This is easily the best production of one of my all time favorite musicals I’ve seen, I personally believe it will be remembered years from now for Ashford and the staging!
I saw it at the very end of March. Had not seen it before. It was WAY funnier than I expected. I was expecting something much darker.
The orchestration was very impressive.
So glad Ruthie Ann Miles was recognized with a Tony nomination.
Ypu didn’t mention it it so I guess it didn’t bother you, but I was a bit distracted from time to time as it seemed like there were a lot of people on the stage at times, sometimes too many.
And agree with your take on star-ratings. You tell us anything we want to know and your reviews are always rich and interesting 🙂
I saw the first preview and Jordan Fisher's accent was bouncing around the British isles all night. Quality of the accent aside, I hope he's at least chosen a location at this point.
Bro at this point Im just happy it got revived at all, and with a full orchestra none the less.
I was anxiously awaiting your review and you did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to seeing it at the end of June or July. I better get tickets now. 👍🙏😎
Paul-Jordan Jansen from the ensemble of the Broadway cast played the roll of Sweeney Todd in the production we did at the theater I work at just outside of Chicago and he was absolutely chilling! They also cut the Turpin self flogging scene at the Paramount which I thought was an odd choice, I like seeing all the effed up sides of him. I'm hoping to make it to NYC to see this production before the cast starts breaking apart. Love your thoughts and you're videos are my favorite!
I just saw Jansen fill in for Groban earlier this month. He was great.
Sweeney’s barber shop should be above the pie shop to make sense of the lyric “how gratifying for once to know, that those above will serve those down below”. While the lyric gives us a pointer to the judge’s death, it is in the plural and so requires the death of more than one person “up above” to make sense. In addition, the thud of the books and then the bodies is part of the orchestrations.
Saw it yesterday. I saw the original production with multiple casts as well as the John Doyle production. This was by far the best revival and the strongest cast in years. It didn’t need to be re-thought. I just hope the producers are providing the support so that Ashford and Groban don’t suffer as Len Cariou did.
I’m not familiar with the story- what happened with Len Cariou?
@xhappyponyxwasmyoldname1395 I've heard he had a lot of vocal problems during the run. I think that's why Groban chose to only do 7 shows a week, instead of 8. He is super protective of his voice, as he should be!
In the original production, the opening scene is two men digging a grave and there was some loose earthy material used. Sweeney's first entrance was rising up from the beneath the stage through that grave, so Cariou had more contact with that "stuff" than anyone else. It eventually caused vocal problems over and above the stress of eight shows a week. I was fortunate to see the show about five months in, and his voice was still strong and flexible. That performance remains one of the very best by any performer I have seen on Broadway. For me, no one can come close to his power in that role.
Just saw this on broadway this past week. SO GOOD! I’m going back to NYC just to see this again.
I love all of your reviews but I think this was probably your best! I was in a community theatre production of Sweeney Todd and it did not come together until the last dress rehearsal. It was a hard one to put on we had the revolving box like the original production with the trap door. It is my fav production I have ever been in.
Omgoodness what a great review. You have me really excited for the album. Thanks for this great review!!!😊
Having just seen the show this weekend, thank you so much for this review! It was very interesting to go back and watch your review after having seen the show, noting where we agreed or disagreed (the lighting design really is stunning) I thought Sutton was hysterical and Aaron was truly terrifying, with a devious control always underlying his acting and vocal choices. Hopefully, you’re able to catch their performances if you head back to Broadway this spring!
Thank you! I’ve been patiently waiting for STodd and really enjoyed your review. Sounds fantastic and would so love to see this show .. hope it transfers to west end.
Really enjoyed your thorough review, thank you. Am very excited to see your review on Hadestown!
Your critique on English accents sounds like mine with my native Texan accent. (Was very pleased with Jeremy Jordan in Bonnie and Clyde, didn't know he was a native Texan as well. Thank you so much for your reviews, I look forward to them so much. :)
Ooh was so curious to hear your thoughts about this as didn't manage to catch it when I was in NY in April!
