Anything new on the rumored Groban-lead Sweeney? — Page 3

It's hard to imagine 37 million being spent on a proper large scale Sweeney Todd revival but I'd certainly love to live in a world where that's true.

musikman said: "I believe it calls for 26-27 musicians. You definitely need that full sound to have the impact the score demands. I did a production once with the 9 pit musician version, and it just doesn’t work. It’s such a massive, overwhelming sound and composition that is almost unparalleled in musical theatre, so I do hope they honor the original orchestrations."

For what it's worth, MTI currently lists the full "standard" orchestration on the licensing page as 23 players, though I don't know how the licensed orchestrations compare to the originals.

Lunt's great for this. And I think if they sprinkle the supporting roles with top tier Broadway talent and / or a "minor" name a la Into The Woods, this will be great.

While I have some deep reservations about Groban, I'm thrilled at the prospect of a big, grand production. Perhaps, if it's still in working order, they can utilize the three-tier stage configuration that Titanic used; but this time, the top is Sweeney's tonsorial parlor, the middle is Mrs. Lovett's, and the stage level being the basement with the oven and body chute. Imagine the final few scenes, playing out in real time and space like that!

Rainah said: "I'm excited for Groban. He was exceptional as Pierre in Great Comet and truly pulled out a lot of complexities of the character…I can really see his Sweeny as one who sharpens the darkness of the character, with an undercurrent of thrilling majesty that has you fully onboard with his dark turns just because it'll be so damn beautiful to watch.”
 


I dunno. Josh Groban’s casting reminds me of when Gregg Edelman did it in Chicago about a decade ago: he sang it beautifully but couldn’t help but come across as a boyishly handsome nice guy just having a reeeally bad day. He couldn’t genuinely tap into the darkness - it was like someone doing a corny impression of a crazy person. Even Brian Stokes Mitchell had a similar problem if you watch the bootleg clips: he sounds amazing but his acting of the role is borderline cartoonish. I think it’s a hard role to play if you’re a real sweetie in real life, haha.

Updated On: 7/30/22 at 11:48 AM

I think a more tender portrayal of Sweeney could work, if it was done with deliberate direction. After all, he WAS a normal innocent man who was driven to his actions through grief. If a director played up a sense of insecurity, of sad desperation, of manic brokenness, I could see it working.

The problem is, everyone has this idea in their heads of who Sweeney is, so actors will play into that archetype even if they aren’t quite right for it. And directors don’t challenge it, because they also have a firm idea of how Sweeney should be played.

Will Kail be the one to break that mold? I’m not sure. I’ve seen 6 shows directed by Kail, and frankly I’ve never been able to nail down any of his stylistic hallmarks. And I’ve never seen him direct a revival. However, one thing I HAVE noticed about his work: it tends to be deeply felt. I think he’s demonstrated a consistent sense of tenderness, and emotional vulnerability. If he carries that into Sweeney, he could be the perfect person to help Groban pull off a more “soft” Sweeney.

But honestly, as long as the technical acting is there, I don’t think I’d mind too much if his temperament doesn’t entirely fit the character. 

I have plenty of reservations concerning Groban being able to pull of "Epiphany" 8 times a week. He's a good performer but this role won't be a good fit for him and I pray no vocal damage is done.

I saw the defunct Ginger/Jinx Xanadu they were both sensational. Need to get both on Broadway in some capacity. 

Rainah said: "I'm excited for Groban. He was exceptional as Pierre in Great Comet and truly pulled out a lot of complexities of the character. Having seen multiple Pierres, he was really the one to pull out the anger and frustration in the character. Dave Malloy's Pierre felt a bit like a lost puppy. Groban's Pierre was angry.

I can really see his Sweeny as one who sharpens the darkness of the character, with an undercurrent of thrilling majesty that has you fully onboard with his dark turns just because it'll be so damn beautiful to watch.

Annaleigh Ashford wouldn't have been my choice as Lovett but I don't hate it. It'll be an interesting take on the character for sure."

Agree with everything you said about Groban. I just adored him in Natasha, Pierre.

We will see what we get with Ashford as Lovett, but I know she has a strong comic side and will absolutely nail “A Little Priest.” In particular, I look forward to hearing how she delivers, “With or without his privates?”

flashing back to Cerveris and the haunting and menacing look he offered in the last revival ... so good

This isn’t insider information but I’m manifesting John Treacy Egan as Pirelle 

I've always wanted to see Katie Finneran as Lovett.