I honestly would have loved to see Amber Gray play Mrs. Lovett tbh, but I’m sure that Annaleigh Ashford will do an amazing job. Edit: I personally hope they don’t try to modernize the setting. I think we can all recognize how the themes of this show fit in with current events in the world without having to put a contemporary twist on it. I think the Victorian era aesthetic is one of the things that makes this show so captivating.
Agreed with the setting. Plus they did the contemporary Sweeney in the John Doyle UK Watermill/Broadway 2005 productions. The Victorian aesthetic accents the show in so many ways that a contemporary production doesn't work for me.
Just saw a preview last week (my first trip to NYC and first experience of Sweeney). Grosban was great but Annaleigh is outstanding and steals the show.
Sweeney Todd's top note is, I think, an Ab4. That is exactly in Groban's ideal range. As a fellow bari, I can attest that you want someone who has a strong upper range for this role. Though it is rangy, the audience would not enjoy someone who strains to hit the top notes of the role. That is more unpleasant from an auditory standpoint than someone who is "muddy" on low notes. (Everyone but true basses are somewhat muddy on really low notes, and it can be sung in a conversational style in the low register.)
Really? I thought Sweeney's highest note is Gb4(when singing "no will serve ANYone" at the end of A Little Priest) which Josh can hit just fine(even years after his rendition of Pierre Noel, or performing Anthem from the musical Chess(the highest note there being a G natural 4). A G natural 4 I can see happen if Groban decides to go with the higher key setting for Epiphany(the key sung by George Hearn in the televised recording of the first National Tour, and Denis Quilley in original London production, and by Michael Ball in the 2012 revival, etc.), which I'm sure he can handle fine. Sweeney's lowest note, apparently F3, maybe an issue, as Josh's lowest note is G3, but I'm still trying to recall where it occurs(even the low notes Todd sings at the start of Pretty Women to the Judge "And who may it be said is your intended, sir?" only reach G sharp 3). Even Len Cariou, when he sung it in the OBCR, sounded like he was having Sweeney try to act like a sniveling henchman in singing that line, possibly to try to cover up how badly he was straining his voice to sing that G sharp 3rd naturally. I wouldn't be surprised if either Josh does a little "homage" to Len with that acting bit, or they just let Josh sing those notes above the octave(where Judge Turpin first sang "Make haste, and if we're wed, you'll be commended sir") so it be more comfortable for him.
It is a Gb4 and barely touched. His main top note is an F4 and his tessitura is very low. Low note is Gb2 and very often sings around the range G2/Ab2/Bb2. The role is much better suited for basses or bass baritones who would be just fine singing the higher stuff.
I’m so excited about Josh Groban going back to the stage. He’s grown so much as a performer and I am in love with how his voice is maturing. He’s so much more versatile than he was 15 years ago.
I am flipping out in the best way at the thought of Josh Groban playing Sweeney. Even if I can't get to New York, a cast recording like the one for the Sunday revival would capture so much. I wouldn't have learned about it if not for your channel, so thanks, Mickey Jo!
I throughly believe that the nicest most charming people make the best performers in villain/anti hero roles. I also think Josh Groban is the type to really relish in a good piece of work to sink his teeth into, and a chance to show off his acting chops, and what better than Sweeney? I also cannot wait to see Annaleigh's take on Mrs. Lovett.
I agree that the idea of someone with the air of a nice, normal guy turning to these dark acts is very powerful. I'd love to see Josh in the role! Though years ago a shot of me (looking like a starry-eyed fan-girl) with him at an autograph signing ended up on Entertainment Tonight after the voiceover said "Josh is always amazed at how loyal his following truly is." I'm probably a bit biased in his favour. 😆
Unbelievably excited for this one, I'm also rooting for Renée Elise Goldsberry for the Beggar Woman, her voice is so fantastic and it would suit the role perfectly
yessss NYC vlog in spring! Spring's a great time to visit NYC! That'd be an amazing trip for you and cool for us to see Broadway through your eyes, being more familiar with West End. It would be cool to hear about differences, what you think of venues and all.
idk if many people know this but the ticket master says in the details, "For the first time since 1980, Broadway audiences will experience Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning score as it was performed in the original production"
I saw Josh Groban in concert not too long ago and he was joking that he used to be a “sparkly and shiny” performer but now he was “dark Groban”. When we heard the announcement, I told my husband that this must be what he is referring to! Can’t wait to see how he’ll do as a darker character!
