Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 23

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 2/28/23 at 10:39pm

KJisgroovy said: "Aside from the life-size factory on stage that was "part cathedral, part factory, part prison, that dwarfed and degraded the swarming denizens of the lower orders" it was EXACTLY the same."

A ceiling. You're talking about a ceiling and maybe some framework. Everything else was there, down to the traveling shifting catwalks. Take several seats.

Updated On: 2/28/23 at 10:39 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/28/23 at 11:19pm

Heading home from the second preview. Mixed feelings I will share when home!

I will say, there is now blood in Act II. (I THINK I read a comment earlier that there was none when he was slashing throats during Johanna.) 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 2/28/23 at 11:34pm

There was always blood in Act II, just not gushing.

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/28/23 at 11:49pm

TaffyDavenport said: "There was always blood in Act II, just not gushing."

Thought I read there wasn't a few pages back. I mean the blood never real "gushed". I was in the mezz and it was quite visible.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:03am

Anyway.

I love how exposed the orchestra pit is. More of this, please!

[getatme]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:14am

There was blood for the murders during Sweeney's "Johanna" and for Sweeney's death. It was Beggar Woman and Turpin that were bloodless. And Pirelli.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:19am

bk said: "poisonivy2 said: "Um theres a wonderful film made of the original Broadway production and it's very minimalist. Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett are not rich people. Why would you guys expect an extravagant set? You want extravagant sets, go to POTO.

I see this in April. Can't wait."

I love that people think the original production had a minimalist set. They brought over an entire foundry from England, you know. It was a great set that did many things, but unfortunately the "film" as you call it was made in LA where the tour was a shadow of what that set had been on B'way, so let's not act like that represented the amazing set on B'way.

I agree with you.  I saw that production 4 times and was always in awe of the set.  It was mind-boggling.  In some ways it was so complex as to almost be a distraction.

"

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 1:08am

I was not blown away by this production but I didn't hate it.

As far as sound/mic issues, I suspect that once the sound designer has the chance during early previews to sit in different parts of the theater, those issues will be resolved. It seems that the problem with Ashford's mic is that it is turned down low. Her voice got louder whenever she was singing very close to someone else. As far as lighting, there could be a few adjustments. The two that come to mind are the shadowed scene on the bridge (It could be back lit just a tad bit brighter) and the final scene with Toby. You hear him but don't see him until he moves toward Sweeney.

Not sure if it was a technical problem but when the Beadle's body was to come out of the chute door, his head emerged and it seemed someone was kind of yanking him back and forth then his head just went back inside and the chute door shut.

I really tried to get into the choreography. In some places it was ok but overall it was just distracting. Especially during "God That's Good". This show, in my opinion, works well with movement, not choreography. And the hip thrusting moves I really didn't care for.

The orchestra...It was wonderful to hear the full orchestra. I think they too will tighten up as time goes on. I was in the mezz. I don't know how it sounded downstairs but upstairs the orchestra sounded a bit contained and distant. It didn't fill the space. It sounded like it was just coming up over the front of the mezz.

Performances were all good. I couldn't put my finger on it with Fisher until I heard someone say, as we were leaving, that his voice sounds too contemporary. And I thought, that's it. Vocally he sounded great but he just didn't have that airiness to his voice that made you feel he was really smitten with Johanna. Hopefully he will settle into it as his acting was fine.

Groban just sounded wonderful. There were some notes I hoped he would hold and didn't but that was fine. He is more than up to the task of singing this role. And I did like the journey he took Sweeney on from the beginning to the end. He could have been a bit more manic and they could have ruffled his hair a bit more but he did a fine job.

Annaleigh has brought us a new Lovett. If you know her work and style, it's all here. It really works most of the time. There is a sliding down the stairs bit that really wasn't needed though. "A Little Priest" is her "Popular" in this show. She broke Groban twice during the song. There is a bit with her on the table that really broke him. I don't know if this is scripted or just happened. The crowd totally ate it up. But by the end of the song, for me, it was pretty much about her antics and the end didn't have the punch it brings to close the act. Her antics were more fun, and appropriate during "By the Sea". That was perfection.