I've been really rooting for Parade for revival on my end because I really loved that so much, so I'm happy to hear this isn't too perfect to blow it away - though again I'm just grateful it's been such a strong season on Broadway overall. While I have been in and do enjoy Sweeney Todd, lots of death and blood isn't generally my fave so if it was too brutal I don't think it'd be for me - from this review I'm actually more reassured that this version would probably hit a good balance for me. Hopefully will maybe get the chance to go back and catch it (although it'd be great if they put in a rush policy...)! Or would be great if it came here especially with Annaleigh, I had tickets to Sunday in the park that I'm not sure ever got refunded when the pandemic put the brakes on that.
In terms of your videos I do enjoy the star ratings, I feel like it helps to parse the overall impact of a show as a part of the commentary especially since you tend to cover both positives and negatives. But I understand the rationale for wanting to potentially avoid them too :)
“Parade” is not perfect either. Ben Platt’s acting left much to be desired. His vocals were great, but he is the weakest actor on that stage. The gut punch, at the end, is caused by the ensemble doing such an effective job at being unlikable. There is a reason “Sweeney Todd” actually received stronger reviews.
I love Annaleigh - she's 100% the reason to see the show. And yes, her entire scene during Not While I'm Around is the BEST acting in the whole show, and she doesn't even talk! She just responds, and it's so brilliant. And I will disagree, I though her acceptance of her likely fate at the end felt expected of this characterization of Mrs. Lovett. Otherwise, I agree - she was an opportunist who knew what she wanted and spent the whole show trying to get it.
I saw this show this past weekend! Amazing!
Thank you once again for the extensive and fulfilling review.
I think what they were going for on this production is a brilliant, gorgeous, 26 piece orchestra revival of Sweeney Todd which was more than accomplished here. Never did any subsequent production of Sweeney achieve or surpass the very first one, until now. I saw all of them in person through the years.
I loved it all, ran back to the box office, and immediately bought tickets for the same week I was in NYC. And I'll be seeing it again in October when I am there. With so much to savor, I find it difficult to justify faulting something so superb.
While I agree, this production IS superb, I think all the points and critiques made in this video were very well explained and on point. He basically read my mind from the thoughts I had, having seen the show yesterday
I saw the original production in 1979 at the Uris Theater on Broadway starring Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou. I had the great fortune to meet and speak with Dame Angela many years later. I specifically asked her about Sweeney Todd. I asked her what happened if she ever forgot a lyric in a song like "A Little Priest." Dame Angela told me that never in all her performances did she ever drop or forget a lyric during a performance. She said that she worked for six weeks straight on just that one number (including the staging of it by Hal Prince). MICKEY JO: PLEASE KEEP THE STAR RATING SYSTEM!!! IT'S VERY HELPFUL!!!! xxxx oooo
I like the star ratings! Sad to hear they are leaving :( I am a math girlie
In America that song is often cut, I’ve never seen a production that has it, but I’ve heard it’s often kept in the UK.
Sweeney Todd is my favorite musical ever, so I was very happy that I got to see this revival. I saw the Barrow Street one(after obsessing over the Patti LuPone/George Hearn one), and my parents saw the one with the actor-musicians. My dream role was Johanna and she played cello and I play cello so it’s still my dream role.
I’m sooo jealous you saw it at Barrow Street. I work there and it’s basically a legend
Been waiting for this. Hoping it comes to the westend.
Hastily adding this video to my 'to watch' list for November after I get to see it myself!!
Get the video of the original Broadway production! The movie is awful!!!!!!
@@kmwa1234 Hahaha oh no, I meant Mickey's video, I didn't want to get spoiled before I saw the production myself. You are so right though, my fave recorded version is the Bryn Terfel one!
Just a quick note from Grandpa. I saw the original production of SWEENEY TODD at least a dozen times. (It was a lean period for Broadway and every time we set out to see a new show, we ended up back at SWEENEY instead.)