Years ago, I went to the Sweeny Todd revival when it toured in the US. It was the worst experience I'd ever had in a professional theater. I went as a musical theater fan who had memorized the original cast recording and just wanted to see the show live. Instead, the actors were trying to sing AND play instruments onstage--doing neither well. It was a MESS. I actually considered walking out at intermission. I'd love to finally see a real, full production of it--which is what I expected the first time, frankly.
From your delivery and enthusiasm for this new production of Sweeney Todd in NYC compels me to want to go to NYC to see it as well. I wonder if my friend’s condo will be available? 🤞👍🙏😎🤪
One of my favourite musicals Last time I saw it was a preview at London Coliseum and Emma Thompson was Mrs Lovett Favourite song is a Little Priest, specifically Patti LuPone’s version 😻 Also excited for more updates I am unlikely to be able get to NYC lol
Hello....I am so excited to have a ticket to the first Sweeney performance on Feb. 26... I live a short train ride across the river from NYC Theater District. Very excited to see Josh....big fan..(Radio City, this past summer tour, etc...) ...I saw Great Comet twice and loved the immersive setting complete with Vodka cocktail bars and little love notes the cast gave to the ladies seated nearest the actors!. But I didn't see anything like that for the audience layout when I purchased the ticket so, who knows?!
I've never seen a major production of this, so excited to hopefully see it. I'm...interested in the casting. I think voices will be fine but hope Josh Groban can pull off the acting required.
I had the fortune of seeing Patti Lupone play Mrs. Lovett in the 2005 Broadway Revival of Sweeney Todd. Michael Cerevis played Sweeney. We were sitting second row. His performance of Sweeney was so ferocious that we could see spit flying out of his mouth!
Annaleigh has come a long way from playing Margot in the original Broadway cast of Legally Blonde! I just hope, if this is indeed set in London, that her accent has improved since Kinky Boots. She’s got great comedic timing though, so I have high hopes!
I think her voice in Kinky Boots was supposed to be a comedy accent. I read somewhere that she originally tried a more authentic accent but was told to make it OTT to play into the comedy
I’m excited for Sweeney to come back to Broadway! It’s my second favorite musical of all time! But, what I’m more excited about is that they are having a full orchestra! Something that is sadly, severely lacking in musicals these days!
Indeed, aside from the casually featured large orchestras for new revivals of classical shows(Carousel, My Fair Lady, etc.) or for new big scale productions by Disney, or new reduced(yet still large) arrangements by Jonathan Tunick(the orchestrator of Sweeney Todd, Company, Into the Woods, and many other Sondheim shows, for those who don't know) himself. At least they're also doing the original 15 piece orchestrations for the new revival of Into the Woods on Broadway as well. My only hope is for BOTH of these productions to get a cast recording(as is being planned right now with the former) in the near future at least.
@@michaelwilliamybarra2409…. I heard that Into The Woods will be getting a recording. I’m sure Sweeney will, I mean the last time we had a fully orchestrated recording was the New York Philharmonic recording with Patti LuPone and George Hearn, which is fantastic! It’s sad that it seems no one is writing sweeping scores anymore because producers don’t want to pay for a full orchestra. Everything starts to sound the same when you only have like 9 players. Once great shows like Les Miserables who use to have 30-35 piece orchestra is now scaled down to what? 12-15 members, if we are lucky. The last time I saw Evita, years ago, the orchestra was so small, I swear I could only make out 7 instruments. It was so lacking, it ruined the show.
Love sweeney todd! Saw a student production at RADA earlier in the year and the intimate setting of a smaller drama school theatre was perfect. Talented bunch. When I hear Annaleigh Ashford sing I am not a big fan of her natural tone of voice unfortunately. However if I was in new york I would definitely try to see it as it is one of my favourites. Also merrily we roll along is in new york end of this year/beginning of next I believe.
Back in the 80s, NY City Opera did a production of Sweeney Todd that featured a Sweeney more in the mold of a romantic lead. The actor (Timothy Nolan) had a beautiful voice and somehow more gentle manner than is usually expected. It was my first Sweeney, and I found it compelling but with a confusing dissonance between the sympathy engendered by the actor and the monstrousness of the character. I wonder if the new Groban-led production will have the same feel. Since then I've seen the pared -down Circle in the Square production and, of course, the film with all of Burton's signature stylization. I love the idea of a modernized Eat the Rich interpretation, but suspect this new one will be far more traditional than that, alas.
