Well, not really. I saw Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in previews on March 2, 2023. It was amazing, with the most star-studded cast, and I’m so lucky that I got to see the original cast for this production. I like to consider myself a savvy New Yorker, meaning I know how to get things for cheap, and I don’t let myself be swindled by insane Broadway prices, but Sweeney Todd is the most anticipated revival of this Broadway season, and if I missed it, I knew I would never forgive myself.
I have been following the production through vague Instagram and TikTok posts since I found out that Josh Groban was rumored to be cast in the titular role. It’s only his second time ever on Broadway, after starring in Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 in 2016. Although Sweeney Todd is a murderer and does some very questionable acts throughout the show, Groban brings humanity to the character and makes audience members sympathize with him. As viewers, we understand on a deeper level Sweeney’s motivations and almost root for him. It is well-known that Groban is a fantastic singer – his many Grammys prove that – but his singing elevates his acting, which I feel not a lot of people know about. He was truly a pleasure to watch on stage.
That being said, I was also insanely excited about seeing Analeigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett. She has many Broadway credits under her belt, and it was no surprise when she brought her own personal spin to the beloved character. As a musical theater performer myself, I always admire when an actor can see the many interpretations of a character and how they have been played in the past, but still manage to make it their own. Ashford’s chemistry with Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Tobias, their “adopted” son, can’t go unnoticed. Their scenes together were so sweet, and you can tell they truly understand and care about one another outside of the show. Their connection on stage almost makes audiences forget about the gruesome content of the show. Together, they are truly a breath of fresh air.
If you are thinking about going to see Sweeney Todd on Broadway, I will be the person to tell you to go for it. I find that nowadays, Broadway revivals can be incredibly lackluster and underwhelming, but Sweeney Todd is exactly the opposite. With the astonishing cast and stunning stage direction, it is definitely a show of the season that you don’t want to miss.