The most pleasant surprise for me was Nick Christopher as Pirelli. He was wonderful. Just wonderful. If I ever go back to see this again it will be when he is on as Sweeney. After seeing his Pirelli I am convinced this man can do anything. Have been a fan of his for years and know him so it just brought a huge smile to my face during the shaving scene.

Ruthie's Beggar Woman was totally on point. And then there is Gaetan. He deserves a nomination for his performance. He was outstanding as Toby. I also really enjoyed Bilbao's Johanna. Such a gorgeous voice that floats on air. Also, Rapson's "Parlor Songs" scene was a standout.

I think that's it! All in all I think it is a "smoothed out" production of this piece. It just lacks that underlying tension. Not having the factory whistle, I think, is a big mistake and people were talking about it after the show. The opening without it just felt off. It did, however, appear in the background near the end of Act II. As mentioned, I thought the set was fine. I like the new version of "the chair". But there was some laughter where there should not have been and the audience cheered and applauded when Johanna shoots the gun. I just think some tightening and the picking up of the pace in a lot of places would make this a really good production. But it was only the second preview. The crowd went nuts at the end and I got my magnet.

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 1:10am

getatme said: "There was blood for the murders during Sweeney's "Johanna" and for Sweeney's death. It was Beggar Woman and Turpin that were bloodless. And Pirelli."

There was blood for Turpin and I think also the Beggar Woman tonight. Turpin's blood was a bit delayed though.

 

[BJR]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 8:07am

uncageg said: ""A Little Priest" is her "Popular" in this show. She broke Groban twice during the song. There is a bit with her on the table that really broke him. I don't know if this is scripted or just happened. The crowd totally ate it up. But by the end of the song, for me, it was pretty much about her antics and the end didn't have the punch it brings to close the act. Her antics were more fun, and appropriate during "By the Sea". That was perfection.
 

I hope she's just hilarious and it was a one-off, and not another Music Man breaking-of-character bit. Would hate to see that become a trend.

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 8:11am

Sadly that’s been a trend for a long time now. If it keeps happening, we’ll know they decided to build that into this production. 

[kingslim]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 9:04am

I saw the show last night and your review is spot on. 

[signorafosca2]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 9:23am

100% reserving all judgment until I see the show BUT really no factory whistle? I was really looking forward to my boyfriend jumping out of his skin when that one hit.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 9:45am

uncageg said: "I was not blown away by this production but I didn't hate it.

As far as sound/mic issues, I suspect that once the sound designer has the chance during early previews to sit in different parts of the theater, those issues will be resolved. It seems that the problem with Ashford's mic is that it is turned down low. Her voice got louder whenever she was singing very close to someone else. As far as lighting, there could be a few adjustments. The two that come to mind are the shadowed scene on the bridge (It could be back lit just a tad bit brighter) and the final scene with Toby. You hear him but don't see him until he moves toward Sweeney.

Not sure if it was a technical problem but when the Beadle's body was to come out of the chute door, his head emerged and it seemed someone was kind of yanking him back and forth then his head just went back inside and the chute door shut.

I really tried to get into the choreography. In some places it was ok but overall it was just distracting. Especially during "God That's Good". This show, in my opinion, works well with movement, not choreography. And the hip thrusting moves I really didn't care for.

The orchestra...It was wonderful to hear the full orchestra. I think they too will tighten up as time goes on. I was in the mezz. I don't know how it sounded downstairs but upstairs the orchestra sounded a bit contained and distant. It didn't fill the space. It sounded like it was just coming up over the front of the mezz.

Performances were all good. I couldn't put my finger on it with Fisher until I heard someone say, as we were leaving, that his voice sounds too contemporary. And I thought, that's it. Vocally he sounded great but he just didn't have that airiness to his voice that made you feel he was really smitten with Johanna. Hopefully he will settle into it as his acting was fine.

Groban just sounded wonderful. There were some notes I hoped he would hold and didn't but that was fine. He is more than up to the task of singing this role. And I did like the journey he took Sweeney on from the beginning to the end. He could have been a bit more manic and they could have ruffled his hair a bit more but he did a fine job.