I'm a little late on this news, but I just googled out of curiosity "Will Sweeney Todd would ever return to Broadway" just a few minutes ago and found out about this! I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS! And Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd? EVEN BETTER! Really excited to see how Josh Groban will pull off the role!
In terms of Sondheim shows being revived left and right on Broadway... I'm ok with this. I'd love to see a lavish production of A Little Night Music. I know we have a pretty good revival a decade ago but Night Music is a show that needs lavish just as much as it needs strong voices (that shouldn't include Desire. Just because Streisand made send in the Clowns a standard doesn't mean a belter should play that role. It's a similar situation to the character of Sally Bowles. She is not supposed to be talented). I'd love to see a true revival of Anyone Can Whistle. I'd love to see maybe a concert revival of Follies mostly because we did get a pretty lavish production and sadly the general audiences just couldn't get into it even though it was pure perfection. I think Sondheim's passing is going to be essentially seeing what a post-life Shakespeare was like because so many of his shows have this sense of being able to be explored in different settings with changes to context (even though he was very much someone who had his set in stone context himself). In the same sense that we get so many experimental Shakespere plays every day, month, and year. At least for the next few years. His work has always been much less commercial than ALW who basically turned his shows into tourist attractions with Phantom and Cats in-particular on Broadway but even more so with Joseph and the likes world wide. So, I suppose the lore of something special in terms of a Sondheim revival will maybe lose its spark for the next decade or so but even so it's exciting to think what is to come in the moment.
I would LOVE for the Berkshires production of A Little Night Music that has gotten rapturous reviews to transger. It has some true powerhouses in it, and reports are that it is a superlative production in all ways. I would absolutely love to see that get a B'way transfer.
@@christophercobb249 I really wanted to see that production when it was announced. Instagram and Facebook do me so dirty sometimes with the ads that get sent my ways for theater lol
Yes, I wanted to see it too! Unfortunately its run was so brief that it was nearly impossible. Berkshires summer shows are great ... For the five people who can afford to go to the Berkshires for a week in the summer and see them!
PACIFIC OVERTURES. I truly believe there is a great musical in between all the incredible songs, and one day some revival is going to find it. "that shouldn't include Desiree. Just because Streisand made send in the Clowns a standard doesn't mean a belter should play that role. It's a similar situation to the character of Sally Bowles. She is not supposed to be talented" Oh so much this. Less Babs, more Dench.
My initial reflex to envisioning Grobin as Sweeny was - seriously? But Mickey’s point about who he WAS vs who he became made it work. Wish I could see it.
My mom and I have never been to Broadway, and I've never gotten to see Josh or a Sweeney Todd production yet. This is the perfect opportunity for me 😂 Edit: subscribing for updates lol
I was just about to ask if you planned to visit Broadway anytime soon. If you did go, which shows would you be most interested to see? (or is the answer just like, all of them? lol)
I hope it isn't a replica production of the original production. There have been many small limited runs that have just been the original production repeated over the years in the US. I think that Annaleigh is going to kick this out of the park. I really want to see this live.
Super Thanks!!! I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. Oh, how I wish I lived in NYC so that I could invite you to come and visit. Your content is a delight to watch. 🤞🏼you get that invite. Take care and be well.
It could go the modern serial killer route. The pie shop could say vegan meat as a twist. I would love a revival of the classic but it could be fun for a modern, or 70’s, twist.
I am giddy as a schoolgirl at the prospect of seeing a proper remounting with a big orchestra and hopefully FULL CHORUS, as God intended (looking at you Tim Burton--who TF would remove the ensemble from Sweeney? well, the same guy who shoved his two obsessions into the lead roles despite being musically blech, esp. Mrs. Burton, ahem). (I should add though that I had no issue with the magnitude of the orchestra used in the film--what they left of the score sounded magnificent.) Groban has pleasantly surprised me with the gravity and grit he's developed vocally as he's matured, and knowing this is his favorite show gives me hope that he's ready to tear up the stage. As for modernizing it or setting it elsewhere... please please no! The John Doyle 2005 production did both, and while I ended up loving the interpretation to death (pun!), it's been done. Personally I'm dying (pun!) for some proper Victorian Grand Guignol to deposit us into the dreadful tale of Mr. Todd, hopefully with a big frickin' tidal wave of orchestra to oppress us musically. Anyway, I've avoided every public entertainment since 2020 due to Covid concerns, but I'm willing to risk being among my fellow NYers to see this when it opens.
