Danny Rothman instead of Hugh Panaro as Sweeney

I just received an email telling me that Hugh Panaro is not doing Sweeney Todd the night I have tickets. I had my reservations about him as Sweeney in the first place, but now that I had gotten used to the idea I feel unsure about what to do with the change. They are offering exchanges and I do have two other trips to NY coming up, but the seats are not as good as what I have now. Has anyone seen Rothman when stepping in? How was he? I do like the idea of hearing a true baritone i the part.

Updated On: 10/26/17 at 03:35 PM

We didn't have another spot available during the Nov. trip, so my only other options turned out to be a) miss my friend's son in the cast if we took a Dec. date; or b) my husband would have to miss it if I went in Jan. during a girls' trip. Husband really wants to see it, so we'll brave the Rothman experiment. I'll try to report back.

Rakstovall said: "Curious what dates your tickets are for? And if the email mentioned what dates he'll be out(I mean, is it a vacation where he'll be out a week, or just a random date here and there when he's off)?I just bought tickets for Nov. 18 but didn't receive that email alert, so I'm wondering if I'm in the clear or if I should expect one. (Granted we're seeing the matinee and I feel those are always more likely to see the understudies anyway...)"

Here is the body of email:

“Hello, all!

We're excited to have you with us to see Sweeney Todd in a few weeks! Just a note that Danny Rothman will be performing the role of Sweeney Todd that evening. It is sure to be a phenomenal show, but for those who are specifically interested in seeing Hugh Panaro, we are happy to exchange your tickets for another date outside of Thanksgiving week (November 14-26) and the winter holidays (December 18-31). We are currently on sale thru February 25.

If you are interested in exchanging, please email back or call 212-243-6262 by this upcoming Monday, October 30.

Thank you,
Sarah”

Rakstovall said: "Thanks for posting. Sorry to be redundant, but were your tickets for one of the date ranges mentioned in their email? Just wondering if those are the date ranges he's out of the show, or if those are dates they're just not offering exchangesfor (since those are holiday weeks and presumably busier ticket sale times)? Again, just wondering because my tickets are for Nov. 18 which falls within those dates mentioned in their email to you, but I didn't receive that email alert so wondering if the notice is forthcoming. I didn't see any mention on the website of when he'd be out, but I could have missed it. Either way, I'm sure the show will be great with or without!

Thanks!"

Yes, I see it this week on the 9th (Thursday). I’d assume you’ll also see Rothman.

Saw this Thursday night. Wow. Amazing. Carolee Carmello was amazing as was Mr. Rothman. I got to meet them and rest of cast (selfies, signed poster and playbill). I was able to tell CC & DR how much I enjoyed their performances. I told CC about the BW forum filled with very critical theater fans. It’s rare to find 100% agreement about how great a performer is in a show. But I was able to tell her that I’ve seen only raves about her and I understood why. I told her that people say as long as she’s in the show, it does not matter who’s playing Sweeney Todd. But then I told her I thought that Rothman had been great tonight as well. She responded and said yes he was and this was his first performance in the show. I hadn’t realized that. He was truly amazing. Great voice and menacing. Absolutely no regrets in seeing him. I was able to tell him that since I planned to see it, I’d give through thinking I would see Norm or then Hugh, but was so glad I saw it with him due to his magnificent performance. As a plus because of where I was sitting one of the actors tried to get me to drink the elixir. And I got to meet the Obama’s former White House pastry chef and thank him for his service to the person who will likely be the finest president in my lifetime. I even got to get a selfie with him. A great, memorable night of theatre.

Updated On: 11/12/17 at 08:55 AM