My point here is that the Judge's flagellation scene--which MJ found missing in his review of the revival--was actually cut during the previews of the original production. And wisely so. The scene was still in at the first preview I saw, but cut before opening night. It was later preserved on the recording, but not reinserted back into the show. In 1979, the self-flagellation of the Judge was so disturbing--he whips himself while watching young Joanna dress (or undress) through the keyhole of her bedroom door!--it upstaged the rest of Act I. Honestly, it was more disturbing than chopping strangers into meat pies, perhaps because the Judge's "mea culpa' is delivered entirely without humor.
I did not see the Doyle revival, so maybe he put the scene back in. It has never been included in any of the countless productions of ST I have seen through the years. I enjoy the music on the recording, but it isn't a scene I need to see in the show.
I was lucky enough to see the original cast in Sweeney several times. Once, shortly after it opened and several times thereafter and even after opening, Sondheim was apparently tinkering with the show. The Judge's flagellation song was totally gone, the Pirelli contest song was trimmed of an entire contest and Mrs Lovett's parlor songs was cut down too. I really missed the Judge.s song (which I understand was really repelling the audience) but the other cuts worked well and eliminated some repetitive material. That original set was awesome and overwhelming in a good way. Thanks for another fine comprehensive review!
3 moments I can’t stop thinking abt: any time there crane moved (especially OVER THE AUDIENCE), when the bridge upper level tilted in city on fire, and when they stepped into the trapdoor at the end
The Gemma Collins "Mr Todd" was exceptional
Sydney is getting sweeney in July/august at Sydney opera house so can't wait to experience the show. All I know is there's 8 in the orchestra so idk what the aesthetic & era they're going to try go for.
Thank you. It is a favourite of mine so this review was really interesting and more so as it is unlikely that I will see this production, unless it comes to London... I might travel from Cape Town, South Africa to see it! 😁
Thank you!
Saw this tonight in very good seats. Phenomenal. Johanna was definitely cranked up a notch in having a bit of characterization and a few of Groban’s supporting decisions for Annalise, like how he reacts in a little priest when he realizes what she’s getting at, was very different but very great. A lot of the choreography was eye popping and gave me huge smile moments. The entire cast was incredible top to bottom, including excellent and notable moments from quite a few chorus members (shoutout to the female soprano singing the repeated staccato, gasping wails at the start of the asylum scene, those were absolutely ridiculous).
I had never seen the show before until this revival, but I have worn out two entire copies of the Tim Burton movie, so suffice to say I am a more modern fan. That said, I absolutely LOVED the show and was blown away by how amazing it was. I already want to go back and see it again (if only my wallet would allow me! 😩)
13:30 When I saw the show in April, I had a left-side balcony seat, and I didn't feel that sense of disconnection that you apparently did. Like with Cats, I feel that this is a show where viewing it from the upper level seats might actually be preferable, because you can see the stage layout as a whole before you and therefore don't feel the parallax effect (for lack of a better term?) of the upper level being so far away.
Agree 1000% I saw the 2005 revival with Cerveris and Lupone, and to me that is the "definitive" version (outside of the original) - it was dark, scary, gothic, brooding but also so so funny and so much talent that was so well cast. This current revival is a very good production. My biggest problem was just that the stage felt too big - i felt like i was watching all of the action in such a big space that it wasn't intimate enough to feel malicious, suspenseful, or super engaging. (The Pirelli barber-off scene was enjoyable because it felt like finally the whole stage was being used). A Little Priest to me was fine. Yes they were having fun, but it felt like I was watching it down a tunnel (I was center orchestra)- I wanted it to be bigger. The chair and the bodies dropping was very cool, but agree that it didn't need to all take place in the top corner of this huge stage. I actually really loved By The Sea, I thought it (and the staircase scene you mentioned) was where Ashford really shined. I also liked how they staged the asylum with that big pole in the center of the stage. Ruthie Ann Miles was indeed amazing, as was Gaten. The large orchestra was swelling and wonderful. Overall however, though I walked away thinking "that was very good", I did walk away a bit disappointed because it didn't like, give me life or move me the way I expected it to.
