Who could replace Josh Groban?
Who could replace Josh Groban?
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/13
Who could replace Josh Groban?#1
Posted: 9/18/23 at 5:54pm
It seems like a new trend - after the star leaves, the show closes without even trying to find a replacement. First Lea Michele and now Josh. (Told Tommy has the theatre next)
However, if they were going to replace Josh - who would be a great choice?
Could Justin Timberlake sing it?
Who could replace Josh Groban?#2
Posted: 9/18/23 at 5:58pm
Well Justin Timberlake certainly wouldn't be a good choice for many reasons...
I'm more interested in Lovett's replacement and would focus there and let Nicholas Christopher do the role full time. I'm desperate for a different take on Lovett than Annaleigh's hammed up portrayal which I feel is a clown. I'd LOVE a Patina Miller or Heather Headley turn. Sara Bareilles, SJB, Hannah Waddingham would all also be phenomenal Mrs. Lovetts.
Broadway Star Joined: 11/16/13
Who could replace Josh Groban?#3
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:03pm
Two of the names above were approached. I don't think they got anyone to replace though.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
Who could replace Josh Groban?#4
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:05pm
Many could replace him. Few would want to or sell tickets at the level that is needed to sustain the show. And most of those actors have no incentive to replace Groban or Ashford in a lauded performance.
Closing after the star leaves isn't exactly a new trend, same with the box office tanking after replacing a star with someone who does not mean more than them. Tommy Kail's production of SWEENEY is on Bway exclusively because Josh Groban wanted to do it.
"Without even trying" implies that you know something we don't –– Rudin reportedly engaged in conversations with many big-name ladies to replace in DOLLY; nobody wanted to do it. The same could be true of SWEENEY.
If it recoups this fall, as was indicated by Phil Boroff, that should be considered a good success for its producers and perhaps it will have a future life in London (with Groban?) and/or on the road.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#5
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:09pm
Raul Esparza or bust.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#6
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:11pm
Justin Timberlake would only be a good idea in terms of selling tickets.
A person absolutely right for the role would be Killian Donnelly, but he wouldn't be a draw.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#7
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:15pm
Okieriete Onaodowan, too soon?
Ideally, I think it would be a cute moment if Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford got to reunite in this.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#8
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:16pm
I know she can't really sing, but hear me out... Whoopi Goldberg for Mrs. Lovett.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/19
Who could replace Josh Groban?#9
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:22pm
Michael Buble could, but probably would be accused of not being sinister enough Sweeney, just like Groban
Updated On: 9/18/23 at 06:22 PM
Who could replace Josh Groban?#10
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:30pm
Jay Lerner-Z said: "I know she can't really sing, but hear me out... Whoopi Goldberg for Mrs. Lovett."
Love her, but she’d barely get past the gasp before, “A customer!”
Who could replace Josh Groban?#12
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:39pm
In that case, I'll opt for Bernadette Peters. I still haven't given up hope of her playing Mrs. Lovett one day, and she's been a replacement before. Too bad she's busy in London. Mrs. Lovett is ageless, right, it even makes more sense for an older actor to play her.
Broadway Star Joined: 10/14/21
Who could replace Josh Groban?#13
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:50pm
darquegk said: "Cillian Murphy and Margot Robbie."
...this is actually so inspired
Broadway Star Joined: 7/18/11
Broadway Star Joined: 7/25/11
Who could replace Josh Groban?#16
Posted: 9/18/23 at 6:58pm
Gerard Butler :P
It might not sound pretty, but the audience will hear everything he says.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/18/11
Who could replace Josh Groban?#17
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:08pm
Shuler Hensley would make a good Sweeney.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#18
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:10pm
I can't see Cyndi Lauper playing a Londoner convincingly. Maybe if they relocated the show to Ozone Park. Then again, maybe the accent is not that important. As Patti LuPone once proved. I do think the reason Sondheim loved the Imelda Staunton/Michael Ball production so much was because of the authentic "Britishness" of it.
Margot Robbie. Hm. It's hard to see Barbie as a convincing unmarried lonely heart of a certain age, but I guess that's what acting is all about.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#19
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:10pm
It'll never happen but I would love to see Hugh and Sutton together again.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#20
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:20pm
Jay Lerner-Z said: "I can't see Cyndi Lauper playing a Londoner convincingly.”
and Annaleigh does? lol
Who could replace Josh Groban?#21
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:28pm
Jordan Catalano said: "Still want Cyndi Lauper."
yes, this. I'm down for it, and now can't 'unsee' it . Thx Jordan
Who could replace Josh Groban?#22
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:30pm
I wouldn't have cast Annaleigh either.
How do we rate Bernadette's accent in Song and Dance?
Who could replace Josh Groban?#23
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:32pm
Jordan Catalano said: "Jay Lerner-Z said: "I can't see Cyndi Lauper playing a Londoner convincingly.”
and Annaleigh does? lol"
Annaleigh is as dreadful as Mrs. Lovett. How she got a Tony nomination is unreal. She's literally rolling around on the stage pandering for laughs. I blame the director for allowing that to happen.
FYI, the show is not extending. The Lunt is booked for the Spring.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#24
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:33pm
Hannah Waddingham is an inspired idea, and arguably has as big a following, it not bigger, than Ashford does. Thats a realistic treat.
But i think its pretty clear that Groban is the draw, and the producers (understandably) do not want to plunk down cash to keep this going without a ticket-seller of that caliber. Timberlake is immensely talented but a preposterous choice, and is way too smart to beclown himself trying to pull this off.
Who could replace Josh Groban?#25
Posted: 9/18/23 at 7:54pm
God please no not a Hugh Jackman Sweeney.
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