Anything new on the rumored Groban-lead Sweeney? — Page 4

binau said: "I agree with your concerns re: Groban but I also agree that with Comet he has shown potential so maybe he can pull it off (someone like Raul would not have this concern, which is why it is so frustrating though I guess he isn’t a ‘name’ like Groban). My fear is Ashford will be equally bland - she might play up the comedy fine with her shtick but ultimately I think her pleasant voice has little personality to add much to the score and it too risks being rather bland. The casting of both reads to me like dream casting from teenage stans of Legally Blonde and Wicked not anyone that actually cares about the art. I hope I’m wrong but this whole thing is so bizarre and unexpected."

Mrs. Lovetts’ songs don’t appear to be particularly taxing to me, as long as she has good breath control. Mrs. Lovett didn’t get the operatic / heavily dramatic songs.  She’ll do great with Worst Pies, A Little Priest, By The Sea.  Nothing’s Gonna Harm You seems to a non-expert to be an easyish song, where the acting is more important. Wait also doesn’t seem like a song she will have a problem with.  I am betting that she will be terrific in the role.

Exactly. I have no doubt she is more than capable to sing the role, the question is just whether I would want to hear her sing it or not. On Broadway, I think there are better options. 

I enjoy Analeigh Ashford just fine, but she's just very... predictable? I can already see/hear exactly how she will play and sing the role of Lovett.

I’m seeing Josh Groban in concert this week in Los Angeles. Maybe he’ll sing a Sweeney song or give us a hint or a tease? Will report back. He always sang Comet in concert before joining the show. 

Perhaps you are right about Groban, but Ashford, IMHO is still not quite right. 

On a recent podcast, Rob Berman expressed interest in music directing a production of Sweeney Todd. Given the triumph of the Into the Woods revival––in no small part due to Berman's work as music director––I hope this revival gives Berman that opportunity, particularly if the rumor of the large orchestra is true.

Manifesting Jenn Simard everything, lol

I'd LOVE to see what Patina Miller could do with Lovett. 

BJR said: "Georgeanddot2 said: "Manifesting a Jennifer Simard Lovett."

Wow would that be one for the ages. The comedy, the voice."

No! You don’t get what you want (or that makes a lot of sense&hellip!

Which Sweeney song?

To be fair, he recorded "Not While I'm Around" for his 2015 Stages album — and in the Target exclusive edition, a different song from Man of La Mancha serves as one of the bonus tracks. 

I have wanted to see this show for ages! Can’t wait for a full lavish production. Planning a trip now. Anyone know about a target opening date?

The question now is WHEN? Are they aiming for a fall or winter opening? I would think announcing a fall opening would be too close, but I could be wrong on that one.