Oooh i was like 'damn this sounds good, shame i'll never see it' then i remembered i'm heading to new york next june/july! Hopefully it's still on? I don't have a good sense of how long big shows like this usually play for
I can’t say I’m excited about this casting, but I AM intrigued by it. Both leads seem too young and sweet of voice for these roles, but maybe they’ll provide a different take on Sweeney and Mrs Lovett, which I, for one, will be fascinated to see. My biggest concern is the tone of Groban’s voice - it’s not the tessitura of the role, but rather that we’ve become used to hearing a much darker-sounding, menacing voice in this part, and I don’t think that’s something Groban can do without forcing his voice in a direction he really shouldn’t be trying to force it. I hope he surprises us with a totally different take (vocally). We’ll see…….
I will be extremely disappointed if the revival production is not set in the original era and if it isn't as close to the original production as possible. I am a huge fan of Sweeney Todd and very much want to see this production, but if this gets a Legally Blonde in the West End treatment I will be very upset.
Personally I hope Ashford revives the bad English accent she had in “Kinky Boots”. It sounds comical from that character but it could potentially read as nefarious coming from Mrs Lovett.
I just saw it. My advice to all who are curious is don't go. I think that the throat cutting scenes were a metaphor for what they were doing to my time and money. None of the jokes landed nor were the songs memorable. The characters were unlikable and the story meh. I found myself bored most of the time. I guess that the blood was supposed to be shocking but I bled more into the blood bag the other week when I donated it to the NY Blood Center. So, when I saw the blood I thought, that's it? Boring. 1 1/2 out of 5. I gave the half because the sets and singing was good. But you can only do so much with trash.
Couchsurfing, although the hosts are pretty fickle. MisterBnB, you can find hosts only charging $50 a night. Regular hostels in NYC aren't that bad either, except for Jazz in the Park, stay away from that dirty place. There, I just saved you $100-$150 a night.
so excited to see Josh back on Broadway!! he was amazing in Great Comet, and I’m so glad we’ll be seeing him act onstage again :)
I honestly would have loved to see Amber Gray play Mrs. Lovett tbh, but I’m sure that Annaleigh Ashford will do an amazing job.
Edit: I personally hope they don’t try to modernize the setting. I think we can all recognize how the themes of this show fit in with current events in the world without having to put a contemporary twist on it. I think the Victorian era aesthetic is one of the things that makes this show so captivating.
Omg! A great comet reunion! Lucas Steele can be Pirelli or Anthony.
Agreed with the setting. Plus they did the contemporary Sweeney in the John Doyle UK Watermill/Broadway 2005 productions. The Victorian aesthetic accents the show in so many ways that a contemporary production doesn't work for me.
Amber would have been AMAZING.
Just saw a preview last week (my first trip to NYC and first experience of Sweeney). Grosban was great but Annaleigh is outstanding and steals the show.
Sweeney Todd's top note is, I think, an Ab4. That is exactly in Groban's ideal range. As a fellow bari, I can attest that you want someone who has a strong upper range for this role. Though it is rangy, the audience would not enjoy someone who strains to hit the top notes of the role. That is more unpleasant from an auditory standpoint than someone who is "muddy" on low notes. (Everyone but true basses are somewhat muddy on really low notes, and it can be sung in a conversational style in the low register.)
Really? I thought Sweeney's highest note is Gb4(when singing "no will serve ANYone" at the end of A Little Priest) which Josh can hit just fine(even years after his rendition of Pierre Noel, or performing Anthem from the musical Chess(the highest note there being a G natural 4).
A G natural 4 I can see happen if Groban decides to go with the higher key setting for Epiphany(the key sung by George Hearn in the televised recording of the first National Tour, and Denis Quilley in original London production, and by Michael Ball in the 2012 revival, etc.), which I'm sure he can handle fine.
Sweeney's lowest note, apparently F3, maybe an issue, as Josh's lowest note is G3, but I'm still trying to recall where it occurs(even the low notes Todd sings at the start of Pretty Women to the Judge "And who may it be said is your intended, sir?" only reach G sharp 3).
Even Len Cariou, when he sung it in the OBCR, sounded like he was having Sweeney try to act like a sniveling henchman in singing that line, possibly to try to cover up how badly he was straining his voice to sing that G sharp 3rd naturally.
I wouldn't be surprised if either Josh does a little "homage" to Len with that acting bit, or they just let Josh sing those notes above the octave(where Judge Turpin first sang "Make haste, and if we're wed, you'll be commended sir") so it be more comfortable for him.
I'm not sure if it's Ab4 or Gb4. Either way, it's definitely do-able for Josh Groban.