We saw it a few weeks ago and in hindsight were quite fortunate to have seen Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney Todd which JG was out sick. Having watched a lot of Groban's performance clips, and listened to some of the release OBC recordings, I found Nicholas' Todd to be a far more raw and realistic representation of what I would expect the character to be. Epiphany in particular was horrifying! I wish the recordings had tracks for him and Groban both. Hopefully some clips from Nicholas' performances will show up sometime though!
Nicholas Christopher is def better, i love seeing standbys
Fully agree! He embodied the energy of Sweeney so much more in my opinion. Not that Josh is bad, he just portrays the character much differently than I picture in my brain.
When I saw Sweeney a month ago, I saw Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney and I was completely blown away by him. I personally like his take significantly more than Groban. Groban is a fantastic singer, there is no doubt about it, but with Christopher it was like you were feeling everything he was feeling. Hands down one of the best performers I've ever seen.
So I actually saw the show at the end of March and Josh Groban was out so I also saw Nicholas Christopher and I agree he was fantastic and terrifying. But just this week I was lucky enough to win the lottery and was finally able to see Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd. And I have to say I think Groban embodies the character more than Christopher did. I also think his chemistry with Annaleigh Ashford was incredible, the two worked so well together. Josh Groban is much shorter so the two were almost matched in height, but he had such a strong voice and stage presence that I was in awe the entire time. So while i do think Nicholas Christopher was absolutely incredible, Josh Groban was just a step up and really made the character his own
Another great review, I’ve been looking forward to this one. I’ve heard mixed reports about the omission of the factory whistle from this production. Has it really been cut? I found it so powerful in previous productions so would be a shame to think of it not being there - is it’s absence notable?
I’m with you in manifesting a west end transfer and dare I even dream for an OBC proshot?
I’m glad Annaleigh’s accent is improved from Kinky Boots as I’m a fan of hers but her Lauren is hard to listen to.
I am not a theater person but I saw this last night . Was four rows from the stage and this show blew my mind. I agree with most of the comments and the reviews while I loved Josh's and Annaleigh's performances, I could not get over how great Gaten Matarazzo was in the show. I really just think of him in Stranger Things but what a peformance. Theater lover or not this is a must see and yes the shadow scene was to die for.
1989 Circle in the Square production starring Bob Gunton and Beth Fowler was on Broadway.
To be honest I don’t think it needed to stand out. Sweeney as a concept is pretty daring already, and they don’t need something new or crazy unique to sell tickets, especially with the star power in the cast. and personally I don’t think every show needs to be remembered for something other than being good. I loved every moment of this production
Sorry, Mickey Jo, but I'm not sure if I totally agree with you on this one. I saw the original (five times-including with my mother in Sondheim's house seat where she shouted, at the top of Act II, "The Beggar Woman-is that his wife?" The only time in my life I said, "Shut up, Mother!"). I also saw it on the road with Lansbury and George Hearn, as well as at NYC Opera (where the Judge's Joanna song was restored; it wasn't a great loss). Prince's original production, while huge, was sometimes too much (and Prince never really solved the problem of the barber's chair). No question Josh Groban sang the hell out of this role (no one has ever done it batter, and to be kind we won't talk about Len Cariou's voice being utterly destroyed on his final performance in the show-I was there). Of course, the best thing about this production (and let's not discount the stellar performance by Annaleigh Ashford-nothing like any before her) was having the FULL orchestra with ALL the underscoring (which is not on the original cast recording). I felt this production was more focused than the original (yeah, no factory shipped in from Rhode Island anymore; that was a Prince concept that went way over the top and was actually not in the script by Sondheim).
What happened to Len Cariou’s voice? Was the vocal decay caused by the score being too difficult to sing? Since, when I purchased tickets for June, I asked the gentleman at the box-office about why Josh Groban was calling in sick recently. He answered, that Josh was straining voice more than usual.
I recently saw “Hadestown” and was mortified as how awful and destroyed Reeve Carney’s voice was. Based off the cast recording, he was never a strong singer or actor but shame on the producers for not recasting him. Not only are they hurting the musical’s reputation, but physically destroying their lead actor’s career.