Annaleigh has brought us a new Lovett. If you know her work and style, it's all here. It really works most of the time. There is a sliding down the stairs bit that really wasn't needed though. "A Little Priest" is her "Popular" in this show. She broke Groban twice during the song. There is a bit with her on the table that really broke him. I don't know if this is scripted or just happened. The crowd totally ate it up. But by the end of the song, for me, it was pretty much about her antics and the end didn't have the punch it brings to close the act. Her antics were more fun, and appropriate during "By the Sea". That was perfection.

The most pleasant surprise for me was Nick Christopher as Pirelli. He was wonderful. Just wonderful. If I ever go back to see this again it will be when he is on as Sweeney. After seeing his Pirelli I am convinced this man can do anything. Have been a fan of his for years and know him so it just brought a huge smile to my face during the shaving scene.

Ruthie's Beggar Woman was totally on point. And then there is Gaetan. He deserves a nomination for his performance. He was outstanding as Toby. I also really enjoyed Bilbao's Johanna. Such a gorgeous voice that floats on air. Also, Rapson's "Parlor Songs" scene was a standout.

I think that's it! All in all I think it is a "smoothed out" production of this piece. It just lacks that underlying tension. Not having the factory whistle, I think, is a big mistake and people were talking about it after the show. The opening without it just felt off. It did, however, appear in the background near the end of Act II. As mentioned, I thought the set was fine. I like the new version of "the chair". But there was some laughter where there should not have been and the audience cheered and applauded when Johanna shoots the gun. I just think some tightening and the picking up of the pace in a lot of places would make this a really good production. But it was only the second preview. The crowd went nuts at the end and I got my magnet.

"

Thank you for your thoughts. I was in the second row of the rear mezz, and I thought the orchestra sounded too distant as well. I would’ve liked it a bit louder, but I usually find that to be the case with most Sondheim productions. 
 

Totally agree about Nicholas Christopher. What a surprise. I wasn’t familiar with him before this production, but I will definitely follow his career now, and would love to see him as Sweeney if and when he gets to go on for Groban. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 10:24am

ljay889, I was in row E of the rear Mezz. I was also trying to figure out what was going on in a scene in Act II where there appeared to be someone looking for something with a flashlight on the bridge on the left. Was that part of the show? I now can't remember the scene where it happened. 

Just to tag onto "Priest" and "By the Sea", I am a huge Ashford fan and yes BJR, she was hilarious. I would pay to watch her read a phone book!

 

kingslim, thanks. They were just my thoughts! For a second preview and with some of the things that happen in this production, it ran pretty smoothly.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 10:52am

uncageg said: "ljay889, I was in row E of the rear Mezz. I was also trying to figure out what was going on in a scene in Act II where there appeared to be someone looking for something with a flashlight on the bridge on the left. Was that part of the show? I now can't remember the scene where it happened.

Just to tag onto "Priest" and "By the Sea", I am a huge Ashford fan and yes BJR, she was hilarious. I would pay to watch her read a phone book!



kingslim, thanks. They were just my thoughts! For a second preview and with some of the things that happen in this production, it ran pretty smoothly."

I was at the first preview, so I don’t really remember the flashlight. Is it possible, it was part of “Searching” when they’re looking for Toby at the beginning of the final sequence? Although, Sweeney and Lovett aren’t on the bridge for that. 

[brodynky]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 10:56am

I have one Sweeney ticket to sell. 
Thursday March 16 @8:00pm
Center Orchestra Row G seat 110
Bought very early pre-sale for $271.10 and asking same. 
PM if interested. Thanks!

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 10:57am

Yes, there was a part during the performance on Sunday when there was someone on the bridge with a flashlight, and I think it was very clearly not part of the show, if for no other reason than flashlights didn't exist in the 18th century.

Updated On: 3/1/23 at 10:57 AM

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 11:11am

Well, I just thought this was an absolutely sensational production. I’m surprised to see people complaining about the physical production, which I found to be quite complex and intricate. I was never longing for anything bigger or grander in terms of design, which I found to fit perfectly. 