It is a Gb4 and barely touched. His main top note is an F4 and his tessitura is very low. Low note is Gb2 and very often sings around the range G2/Ab2/Bb2. The role is much better suited for basses or bass baritones who would be just fine singing the higher stuff.
I’m so excited about Josh Groban going back to the stage. He’s grown so much as a performer and I am in love with how his voice is maturing. He’s so much more versatile than he was 15 years ago.
I literally gasped when you said it will have a 26 piece orchestra
I am flipping out in the best way at the thought of Josh Groban playing Sweeney. Even if I can't get to New York, a cast recording like the one for the Sunday revival would capture so much. I wouldn't have learned about it if not for your channel, so thanks, Mickey Jo!
Just bought my ticket for this a couple of days ago, can’t wait!
I throughly believe that the nicest most charming people make the best performers in villain/anti hero roles. I also think Josh Groban is the type to really relish in a good piece of work to sink his teeth into, and a chance to show off his acting chops, and what better than Sweeney? I also cannot wait to see Annaleigh's take on Mrs. Lovett.
Agreed completely!
I agree that the idea of someone with the air of a nice, normal guy turning to these dark acts is very powerful. I'd love to see Josh in the role! Though years ago a shot of me (looking like a starry-eyed fan-girl) with him at an autograph signing ended up on Entertainment Tonight after the voiceover said "Josh is always amazed at how loyal his following truly is." I'm probably a bit biased in his favour. 😆
That’s incredible. 😂
If “Eat the Rich… in a Pie” isn’t the tagline for this production they should fire their marketing department!
Unbelievably excited for this one, I'm also rooting for Renée Elise Goldsberry for the Beggar Woman, her voice is so fantastic and it would suit the role perfectly
I love your reviews and conversations……love from San Francisco
Renee Elise Goldsberry doesn’t have an operatic voice that the beggar woman needs
Ruthie Ann Miles is playing her. Can’t wait!
Im just about to audition for a production of sweeney todd so I've been watching all the content I can to do with the musical! Very excited!!
yessss NYC vlog in spring! Spring's a great time to visit NYC! That'd be an amazing trip for you and cool for us to see Broadway through your eyes, being more familiar with West End. It would be cool to hear about differences, what you think of venues and all.
idk if many people know this but the ticket master says in the details, "For the first time since 1980, Broadway audiences will experience Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning score as it was performed in the original production"
So excited‼️Just got my tickets‼️Mickey Jo you MUST come ‼️
I saw Josh Groban in concert not too long ago and he was joking that he used to be a “sparkly and shiny” performer but now he was “dark Groban”. When we heard the announcement, I told my husband that this must be what he is referring to! Can’t wait to see how he’ll do as a darker character!
I got my tickets so fast. Excited to finally see Josh on stage (I missed him in Great Comet)
I’m in rehearsals for a production of Sweeney Todd right now and the first ten seconds of this video has been my inner monologue for weeks 😂
I'm gonna see this with my sisters this winter. I'm so excited
Edit: I had no idea Mimi Lien was doing the set omg 🥲
Years ago, I went to the Sweeny Todd revival when it toured in the US. It was the worst experience I'd ever had in a professional theater. I went as a musical theater fan who had memorized the original cast recording and just wanted to see the show live. Instead, the actors were trying to sing AND play instruments onstage--doing neither well. It was a MESS. I actually considered walking out at intermission. I'd love to finally see a real, full production of it--which is what I expected the first time, frankly.
I’m seeing this on March 11! I couldn’t be more excited!
26 piece orchestra is AMAZING to see in an age where hiring musicians is being done less in favor of just have prerecorded tracks
my first broadway show ever was Sweeney Todd starring Saint Angela Lansbury. this cast is giving me Glee does ST but I'm here for it. Take my money!
The cast, creative team and the announcement of a full orchestra have my expectations sky high and I can’t wait to see what it looks/sounds like.
I've seen a modern production of Sweeney Todd and, although very different, I think it worked really well. Mrs. Lovett in a tracksuit doing yoga. YES!
I have tickets. Can hardly wait March26th!