Saw it in April. It was my first time seeing Sweeney. You are so right about the lighting. I attended solo and scored a seat center stage in the orchestra about out 7 rows back. It blew me out of the water. I actually liked that Zweeney felt somewhat sympathetic. Am I odd? 😂 ❤
Oh definitely not, especially in this production!
@@MickeyJoTheatre Good, I mean, I know he was killing people, but I could almost understand why. And it would have been a waste to not to upcycle all that meat, right? My apologies for the earlier misspellings - crowded typing environment, tired eyes, fat fingers. lol...
I am totally on board with removing Judge Turpin’s song. The thing about that song is, it’s very realistic and also very disgusting. The rest of the show is heightened and over the top as a way to provoke thought about real world topics. But there really are many real people just like Judge Turpin and it’s just too hard to watch for me personally. So I guess I’m saying the song is too dark even for Sweeney Todd, which doesn’t seem like it should be possible, but that’s kinda where it lands for me.
I don't agree, personally, and it's purely because I think it's realism heightens the moral weight of the story. It is SO intense! I totally get why people don't like it(for the same reason I prefer keeping it), but I always miss it when it's missing.
The Judges song makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. It's vile, disgusting, and makes me VERY uncomfortable. That's what makes it so amazing though. It heightens my hatred of Turpin so much more. It makes you ROOT for Sweeney, who in reality is just as bad as Turpin himself. It almost makes me want to stop watching each and every time I see it because of how uncomfortable it makes me. Normally I stay away from things that make me uncomfortable, but in the context of Theatre, I relish it. Whenever I get around to directing Sweeny Todd, I 100% will be keeping it in.
@@Pretzils1031 I'm sorry I can't like this comment 100 times.
And Hal Prince agreed with you.
It's an optional song for a reason. Many productions cut it.
I can’t get enough of you saying “THE-A-TUH” 🤩
Couldn’t agree with you more! I had a lovely time at this production, but it felt like that was mostly do to them not messing up the fantastic source material than adding anything to it (except for Annaleigh Ashford who was above and beyond obviously)
I agree pretty much completely with your review lol. Subscribed!
I saw it last week with Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney and he was outstanding! At first I was kind of sad that Josh was not there, but I quickly changed my mind. I’m sure Josh is great, but I think Nicholas just has the stage presence and dark side that Josh might not be able to fully embody. Anyway, I was blown away. It was beautiful!!
I saw him too and he was fantastic! Had me on the edge of my seat at times. His performance of Epiphany blew me away! Really have no regrets choosing a date when Josh wasn’t in.
I would argue folks across the pond in the UK would greatly benefit from this production transferring. As a Canadian theatre fan, I wonder what the prospects of this happening are, given that this production is racking up amazing reviews and Tony noms?
Goodspeed Opera in CT produced it in the '90s. I did not expect the profound experience I had. From the first moment I was mesmerize, and was gobsmacked for the entire performance. I believe that production preceded one of the Broadway revivals. I once saw sometime from a distance. I knew I was looking at musical history.
I'm going to NY for the first time for our first anniversary in August, and we're going to Sweeney Todd and Hadestown. We jokingly discussed seeing Bad Cinderella and well...glad we didn't pay for that 😅
Did you catch how they changed some lines to make Beadle Bamford straight? In previous iterations I always felt like Bamford was kind of harboring some feelings for the Judge. Here they added a line where he mentions his wife. I thought that was rather an odd addition that wasn't necessary.
I believe he mentioned his daughter, not his wife, and while they made Beadle very obviously annoyed by the judge, I also definitely didn’t get the impression at ALL that he was particularly straight in this rendition.
I am also a huge fan of Sondheim. Each time I saw Sweeney Todd, I am more impressed by Sondheim’s musical and lyrical talent than actors’ performance (yes they are also fantastic).
But now: what’s your name man?
Demon barber Sweeney Todd!
Yesss!
