Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread — Page 12

OMG that Swedish Sweeney Todd looks like the Terry Gilliam UK production of INTO THE WOODS lol. 

Honestly, I think we need to calm down RE: Ticket sales right now. Kimberly Akimbo had almost 0 advance (one of the worst I think we've seen in YEARS), with barely any tickets sold by the first preview and REALLY turned it around quickly. I think in general I get a sense that people buy tickets closer to curtain now than the past. However, even so I guarantee you that this Sweeney Todd revival has a much stronger advance than shows I used to follow closely like the 2011 Follies, War Paint, Bernadette in Dolly, recent Company etc. (I recognise most weren't really hits but still LOL). Even FUNNY GIRL with Lea Michele does not really sell out much a month in advance yet by curtain most of the tickets are gone at a reasonable price.

I guarantee you the trend of Sondheim and other prestige shows starting strong and tapering off after a couple months is not usually because they have sold so many seats in advance of the first preview, like Sweeney Todd has done. 

There are so many reasons this show could succeed and levers that could be pulled throughout the course of the run to appeal to various demographics: Josh Groban's name and should be easier to get name replacements with a property like this, title recognition of the show, some supporting names, amazing quality material that will hopefully get good word of mouth, Tonys, reviews, marketing of Hamilton Director etc. 

I am not as worried for Sweeney as I am for Parade, which has only really well sold days in advance, not weeks.

 

Updated On: 2/22/23 at 03:53 AM

Please let me know if questions like these actually work. I'm aware circumstances can change and sometimes it does happen that someone is unable to attend the first preview, but rarely do I see it actually happen.

I think we need to take into account Fisher and Matarazzo selling some tickets. Also, Ashford has been making quite the name for herself in television."



100%. Both Jordan and Gaten are international names. However, the final season of Stranger Things starts filming in May and Jordan has never stayed more than 4 months on Broadway, so I think they will have very short runs in this show. Catch them if you can! And yes, Annaleigh is the main reason I'm attending this tale. Incredible talent.




 

Updated On: 2/22/23 at 12:12 PM

How unusual is it for a cast member in a revival to leave after two months or so, as is apparently the plan for Gaten Matarazzo? It’s a supporting role, albeit an important one, but helps with the initial box office to some extent (I don’t know how much). For all I know, he will come back after Stranger Things filming is done. It just struck me as a little unorthodox but maybe it isn’t.

Updated On: 2/22/23 at 03:01 PM

bear88 said: "How unusual is it for a cast member in a revival to leave after two months or so, as is apparently the plan for Gaten Matarazzo? It’s a supporting role, albeit an important one, but helps with the initial box office to some extent (I don’t know how much). For all I know, he will come back after Stranger Thingsfilming is done.It just struck me as a little unorthodox but maybe it isn’t."



For a person who is unknown or less in demand, it's not typical at all. But, since Noah Schnapp confirmed that production will kick off in May 2023 during a TikTok Live on January 26, 2023, I know he will be leaving sometime around that time unless they shoot the scenes without him in it first, etc. But, I doubt that would change his schedule very much.

Also, seasons of Stranger Things typically takes 6 months, so I doubt he will be coming back.
 

Updated On: 2/22/23 at 03:17 PM

Anyone enter the digital lottery?

https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/sweeney-todd-ny/

SO happy there's an accessible option. Because of how star studded this cast is, I'm sure it'll be hell to win, but grateful regardless. I wish they'd also do in person rush.

Broadway Direct always ask for that in their digital lotteries.

B212323 said: "I found it REALLY ODD they asked for a birthdate in this lottery - I've never seen that before. Is there an age restriction?"

 

All the Broadway Direct lotteries ask for birthday. I'd assumed before that it was for verification when you picked up your tickets but they never check so not sure if it's true. I also took a look at their FAQ and it looks like you have to be 18 to enter.

Still holding out hope for a rush policy! If The Music Man can, so can this!

They announced their Rush policy yesterday. They are using Broadway Direct and tickets are $30 each.

can anyone going to the show this weekend post a pic of any merch ?  thanx