Excited about this
From your delivery and enthusiasm for this new production of Sweeney Todd in NYC compels me to want to go to NYC to see it as well. I wonder if my friend’s condo will be available? 🤞👍🙏😎🤪
One of my favourite musicals
Last time I saw it was a preview at London Coliseum and Emma Thompson was Mrs Lovett
Favourite song is a Little Priest, specifically Patti LuPone’s version 😻
Also excited for more updates
I am unlikely to be able get to NYC lol
Hello....I am so excited to have a ticket to the first Sweeney performance on Feb. 26... I live a short train ride across the river from NYC Theater District. Very excited to see Josh....big fan..(Radio City, this past summer tour, etc...) ...I saw Great Comet twice and loved the immersive setting complete with Vodka cocktail bars and little love notes the cast gave to the ladies seated nearest the actors!. But I didn't see anything like that for the audience layout when I purchased the ticket so, who knows?!
Another fab video! We are SO excited to see Josh again on broadway! We secured our tickets and can’t wait to see Tommy’s direction! 🥧🔪🩸
PS soooo one of us has never seen it before (Scared of the blood!) would you recommend watching the movie or go in blind?
I've never seen a major production of this, so excited to hopefully see it. I'm...interested in the casting. I think voices will be fine but hope Josh Groban can pull off the acting required.
His performance in Great Comet bodes well for that. He's a great stage actor.
I had the fortune of seeing Patti Lupone play Mrs. Lovett in the 2005 Broadway Revival of Sweeney Todd. Michael Cerevis played Sweeney. We were sitting second row. His performance of Sweeney was so ferocious that we could see spit flying out of his mouth!
This is going to be an amazing show.
Thanks for mentioning the scuppered transfer of SiTPWG - still bitter about that one (we had such good seats!) 😅
I adore your channel!❤😂
Annaleigh has come a long way from playing Margot in the original Broadway cast of Legally Blonde! I just hope, if this is indeed set in London, that her accent has improved since Kinky Boots. She’s got great comedic timing though, so I have high hopes!
I think her voice in Kinky Boots was supposed to be a comedy accent. I read somewhere that she originally tried a more authentic accent but was told to make it OTT to play into the comedy
I’m excited for Sweeney to come back to Broadway! It’s my second favorite musical of all time! But, what I’m more excited about is that they are having a full orchestra! Something that is sadly, severely lacking in musicals these days!
Indeed, aside from the casually featured large orchestras for new revivals of classical shows(Carousel, My Fair Lady, etc.) or for new big scale productions by Disney, or new reduced(yet still large) arrangements by Jonathan Tunick(the orchestrator of Sweeney Todd, Company, Into the Woods, and many other Sondheim shows, for those who don't know) himself.
At least they're also doing the original 15 piece orchestrations for the new revival of Into the Woods on Broadway as well. My only hope is for BOTH of these productions to get a cast recording(as is being planned right now with the former) in the near future at least.
@@michaelwilliamybarra2409…. I heard that Into The Woods will be getting a recording. I’m sure Sweeney will, I mean the last time we had a fully orchestrated recording was the New York Philharmonic recording with Patti LuPone and George Hearn, which is fantastic!
It’s sad that it seems no one is writing sweeping scores anymore because producers don’t want to pay for a full orchestra. Everything starts to sound the same when you only have like 9 players. Once great shows like Les Miserables who use to have 30-35 piece orchestra is now scaled down to what? 12-15 members, if we are lucky. The last time I saw Evita, years ago, the orchestra was so small, I swear I could only make out 7 instruments. It was so lacking, it ruined the show.
This creative team sounds like it may have been curated specifically for me. And the leads??? Incredible
Very proud of my friend Nathan Skethway, who worked on the team that created the marketing materials!
Ohhh. I'd love to read the design brief for this project.
THAT WOULD BE VERY AWESOME
would love a little broadway series where you see sweeney but fingers crossed for the west end !
Love sweeney todd! Saw a student production at RADA earlier in the year and the intimate setting of a smaller drama school theatre was perfect. Talented bunch.
When I hear Annaleigh Ashford sing I am not a big fan of her natural tone of voice unfortunately. However if I was in new york I would definitely try to see it as it is one of my favourites. Also merrily we roll along is in new york end of this year/beginning of next I believe.
Back in the 80s, NY City Opera did a production of Sweeney Todd that featured a Sweeney more in the mold of a romantic lead. The actor (Timothy Nolan) had a beautiful voice and somehow more gentle manner than is usually expected. It was my first Sweeney, and I found it compelling but with a confusing dissonance between the sympathy engendered by the actor and the monstrousness of the character. I wonder if the new Groban-led production will have the same feel. Since then I've seen the pared -down Circle in the Square production and, of course, the film with all of Burton's signature stylization. I love the idea of a modernized Eat the Rich interpretation, but suspect this new one will be far more traditional than that, alas.
