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

[Jarethan]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 1:14pm

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.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 4:00pm

^I don’t think anyone (including the poster you quoted) was doubting Ashford‘s ability to perform the role vocally. I think the reservations are more to do with her acting, and her style of comedy. She has a signature “schtick” that she relies on in all her roles, and not everyone is a fan of that schtick. 

But yes, as far as I’m aware, her vocal ability, technique, stamina, etc. have proven to be solid and consistent, and she has performed much more vocally challenging roles 8 without trouble, including Dot. Hell, including Glinda, even. 

Updated On: 7/31/22 at 04:00 PM

[binau]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 4:40pm

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. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 5:06pm

Exactly. To me her singing isn't unique or the selling point. Her Sunday was fine, but didn't give me the chills like Jenna Russell did. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 5:27pm

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.

[Lola Getz2]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 6:07pm

I have enjoyed both Groban and Ashford, but maybe they should wait for the NEXT revival. Both seem a bit young and in my opinion, lack the gravitas to pull this off at this time. I would rather see the aforementioned Carmello or Cusack have a shot with this on Broadway. 

[BillyComet]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 6:11pm

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. 

[Kad]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 7:10pm

Lola Getz2 said: "I have enjoyed both Groban and Ashford, but maybe they should wait for the NEXT revival. Both seem a bit young and in my opinion, lack the gravitas to pull this off at this time. I would rather see the aforementioned Carmello or Cusack have a shot with this on Broadway."

At 41, Groban is the same age as Cariou was when he departed the original production. Textually, this is pretty much the realistic target age of someone who fathered a young baby with his wife and then was sent away for 15 years… if not on the older side for that, based on the time period. 

Updated On: 7/31/22 at 07:10 PM

[Lola Getz2]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 7:34pm

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

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 7/31/22 at 9:10pm

Len Cariou was 40 when he took on SWEENEY. Josh Groban is 41. I’m just putting it in perspective for those thinking that Groban’s too young.

Ha! I’m just seeing that Kad beat me to it.

Updated On: 7/31/22 at 09:10 PM

[AnythingYouDo]

Posted: 8/1/22 at 4:56pm

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.

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 3:20pm

Manifesting a Jennifer Simard Lovett.

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 3:28pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "Manifesting a Jennifer Simard Lovett."

Manifesting Jenn Simard everything, lol

[binau]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 3:34pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "Manifesting a Jennifer Simard Lovett."

She’d be the funniest Lovett that ever was but know how to channel the subtext of darkness when needed. Just yet another example why Ashford makes no sense. Seriously towards the bottom of any reasonable list in my mind. In her defence, it’s just a rumour at this stage. Maybe it won’t turn out. 

Updated On: 8/3/22 at 03:34 PM

[OhHiii]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 5:27pm

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

[BJR]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 6:02pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "Manifesting a Jennifer Simard Lovett."

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

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 6:12pm

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!

[BillyComet]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 7:12pm

I saw Groban in concert last night. He didn’t spill any rumors, however he did sing two musical theatre songs. One from Sweeney and one from La Mancha, thus confusing us even further lol.

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 7:41pm

Which Sweeney song?

[Shubert Alley Cat]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 9:09pm

When I saw the Groban concert tour on July 22, he sang NOT WHILE I'M AROUND as a duet with his special guest Eleri Ward.

His encore number was THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM and it really was a spectacular performance of the song.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 9:15pm

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. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 8/3/22 at 9:26pm

I really wish he did Epiphany on his Stages album! God, that song gives me chills EVERY TIME! If this actually happens, I need to prepare myself for this. A full orchestra alone will send chills down my spine multiple times!

[DrewJoseph]

Posted: 8/14/22 at 5:08pm

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?

[DCS]

Posted: 8/14/22 at 7:25pm

It is definitely happening with Annaleigh and I think an announcement may be coming this week. My source only confirmed Annaleigh since that's all he knew, but I would assume this will also be Groban. My guess is that they are waiting for Tina to close today since they are likely taking the Lunt Fontanne and it's common courtesy to wait until the current tenant closes before announcing the next tenant. Keep an eye out for news in the next few days.

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 8/14/22 at 7:49pm

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.