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.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
CindersGolightly said: "I wasn't able to snag a ticket to first preview before it sold out, and the resale prices are insane, so if anyone needs to part with a single ticket for first preview I would love to take it off your hands. :)"
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 mean, we live in the world with Covid now, so plans change all the time. But even before then, I have often seen people, day of, post a "X came up and I need to get rid of this ticket" thread here. It happened to me with Encores Into the Woods, and I was able to sell it to someone who was able to be there. So while I'm not expecting someone to change their plans and sell me a ticket, it doesn't hurt to put feelers out so I can say I did all I could.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
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.
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.
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."
Has this been reported anywhere? Or is it just speculation?
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.
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.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
That promo gives me camp video game vibes..I assume in reality it'll be fine though haha.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
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.
B212323 said: "Isn't that illegal? your birthdate has no bearing on ticket purchases especially if you have to use a card for payment."
No, it isn't "illegal". The entire reason for having online lotteries is to gather personal information and demographics for the seller's database. That, and also Ben Platt will come to your house and sing "Happy Birthday"!
JSquared2 said: "B212323 said: "Isn't that illegal? your birthdate has no bearing on ticket purchases especially if you have to use a card for payment." No, it isn't "illegal". The entire reason for having online lotteries is to gather personal information and demographics for the seller's database. That, and also Ben Platt will come to your house and sing "Happy Birthday"! "