I'm a little late on this news, but I just googled out of curiosity "Will Sweeney Todd would ever return to Broadway" just a few minutes ago and found out about this! I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS! And Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd? EVEN BETTER! Really excited to see how Josh Groban will pull off the role!
*Eat the rich in a pie* 😀
Dont get me wrong I LOVE Josh Groban, but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Ramin Karimloo in this role! He would be phenomenal!
In terms of Sondheim shows being revived left and right on Broadway... I'm ok with this. I'd love to see a lavish production of A Little Night Music. I know we have a pretty good revival a decade ago but Night Music is a show that needs lavish just as much as it needs strong voices (that shouldn't include Desire. Just because Streisand made send in the Clowns a standard doesn't mean a belter should play that role. It's a similar situation to the character of Sally Bowles. She is not supposed to be talented). I'd love to see a true revival of Anyone Can Whistle. I'd love to see maybe a concert revival of Follies mostly because we did get a pretty lavish production and sadly the general audiences just couldn't get into it even though it was pure perfection. I think Sondheim's passing is going to be essentially seeing what a post-life Shakespeare was like because so many of his shows have this sense of being able to be explored in different settings with changes to context (even though he was very much someone who had his set in stone context himself). In the same sense that we get so many experimental Shakespere plays every day, month, and year. At least for the next few years. His work has always been much less commercial than ALW who basically turned his shows into tourist attractions with Phantom and Cats in-particular on Broadway but even more so with Joseph and the likes world wide. So, I suppose the lore of something special in terms of a Sondheim revival will maybe lose its spark for the next decade or so but even so it's exciting to think what is to come in the moment.
I would LOVE for the Berkshires production of A Little Night Music that has gotten rapturous reviews to transger. It has some true powerhouses in it, and reports are that it is a superlative production in all ways. I would absolutely love to see that get a B'way transfer.
*transfer*
@@christophercobb249 I really wanted to see that production when it was announced. Instagram and Facebook do me so dirty sometimes with the ads that get sent my ways for theater lol
Yes, I wanted to see it too! Unfortunately its run was so brief that it was nearly impossible. Berkshires summer shows are great ... For the five people who can afford to go to the Berkshires for a week in the summer and see them!
PACIFIC OVERTURES. I truly believe there is a great musical in between all the incredible songs, and one day some revival is going to find it.
"that shouldn't include Desiree. Just because Streisand made send in the Clowns a standard doesn't mean a belter should play that role. It's a similar situation to the character of Sally Bowles. She is not supposed to be talented"
Oh so much this. Less Babs, more Dench.
Hope a Sweeney Todd production comes to Sydney soon
I saw Annaleigh Ashford in Kinky Boots and she was a definite standout of the production. I'm very excited to see her return to Broadway.
Love sweeney Todd. I saw it in the westend with Micheal ball and imelda staunton.
My initial reflex to envisioning Grobin as Sweeny was - seriously? But Mickey’s point about who he WAS vs who he became made it work. Wish I could see it.
Do we think we’ve ever gonna see the broadway revival of Sunday in the park with George in London?
Johanna is rumored to be Renee Rapp from Mean Girls and is supposed to be a nod to Hal Prince and the original
Omg I love your Elephant behind you. What's his name
Is this coming 👀 to the UK
Any thoughts on Emilio Sosa costume design?
Hope it comes to the uk
I must admit I was not expecting Josh Groban! I’m interested to see how he’ll get into the character
As a factual matter, Sweeney Todd actually opened in March of 1979.
My mom and I have never been to Broadway, and I've never gotten to see Josh or a Sweeney Todd production yet. This is the perfect opportunity for me 😂
Edit: subscribing for updates lol
Thanks MickeyJo . . . now I know where I'll be come May '23 🚣♂
saw it last night, Annaleigh Ashford stole the show
I was just about to ask if you planned to visit Broadway anytime soon. If you did go, which shows would you be most interested to see? (or is the answer just like, all of them? lol)
I hope it isn't a replica production of the original production. There have been many small limited runs that have just been the original production repeated over the years in the US. I think that Annaleigh is going to kick this out of the park. I really want to see this live.
Sweeney should come back to the west end with Hugh Jackman as Sweeney Todd, Ian McKellen as Mrs Lovett and Patrick Stewart as Judge Turpin.
I hope they base it off the original which was perfection!
I wonder if it’ll be one of the shows where actors play the music. After all there’s precedent for Sweeney Todd and Josh Groban to do that.
