Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread — Page 13

I don't post on here too often, but I feel like I'm alone in thinking both Ashford and Groban are terribly miscast in this? They're both too young and pretty for my taste. I've never liked Josh Groban whatsoever. I think he's a pandering hack. And call me old-fashioned but shouldn't the role of Mrs. Lovett be reserved for an actual 50-60-something? Ashford sticks out like a sore thumb compared to pretty much every actress to have played the role professionally on Broadway, the road, and the West End. I just don't care about this production. If they had wanted to go young and flashy and sexy for Lovett and Todd they should have at least cast people who aren't the Broadway equivalent of Wonder Bread.

Updated On: 2/24/23 at 02:42 PM

Do you have access to a time machine where you've seen them perform in the roles already?

You are not the only person who has expressed skepticism about the casting on this board.

But as for age, Groban is older than Len Cariou was when he played the role in the original production. Groban is turning 42 on Monday. Cariou was 39. George Hearn was 46/47. Michael Cerveris was 45 when the 2005 Broadway revival started. Groban falls right in the middle. He may play the role "younger," but he falls right in the age range of a typical Sweeney Todd and older than the original Sweeney.

Annaleigh Ashford, at 37, is decidedly younger than the actresses who have played Mrs. Lovett on Broadway. Angela Lansbury was 54 when she originated the role. Patti LuPone was 55 during the revival. That may change the dynamic of the show, and the promotional materials suggest she will definitely play the role younger/sexier..

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Is there an invited dress tomorrow (Saturday the 25)? If so, is anyone from the boards attending?

For some of the dates I've checked, the first few rows of the center mezz are at premium pricing $500 and those aren't resale tickets.

A nice little interview with Jordan Fisher and Maria Bilbano



https://broadwaydirect.com/sweeney-todd-stars-jordan-fisher-maria-bilbano-prepare-to-tell-the-tale/?fbclid=IwAR3nJg8v-llrKD6P0KxAMRB7d1qjyFnitYERh0sOVDnf1RyMNGnHfMOMl3U&mibextid=unz460

Musical Master said: "Guess I was one orchestra member off, but 26 is still a very large number. Especially in comparison to Parade's 16-member orchestra."

With due respect, Parade's score is no Sweeney Todd.

blaxx said: "Musical Master said: "Guess I was one orchestra member off, but 26 is still a very large number. Especially in comparison to Parade's 16-member orchestra."

With due respect, Parade's score is no Sweeney Todd."

It obviously depends on the theatre, but will 26 musicians fit in most orchestra pits? I know the ST orchestra is having a harp, which takes up quite a bit of space on it's own.

FANtomFollies said: "It obviously depends on the theatre, but will 26 musicians fit in most orchestra pits? I know the ST orchestra is having a harp, which takes up quite a bit of space on it's own."

All musicians need not fit in the pit; they can be in separate rooms entirely. I believe both Lion King and Wicked's percussionists are in separate rooms because they have so many large instruments.

I have no idea how large the pit at the Lunt is, and pits are always crowded in the best of times, but it is definitely possible to have musicians elsewhere.

veronicamae said: "FANtomFollies said: "It obviously depends on the theatre, but will 26 musicians fit in most orchestra pits? I know the ST orchestra is having a harp, which takes up quite a bit of space on it's own."

All musicians need not fit in the pit; they can be in separate rooms entirely. I believe both Lion King and Wicked's percussionists are in separate rooms because they have so many large instruments.

I have no idea how large the pit at the Lunt is, and pits are always crowded in the best of times, but it is definitely possible to have musicians elsewhere.

"

The pit at the Lunt is quite large, but likely not large enough for 26 orchestra members.

dan94 said: "The fact that David Lai is the contractor gives me some hope. Everyone is excited for a full orchestra but when was the last time Lacamoire conducted a score that had anything but 14 players and a click track? He's kinda untested here and I hope he brings the goods/has interesting ideas/actually shapes the music."

He certainly hadn’t conducted that on Broadway, but has for films. We can’t judge his conducting technique until we hear it. At minimum, he reveres the score.

Fred Lassen, his associate, is very competent in this style and I imagine will take over as full time conductor within a few months of the Bway opening.