Annaleigh Ashford is delivering a career-best performance as Mrs. Lovett. “Fits like a glove” is the phrase to describe it. She’s just so damn good and her comedic skills are given the most perfect role to shine in. Her physical comedy in this role is a master class. Despite all the comedy, I found her pathos to be genuine and real in moments where we needed it, like “Not While I’m Around” and her final scene. She’s so great in the role and I will likely be rooting for her come Tony time. Just perfect. 

Josh Groban is also absolutely fantastic, in supreme voice and delivering a fresh take on Sweeney that I found to pay off fully by the end of the show.

Other performance highlights are Gaten Matarazzo (also giving a “fits the role like a glove” performance), Nicolas Christopher (who I was genuinely sad we wouldn’t see any more of after Pirelli’s scenes were over!), Ruthie Ann Miles (an incredibly nuanced and layered Beggar Woman), and Maria Bilbao (whose voice soars so gorgeously and is just so beautiful as Joanna).

Jamie Jackson is solid as Turpin and John Rapson is quite funny as Beadle.

Sticking out like a sore thumb, though, is Jordan Fisher, who is bafflingly bad as Anthony. The vocals are not there, the accent needs significant work, and he just looks and feels lost in this otherwise extremely strong production. Not trying to be mean, but I honestly have no idea how he got cast.

The orchestra sounds heavenly, and the pacing is great. There are some really stunning stage pictures being created, particularly the final image you see at the very end of each act. The show has plenty of surprises. I had no issue with a lack of blood; every death seemed to have an appropriate amount of it. 

There were a few blocking issues I think need to be worked out in previews. I thought some of the ensemble’s movement/dance cues were a bit gratuitous and unnecessary.

Overall, I thought this was absolutely stellar. I will definitely be making a return trip after opening to see if they’ve ironed out some of the small things that need work, but otherwise, count me as a big fan of this production. 

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 11:34am

The curtain call looked much better last night!

The company took a bow, Josh and Annaleigh rose from the trap door onstage and bowed. 

Also: Judge Turpin and Beggar Woman were covered in much much more blood! Improvements!

Updated On: 3/1/23 at 11:34 AM

[yyys]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 11:54am

So is it better to sit in the orchestra for better enjoyment of the music? And also which side is better?

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:03pm

I'm feeling bad for Jordan Fisher after reading many of these reports. I hope he is able to find his groove, as I was looking forward to seeing him in June, as I generally enjoy what I have seen from him in the past.

If it is obvious to so many here that he isn't working in the role, it is surely something that the creatives are also seeing. If he continues to be seen as a weak link, what is the likelihood he will be replaced during previews? Is he a big enough name that they would just ride it out? Or, is he not actually that bad, and just seems off when compared to others in the cast? It certainly isn't unheard of to lose someone in the cast during previews due to artistic differences.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:14pm

He was not bad enough to be replaced,  imo. I think he’ll keep improving. It’s not like he sounded like Beanie in FG.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:15pm

Replacing actors seldom happens. Not never, but seldom.  

[HogansHero]

Posted: 3/1/23 at 12:26pm

inception said: "HogansHero said: "(For the record, I realize that producers want to sell anything by which to make (more) money, and I realize the customers for these things want to buy it, but I feel it is at the expense of the vast majority of the audience and if I were in charge, I would banish both merch and bars.)

Whoa! No merch? That is a bridge too far!"

You can be forgiven for not having read every post on the preceding 20+ pages of this thread, but TBC I was following up on a previous post of mine in which I had suggested, more or less, that the merch booths in the house (and I was of course not limiting it to this house) are a nuisance {also a safety concern} and should be moved elsewhere, such as a separate storefront. I am particularly thinking of the old school houses that generally don't have accommodation for much of anything in a lobby or access passage but in which we now find merch booths in tiny notches and often bars as well. It's just ridiculous and in some cases I wonder how much the fire marshal has been "tipped." So hopefully you don't still think this is a bridge too far.