Super Thanks!!! I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. Oh, how I wish I lived in NYC so that I could invite you to come and visit. Your content is a delight to watch. 🤞🏼you get that invite. Take care and be well.
It could go the modern serial killer route. The pie shop could say vegan meat as a twist. I would love a revival of the classic but it could be fun for a modern, or 70’s, twist.
Josh Groban is to play the Beast in the upcoming live tv beauty and the beast.
I am giddy as a schoolgirl at the prospect of seeing a proper remounting with a big orchestra and hopefully FULL CHORUS, as God intended (looking at you Tim Burton--who TF would remove the ensemble from Sweeney? well, the same guy who shoved his two obsessions into the lead roles despite being musically blech, esp. Mrs. Burton, ahem). (I should add though that I had no issue with the magnitude of the orchestra used in the film--what they left of the score sounded magnificent.) Groban has pleasantly surprised me with the gravity and grit he's developed vocally as he's matured, and knowing this is his favorite show gives me hope that he's ready to tear up the stage.
As for modernizing it or setting it elsewhere... please please no! The John Doyle 2005 production did both, and while I ended up loving the interpretation to death (pun!), it's been done. Personally I'm dying (pun!) for some proper Victorian Grand Guignol to deposit us into the dreadful tale of Mr. Todd, hopefully with a big frickin' tidal wave of orchestra to oppress us musically.
Anyway, I've avoided every public entertainment since 2020 due to Covid concerns, but I'm willing to risk being among my fellow NYers to see this when it opens.
Not my top favorite Musical however I would absolutely love to see Josh Groban. 😀
You'll either only be able to see Sweeney as Pierre or Pierre as Sweeney
Come stay with me!
PLEASE!!!! PLEASE CAST RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY AS THE BEGGAR WOMAN!!!! PLEEEEEAAAAAASSSEEE
Yet but does he have threat?
Are we allowed to sing along? [*ducks*]
This is going to be one sexy revival with those two at the head (or I hope it is!)...
Oooh i was like 'damn this sounds good, shame i'll never see it' then i remembered i'm heading to new york next june/july! Hopefully it's still on? I don't have a good sense of how long big shows like this usually play for
I think tickets are on sale through September 10th!
@@angela897094 thank you!!
I presume Josh Groban can comfortably hit F#2? (Surely, the music won't be transposed?)
I can’t say I’m excited about this casting, but I AM intrigued by it. Both leads seem too young and sweet of voice for these roles, but maybe they’ll provide a different take on Sweeney and Mrs Lovett, which I, for one, will be fascinated to see. My biggest concern is the tone of Groban’s voice - it’s not the tessitura of the role, but rather that we’ve become used to hearing a much darker-sounding, menacing voice in this part, and I don’t think that’s something Groban can do without forcing his voice in a direction he really shouldn’t be trying to force it. I hope he surprises us with a totally different take (vocally). We’ll see…….
Odd...never heard of her....would like to see Anthony Warlow as Sweeny too...
You don't want to stay on my shitty air mattress...hope you come visit NYC anyway though, we'd love to have you!
I will be extremely disappointed if the revival production is not set in the original era and if it isn't as close to the original production as possible. I am a huge fan of Sweeney Todd and very much want to see this production, but if this gets a Legally Blonde in the West End treatment I will be very upset.
Personally I hope Ashford revives the bad English accent she had in “Kinky Boots”. It sounds comical from that character but it could potentially read as nefarious coming from Mrs Lovett.
HOW ABOUT THEY DO A GREAT COMET REVIVAL INSTEAD
She is too young to play Mrs. Lovitt. That was one of the problems with the film version.
I just saw it. My advice to all who are curious is don't go. I think that the throat cutting scenes were a metaphor for what they were doing to my time and money.
None of the jokes landed nor were the songs memorable. The characters were unlikable and the story meh. I found myself bored most of the time. I guess that the blood was supposed to be shocking but I bled more into the blood bag the other week when I donated it to the NY Blood Center. So, when I saw the blood I thought, that's it? Boring.
1 1/2 out of 5. I gave the half because the sets and singing was good. But you can only do so much with trash.
Did this man just say Sweeny Todd is more well known than West Side Story?
When I say Sondheim's shows, I'm referring exclusively to those where he was composer and lyricist
Couchsurfing, although the hosts are pretty fickle. MisterBnB, you can find hosts only charging $50 a night. Regular hostels in NYC aren't that bad either, except for Jazz in the Park, stay away from that dirty place. There, I just saved you $100-$150 a night.