You Raise Me the Worst Pies in London: Josh Groban Announced as Lead in New Iteration of ‘Sweeney Todd’ on Broadway
Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford will make their way back to Broadway this coming spring for the revival of Sweeney
CELEB Magazine
Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford will make their way back to Broadway this coming spring for the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
The comeback of the musical by Stephen Sondheim will be switched up and re-created with a little bit of extra love by the main director of Hamilton, Thomas Kail. And it will be produced by the famous producer of Hamilton, Jeffrey Seller. The production will debut at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on February 26th, 2023. Special guests will be able to access a preview before opening night.
Sweeny Todd is Back on Broadway with Josh Groban in the Lead Role
The musical had originally premiered on Broadway back in 1979 and had its last Broadway run in 2005. It was considered to be revived last in 2005 with the directors at the time asking their actors to be able to play instruments. This newest version will include a 26-person orchestra for the first time since its original production.
The resurgence of this production is crucial as they paid close attention to who they decided to pick for their cast. Groban, who is also a Grammy-nominated recording artist, is set to be the main character in the musical after starring in multiple musicals before in his lifetime. His legendary skill and well-known talents on stage made him the perfect choice for the play's newest iteration.
Sweeny Todd Hit the Mainstream After a Familiar Face Brought it to the Big Screen
Sweeney Todd is the gritty and witty story of a murderous barber that was living in London in the 1800s. The musical gained more mainstream attention after it was brought to life on the big screen in 2007 under the direction of horror honey Tim Burton. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter helmed the film as the lead roles, giving it a familiar-yet-eerie feel.
Although this is Stephen Sondheim’s creation and image, he died back in November of 2021 so he just barely missed a chance to see his beloved quirky masterpiece come to life on Broadway again. But, the show must go on. The musical will be choreographed by Steven Hoggett along with Mimi Lien creating the set design and with Emilio Sosa using his vision for the costume design next to Natasha Katz with the lighting design and ending it all with Nevin Steinberg and his amazing sound design.
Casting and everything will be later announced along with show dates and tickets and all of the above.
Josh Groban is Heartbreakingly Sweet
Even though he's known for his skill on stage, Groban may be a bizarre choice to some.
After all, he's known for his sweet smile, charming curls and easy-going demeanor. A far cry from the sly psychotic serial killer barber he will be bringing to life. But Groban is a talented and multi-skilled actor with a heart in the realm of musical theater.
Born February 27, 1981, he didn't grow up studying voice like so many of his peers. In fact, Groban didn't stumble onto voice until his teens – and boy is the world lucky he discovered his calling.
Groban's versatile pipes have created dozens of Grammy-award-winning songs, and a tour-de-force that brought his magnetism and charisma to audiences around the world in live performances. Walking the line between opera and easy listening, Groban's smooth voice recalls greats like Andrea Bocelli.