Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 60
Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread
ErmengardeStopSniveling
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
#1475Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 2:32pm
Perhaps the most intense SWEENEY I could imagine is Raul as Todd, Audra as Lovett, and Patrick Page as the Judge.
Sneezy0984
Swing Joined: 5/9/12
#1476Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 2:46pm
They have been in negotiations and are very close to making deals.
Can't say names, but they will be people that you've at least heard of, even if you've never seen a Broadway show.
The integrity of the original concept will be adhered to, meaning Sweeney Todd with be age appropriate (I.E. the character will appear to be a man in his 40's). They are willing to go a little older with Mrs, Lovett, but keep your guesses to those who would appear to be a woman in their late 30's - early 50's.
slow_the_rain
Chorus Member Joined: 8/7/12
#1477Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 2:48pm
I'm curious if they'll keep their 7 performance week, or add an 8th performance to boost grosses. Demand for Groban was driving steep ticket prices, yes, but it also felt to me like the audience was subsidizing their (his?) choice to do a shorter week.
I know nothing of how everyone else's contracts would have to be renegotiated, but it would seem like they'd need to take every opportunity to maximize their grosses unless they have someone truly megawatt lined up.
#1478Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 2:54pm
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Perhaps the most intense SWEENEY I could imagine is Raul as Todd, Audra as Lovett, and Patrick Page as the Judge."
That would be an event!!!
"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
Sneezy0984
Swing Joined: 5/9/12
#1479Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:00pm
slow_the_rain said: "I'm curious if they'll keep their 7 performance week, or add an 8th performance to boost grosses. Demand for Groban was driving steep ticket prices, yes, but it also felt to me like the audience was subsidizing their (his?) choice to do a shorter week.
I know nothing of how everyone else's contracts would have to be renegotiated, but it would seem like they'd need to take every opportunity to maximize their grosses unless they have someone truly megawatt lined up."
The show will remain on a 7 performance week schedule. Though it won't necessarily be the same exact performance times.
#1480Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:01pm
Inject Patrick Page as Judge Turpin into my veins. He most certainly deserves a second offer to play the role.
Oh look, a bibu!
BETTY22
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/13
#1481Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:10pm
I must go back and see them one more time. Truly a remarkable evening of theater.
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#1482Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:23pmI just had to slap a younger gay because he said with all seriousness to me: "It's gonna be Ben Platt and Beanie." Kids nowadays. I told him I was reporting him to the high tribunal to review his membership and that his status may be in jeopardy.
#1483Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:34pm
Are we looking at a 6 month extension for the show?
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#1484Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:45pm
Whoever can keep it open long enough for them to snag Donna Murphy 🙏🏻
B212323
Featured Actor Joined: 12/7/21
#1485Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 4:35pm
FolliesCabaret said: "binau said: "I’m confused at how a Sondheim vet could not have played a role on Broadway unless they are British or something? Or if Audra is considered a Sondheim vet?"
She's done Sondheim to great acclaim in New York and California, but never on Broadway. Yet."
But would she replace?
#1486Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 5:04pm
Jordan Catalano said: "GIVE ME AUDRA & STOKES.
GIVE ME AUDRA & STOKES.
GIVE ME AUDRA & STOKES.
GIVE ME AUDRA & STOKES.
GIVE ME AUDRA & STOKES."
That alone would get me back to see it!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
#1487Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 5:11pm
Since Will Swenson is leaving ABN, how about Will & Audra?
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#1488Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/19/23 at 5:14pm
I don’t really know Will’s voice well but assuming he is suitable that would be quite a novelty to see a real life couple play Sweeney and Mrs Lovett.
"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
inception
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/13
#1489Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 12:46am
Two names I think might be big enough to sell tickets as Sweeney:
First I thought of Billy Porter - but I don't know if it is in his range.
2nd I thought of LMM because of the Thomas Kail connection.
...
#1490Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 12:58am
inception said: "Two names I think might be big enough to sell tickets as Sweeney:
First I thought of Billy Porter - but I don't know if it is in his range.
2nd I thought of LMM because of the Thomas Kail connection."
Please God, no.
#1491Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 2:04amI hear Billy Porter is waiting by the phone for a call from Disney Studios, so no. Besides, Mrs. Lovett is not in his range.
OMG U Guyz
Stand-by Joined: 9/18/17
#1492Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 7:28am
inception said: "Two names I think might be big enough to sell tickets as Sweeney:
First I thought of Billy Porter - but I don't know if it is in his range.
2nd I thought of LMM because of the Thomas Kail connection."
Billy isn’t a big enough name to attract casual theatre goers which they’ll need through Jan/feb.
#1493Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 8:00am
Even LMM would surely not have the hubris to accept the role even if offered to him.
"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
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#1494Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 9:33ambinau said: "Even LMM would surely not have the hubris to accept the role even if offered to him."
We know Billy Porter probably wouldn't lol.
Livin'ToDo
Swing Joined: 10/20/23
#1495Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 9:54am
Jordan Donica & Emily Skinner
#1496Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 9:59am
Livin'ToDo said: "Jordan Donica & Emily Skinner"
they wouldn’t sell one ticket ..well maybe two
sparklingtonic2
Chorus Member Joined: 10/2/22
#1497Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 10:12am
Does anyone know whether Groban, Ashford, or Matarazzo are out on any particular days/nights? I'm planning a Christmas-week visit and am hoping to see all three of them.
Thanks in advance!
morosco
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/10/04
#1498Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 12:05pm
With the show scheduled to run after Groban leaves I wonder if there is a musician cut list that might be deployed at some point? Some shows (unless union rules have changed) have a predetermined list of musicians to be let go in order to reduce costs once a show hits a certain low financial mark. I hope this won't be the case and they keep the full orchestra as written.
#1499Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway
Posted: 10/20/23 at 4:30pm
I was listening to Steve Kazee's interview on the Theater Enthusiast podcast, and he mentioned that he had talked to Michael Arden about a year and a half ago about doing a production of Sweeney Todd with Arden directing, Steve as Sweeney, and Kathryn Hahn (!!!) as Mrs. Lovett. Not the pairing I would have come up with myself, but I can't stop thinking about it.
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