Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 9

[BarnabyTucker]

Posted: 1/21/23 at 10:23pm

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 1/26/23 at 12:18pm

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Also interesting that they are calling him the "standby" when he is already in the cast, so he's technically an understudy, but I guess "understudy" is a dirty word for some people ha ha."

I know I’m a month late, but I feel the need to say that Nicholas Christopher isn’t being called “understudy” because it’s a dirty word. Understudy is the term for anyone on a chorus contract and standby is a principal contract. Both De Waal and Christopher are both on principal contracts, thus they get the standby title. Whoever is on a chorus contract and covering a part are regarded as understudies. My guess is DeLaney Westfall and Jonathan Christopher(Nicholas’ older brother, if I may add) are the Lovett and Sweeney understudies, respectively.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 6:22am

Annaleigh mentions that she is working with a dialect coach on her Cockney.
Meat Pies (One Meatless) with “Sweeney Todd” ’s Newest Stars

[east side story]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 10:09am

Well, at least now we know the dietary restrictions of the leading players. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 11:18am

I've eaten at The Fort Restaurant. 

 

Here is another article on Groban:

 

https://www.playbill.com/article/josh-groban-knows-hes-not-your-typical-pick-for-sweeney-todd

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 11:36am

Even just from that meat pie article, I am so bored by this Ashford casting. That dialect coach/Cockney accent stuff was nauseating to even read. I really hope she pulls something completely fresh out of the bag for this. Both of them are so beyond pedestrian, especially compared to the last casting of Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone, who were these Titan type of figures, older and more experienced, and who had more heft to them as performers. This Groban/Ashford pairing is so vanilla.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 11:52am

Speaking of heft, I have Carolee Carmello and Norm Lewis forever memorialized from the Tooting Arts production in the Village. They were both spectacular especially Carolee. 

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 12:26pm

Melissa25 said: "Speaking of heft, I have Carolee Carmello and Norm Lewis forever memorialized from the Tooting Arts production in the Village. They were both spectacular especially Carolee."

IMO, Carolee can do no wrong! She's electric in everything she's in. It suck's she'll be in two shows this season and probably won't even get a nomination. Hopefully she'll get a well deserved Tony sometime soon!

[Melissa25]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 12:49pm

jkcohen626: IMO, Carolee can do no wrong! She's electric in everything she's in. It suck's she'll be in two shows this season and probably won't even get a nomination. Hopefully she'll get a well deserved Tony sometime soon!

Fingers crossed!

[binau]

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

I am the biggest critic of Ashford both here and in Sunday (and yes I also saw Carolee and Norm and that production was so special). But at this point I am trying to go in with an open mind because I want to enjoy the show. 
 

Low key hoping that like HELLO, DOLLY! They might bring in Bernadette and Mandy as replacements and perhaps end the even longer preview period with Groban and Ashford :p. Probably won’t happen though. This is literally Bernadette’s last chance to play the role on Broadway, even if time has probably already gone. 

[Chase Miller]

Posted: 2/2/23 at 3:50pm

How has Bernadette Peters as Ms.Lovett never happened? I think the role would fit her like a glove

[bear88]

Posted: 2/4/23 at 7:21pm

I understand the skepticism about the casting of the leads. But Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford don’t have to match some of the legendary performers who have been in Sweeney Todd in past years. Because I never saw those performances in person. I’m going to be seeing this show.

I have never seen Ashford, but I did think Groban did a fine job as Pierre in Great Comet. So between that and the full orchestra and other talented folks involved, I am cautiously optimistic.

 

[blaxx]

Posted: 2/4/23 at 8:29pm

bear88 said: "I understand the skepticism about the casting of the leads. But Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford don’t have to match some of the legendary performers who have been inSweeney Toddin past years. Because I never saw those performances in person. I’m going to be seeing this show.

I have never seen Ashford, but I did think Groban did a fine job as Pierre inGreat Comet. So between that and the full orchestra and other talented folks involved, I am cautiously optimistic.

"

She will demand you find her funny before she even goes onstage.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 2/4/23 at 9:48pm

blaxx said: "bear88 said: "I understand the skepticism about the casting of the leads. But Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford don’t have to match some of the legendary performers who have been inSweeney Toddin past years. Because I never saw those performances in person. I’m going to be seeing this show.

I have never seen Ashford, but I did think Groban did a fine job as Pierre inGreat Comet. So between that and the full orchestra and other talented folks involved, I am cautiously optimistic.

"

She will demand you find her funny before she even goes onstage."


Huh?  How would that work exactly??

[RippedMan]

Posted: 2/5/23 at 2:59am

There's a 100000% chance she will be doing her usual gimmick. 

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 2/5/23 at 5:26am

Her description of her Cockney accent training in that article was all I needed to read. I know exactly what she's gonna be doing on that stage.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/5/23 at 8:47am

Good lord, some of you are insufferable.

 

Personally, I'm very excited to SEE what choices are going to be made. I'll admit, I didnt love Ashford in SITPWG, but am hopeful, that both she and Groban will shine. 

[Melissa25]

Posted: 2/5/23 at 10:05am

I loved Annaleigh in You Can’t Take it With You and hope she delivers a delicious performance.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 2/6/23 at 8:55am

According to my PVR, Gaten Matarazzo "from Broadway's Sweeney Todd" is going to be on Live with Kelly and Ryan. If he is in fact there to plug the show, this is the last place I'd assume he'd go. 

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 2/6/23 at 10:45am

I thought Ashford was just marvelous in Sunday in the Park with George. Excited to see her in this.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 2/19/23 at 8:25pm

Anyone plan on being there for first previews next week?

[Alex M]

Posted: 2/19/23 at 9:22pm

jacobsnchz14 said: "Anyone plan on being there for first previews next week?"

I will be at first preview! Very excited!

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 2/19/23 at 9:27pm

A rare first preview for me, as well.

Oh, and whoever was asking asking about orchestra rows A and B, they released seats in row B center the other night, for some performances. 

Updated On: 2/19/23 at 09:27 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/19/23 at 9:39pm

I’ll be there!

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/20/23 at 12:34am

I wanted to be at the first preview but can't.  Going during the first full week of previews.