I think you should keep the star rating. As it is an easy way to link how the criticisms relate to the you thought
When I saw Sweeney Josh was out and Nicholas Christopher was his understudy. He was phenomenal and so dark and brooding. (Altho I am still hoping to catch Josh. I keep missing him. Last time this happened was great comet)
My friend who went to NY & saw it loved it. I'll just have to wait to enjoy the cast recording which I'm sure will be fab. The only critique I keep hearing is some of the acting choices may not be their favorite & things like Josh's Sweeney isn't evil enough & on the cast recording those things aren't as noticeable so ready to have my ears & mind blown away.
FYI John Doyle' 2004 staging moved from the Watermill to London in 2005 first to Trafalgar Studios and then the Ambassadors Theatre before restaging it on Broadway.
Your observations and descriptions and analyses are perfectly vivid. And there is so much more that I love about what you’re doing here. Thank you. You just may become my go-to theatre critic.
Re Groban. I saw a criticism that he was not convincing as a “demon”. Im not a scholar but despite the title describing him that way I’m at the point of saying that Sweeney Todd is not a demon. Yes of course he’s a murderer but ultimately he’s a victim. His life was pretty close to perfect and all was taken away. A man is to protect his family. He was made completely powerless, helpless. This, I think, groban delivers. We see his brokenness and his anguish. His eyes. His delivery. His determination that he will regain control. I hear that in his speaking and particularly in his singing. I think he was great in the role.
Side note about the Toby actor. I didn’t recognize him (from mid mezzanine) and had forgotten he was in the show. I really was blown away by his performance and his singing. And amazed when I learned later who he was. We agree on that one.
Oh, and -blood. I don’t need more blood. It is difficult enough to deal with the slicing and especially the last killings. I couldn’t bear more realism.
Re “stars”. I think you are spot on. You are so specific in your descriptions and conclusions that stars seem almost silly. Certainly not necessary.
Saw a production of Sweeney Todd at the English Theatre in Frankfurt. They handed out ponchos for the first rows because this was considered the „splash zone“. Talking about an immersive experience. 😅
Surprised to hear Jordan Fisher is already leaving the show on June 18th.
I think the accent thing is so interesting because I did notice it as a bit off when I saw it, but it didn't bother me a ton, and I don't know if that is because I am American so the I didn't pick up on more nuances. I once saw the US Tour of Matilda where they decided to just completely drop trying the British accent because audiences couldn't understand the actors with it, and some of it sounded so strange because the rhyming didn't work for some songs, but it was similar, it didn't bother me as much. But, what is strange on reverse is I have seen shows on the West End where actors use American accents, and they are pretty good, but I can definitely tell they are not American, but I wonder if it is similar where someone who is British would not notice it as much. I find accents so interesting.
I saw the work in previews and then got a last-minute ticket the week after the mostly positive reviews came out. It improved in the month in between viewings. They adjusted the "blood" during previews. Josh was more confident in his role--more menacing. Agree on the sight lines. It makes rows G-L better than anything closer.
I like star ratings by the same person:
- It's a quick way to get a feel of what you think of the show. I know if I normally agree with you or not and if this show is for me.
- It makes it easy to compare.
- It can be a reason to keep watching. Whether it's a positive, medium or negative review.
The definitive Sweeney Todd is the original Broadway production. THANK GOD they recorded it.
The best reproduction was ironically the streamlined Burton movie. Its one of the few cases where the movie is arguably better than the musical. It cuts the fluff, while adding more realistic, sympathetic character portrayals.
The judge's song wasn't just cut from this production. It has always been an optional song.
It WAS cut from the original B’way production, due to time, as were sections of "The Contest” and "Ladies in Their Sensitivities.” (I saw that production, and there is a video of its touring company that also reflects those cuts. Furthermore, Hal Prince commented about his making the cuts, at the time.) The entire score, however, was included in the original B’way cast album.
@@davidhigginbotham2387 yeah it's relatively normal for them to record the fact album before cuts are finalized, it's why there's sections of any moment and A very nice prince on the into the woods cast album that aren't in the show.