Sweeney 3.0 (ish)

So the upcoming August cast changes have been announced:

http://www.playbill.com/article/hugh-panaro-to-succeed-norm-lewis-in-off-broadways-sweeney-todd

Hugh Panaro sings well and all, but I am having a REALLY hard time imagining a tenor portraying Sweeney. It just seems so wrong. (The best Sweeney I've seen is Bryn Terfel, at Chicago Lyric Opera many years ago.)

Very glad Carmello and John-Michael Lyles are staying, though--I hope through the end of the year, because my tix are in November.

Hugh Panaro as Sweeney Todd? He's a tenor - like, a real tenor, with a very bright, boyish sound. Even if he can hit the low notes, this is very unconventional casting. I'm curious to see how he does.

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Hugh Panaro as Sweeney Todd? He's a tenor - like, a real tenor, with a very bright, boyish sound. Even if he can hit the low notes, this is very unconventional casting. I'm curious to see how he does."

He's actually a baritenor, although his voice does without a doubt lean more toward the tenor side. He's got a good lower range though. Certainly not a typical Sweeney range, but it should work pretty well for the role.

I think Hugh is going to be terrific and unique as Sweeney. His lower range is as strong as the higher. I am really excited for this to happen! Also he was nailing the mad part of the character as the Phantom, so I assume it's going to be very interesting to watch.

I really enjoyed him in Phantom. Hope he does phenomenal!

Carmello and Panaro in Sweeney? It's Lestat all over again!!

Christine Pedi on SiriusXM keeps mentioning that Carolee is in the production until "sometime in September." Has her exit date been announced, and I've just missed it?

TheThreadMaster said: "I really enjoyed him in Phantom. Hope he does phenomenal!"

He was wonderful in Phantom; I wish they'd bring him back there.

When I saw Norm Lewis in Sweeney, there is a moment where he yells (screams) at a guest in the front row to MOVE!! Then he sits down next to them after the scoot over. That night it was me and it was terrifying! Anyone who's seen it remember if Hugh Panaro does this? It left quite an impression, let me assure you lol.

Great seat, right in the middle of the action, and (depending on how you deal with shocking in your face surprises) very very memorable! Obviously the people going to this production (hopefully) know how truly immersive this production is.

I looked at CC's Tweets and found this reply on 8/19: "I'll be at the pie shop through the end of the year ... maybe longer! Come visit!"

So I think we're safe!

I'd go to see and hear Panaro in ANYthing. Literally.

egnarotsew said: "3GamesToLove said: "Anyone sat in the mezzanine/balcony since they removed the pie counter over the summer?"

I sat in the balcony the othernight."

We were in the 2nd row of the Balcony on Sunday (matinee). I'd say at most 5% of the action happens out of your sight, and you're much less likely to get "acted at" up there (but not impossible) as you are down on the floor.



Incredible what they've done to that theater. Every time we go to Barrow Street it's like a new building.