Rumor: SWEENEY TODD Revival In Talks? — Page 2

Really didn’t realize people didn’t like Ashford

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Robbie2 said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Sounds like itisa musical adaptation of the Scorsese film–– but will this have a new score, or existing songs?"It was time to learn music. Some period pieces evoking the era of the show. Lovely, hummable tunes.""

Stroman's Bullets Over Broadway Bombed big time back in 2014 adapted from the Woody Allen film!"

IT SURE DID -- Stroman opening a show cold at the St. J isn't a great sign.

And NY, NY is a movie that needs improving."

I really enjoyed that production but I think the lack of original songs kind of hindered it.

And I don't think any of us dislike Ashord. I just don't think she's quite my pic for this.

Are we sure the "cougar magnet" isn't Hugh Jackman? As wrong as I think he is for Harold Hill, I think he'd be a phenomenal Todd. As for an Ashford Mrs. Lovett putting the character at 19 when Todd was transported, all the characters were young when that happened (but more early-mid-twenties young than teenage young), but can't she play older? It's such a minor performace, but I loved her as the sobbing white lady on John Mulaney and the Sach Lunch Kids.

I get Josh Groban given his box office draw but how does Kail let them pick a non POC for Mrs Lovett? Just blows my mind.

ACL2006 said: "No to Ashford."



Yes to Swit

Josh Groben doesn't have the vocal chops for Sweeney. It's a role that is very demanding of the larynx.

I will always see a production of Sweeney, but neither of these two rumored casting choices gets me very excited. Both are talented performers who probably can do a good job in the roles, but better choices abound.

Double post

Updated On: 4/6/22 at 09:21 PM

barcelona20 said: "ATerrifyingAndImposingFigure said: "barcelona20 said: "I get Josh Groban given his box office draw but how does Kail let them pick a non POC for Mrs Lovett? Just blows my mind."

I don’t see why this would be such a surprise. It’s historically been played by white women, there’s nothing to indicate the character’s race, and just because Kail’s directed POC dominated casts doesn’t mean that he would’ve felt it necessary the part be cast that way. It’s not like this is the first project he’s done with white leads, if he even is doing this show."

You're making my point. There's nothing indicating the race of Mrs Lovett so why not cast with a POC. "Historically played by white women" means absolutely zip. Have you learned nothing??"

It's a non-issue either way. The character was clearly conceived as white (because of the country and the era we're covering--plus look at every Mrs. Lovett in every previous incarnation of the story), but we have color-conscious casting now, and a Black actress could easily play her (or a Black actor Todd, or any of the characters) no problem.

However, it's silly to say "Oh, we're doing a revival, we MUST fit a POC into one of the lead roles somehow." Just let them cast who they choose; another show, they'll cast someone else. Another production of SW may be build around Audra, for all we know.

ATerrifyingAndImposingFigure said: "barcelona20 said: "ATerrifyingAndImposingFigure said: "barcelona20 said: "I get Josh Groban given his box office draw but how does Kail let them pick a non POC for Mrs Lovett? Just blows my mind."

I don’t see why this would be such a surprise. It’s historically been played by white women, there’s nothing to indicate the character’s race, and just because Kail’s directed POC dominated casts doesn’t mean that he would’ve felt it necessary the part be cast that way. It’s not like this is the first project he’s done with white leads, if he even is doing this show."

You're making my point. There's nothing indicating the race of Mrs Lovett so why not cast with a POC. "Historically played by white women" means absolutely zip. Have you learned nothing??"

I’m not making your point, because all you said was it’s mind blowing a white actress is playing the part, and it’s clearly not. It would be mind blowing if Groban was cast as Coalhouse Walker. Ashford’s race is probably the least surprising part of her possible casting.

Also, for parts that that can be played by any ethnicity, most every Broadway casting team aren’t going into the process thinking “why not cast with a POC” as you say, but picking whoever is the best fit for the role and production."

I swear people have learned nothing. It's certainly mind-blowing to me that people are still so narrow minded in their thinking and casting. Also Coalhouse is a black man so that is a horrible example. Mrs Lovett can be any race.

barcelona20 said: "I swear people have learned nothing. It's certainly mind-blowing to me that people are still so narrow minded in their thinking and casting. Also Coalhouse is a black man so that is a horrible example. Mrs Lovett can be any race."

I don’t see how choosing whoever is best for the part and production regardless of appearance is narrow minded, especially considering that kind of thinking actually leads to colorblind casting. Also, now you’re making my point. Groban in that role would be mind blowing because it’s something inherently wrong and awful (and your reaction seems to miss that it wasn’t being presented as remotely realistic). Ashford in a role that you just admitted can be played by any race is not mind blowing.

Moving on from all that nonsense, Jordan Donica would be a great Anthony. He’d have the vocals and I think he’d bring out the humor in the role. Anthony and Johanna are pretty much semi parodies of the lovers at first sight archetypes, I’ve always been partial to actors leaning into the comedy of those roles. I can also see Lucas Steele being fun as the Beadle. He could bring the proper hamminess and soaring high notes.

Updated On: 4/6/22 at 10:16 PM