Raúl plays piano and cymbals in the show.
I saw it in Cincinnati; it's one of the best things I've ever seen. I think my only quibbles were with casting, but I suppose with more time, all of the actors will get even better.
I didn't find the concept distracting at all -- I found it to work with the story in a different way than it does with Sweeney, because it intertwines itself a little bit better, and is, IMO, more understated.
A work of art is an invitation to love.