The return of "Sweeney Todd" to Broadway

There's a new demon barber of Fleet Street: Singer Josh Groban, who earned a Tony nomination for his first Broadway musical, "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812," is back in the title role of Stephen Sondheim's iconic musical about a vengeful barber whose victims are baked into meat pies. CBS News' Anthony Mason talks with Groban; Tony-winner Annaleigh Ashford (who co-stars as Mrs. Lovett); and Tony-winning director Thomas Kail ("Hamilton") about the blood-curdling revival.
#joshgroben #AnnaleighAshford #sweeneytodd
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[@rey-yac]

For those who don't know Josh Groban has always been a big fan of Sweeny Todd so much that he names his late dog Sweeny.

[@AndySaenz]

Yeah, I knew that, lol. I saw him in concert 10 years ago and he was amazing!

[@phughesphoto]

Awwww. Sweeney died?

[@rey-yac]

@@phughesphoto In 2020

[@phughesphoto]

@@rey-yac I believe I feel his pain now. My beloved cat Abigail aka ABBA passed away this morning. I was lucky enough to be holding her as she slipped away. 💔

[@rey-yac]

@@phughesphoto I'm sorry for your loss. I had had a cat pass away a couple of years ago, I understand. Great name for your cat by the way.

[@windowtrimmer8211]

Sondheim’s score for Sweeney Todd far surpasses its originally intended genre. A great Broadway musical, yes-but also simply one of the greatest works of art of the 20th century, period.

[@YotYotFive]

It's hard for me to rank my favorite Sondheim scores, but Sweeney Todd has always been and will probably always remain at the #1 spot.

[@guystudios]

I mean the story of Sweeney Todd is good and the use of music is sophisticated and interesting, but the songs are ugly and unmemorable. EDIT: I have changed my mind. The score to Sweeney Todd is a great work of genius.

[@windowtrimmer8211]

@@guystudios The songs in Sweeney, are superb individually and they are great for moving along the plot, but collectively they have a profoundly universal and operatic quality beyond the melodramatic subject matter. Many serious composers have set out to write the “great American opera” but Sondheim took a Blackwing pencil and under the aegis of Broadway beat them to it. It’s endearing that even having done this, decades later he would just shrug and sort-of admit that at least it was an operetta!

[@olive6679]

I agree. However, I've seen reddit threads where people said Sweeney is sondheim's worst musical and either company or Sunday is the best. This one is in my top five favs. I hope to get a chance to see the Revival.

[@camara1194]

it’s definitely his magnum opus in my opinion. i’m not a fan of into the woods and people seem to think that one is his best.

[@carolinecao9513]

It's important to me to learn that Stephen Sondheim was a fan of the COMET OF 1812.

[@collinziegler1615]

Was just gonna write this -- that is unsurprising but affirming 🤩

[@kphoenix5942]

Fun fact! Dave Malloy has a song in “Preludes” in which the main character gets to meet his artistic idol Tolstoy, and the sheet music bears the dedication “to S.S.”

[@vb9677]

@@kphoenix5942 🥺🥺🥺

[@neonparadis3]

@@kphoenix5942 Also in Ghost Quartet, besides it being a direct refference, the parts where the bears litsts the items is notated as "Into the woods tempo"

[@kphoenix5942]

@@neonparadis3 YES!

[@neilengel3715]

Saw it Sunday Matinee on the 12th. The production was brilliant and the music/singing never sounded better. Josh was terrific and so was Annaleigh. The audience literally jumped to its feet and applauded and howled like a grand slam had just been hit by the batter at Dodger Stadium. Remarkable!

[@TJBeanz-de1db]

I’m so excited to here this! I am going tomorrow night and I can’t wait!!

[@neilengel3715]

@@TJBeanz-de1db You'll Lovett!!!

[@TJBeanz-de1db]

@@neilengel3715 I was beyond impress with the entire cast! What an amazing performance!!

[@dianetheisen8664]

I saw the musical 🎶 with the original cast way back when. This is my favorite musical 🎶 ‼️. Ever since I saw it, I jumped at the chance to see it when it came to my town. I would love to see it again with Josh Groban.

[@TJBeanz-de1db]

@@dianetheisen8664 That’s amazing!!

[@roxiesbroadwaybreakdown5599]

Josh and Annaleigh seem to have a great chemistry! And Annaleigh has a perfect understanding of Mrs Lovett. Finally a revival that does this show justice!

[@magentahaze]

I'd LOVE a cast album for this one. :)

[@usagicassidy]

I feel like that's in the cards

[@abigailroberts4558]

you're gonna get one!!!

[@alexandersean4708]

We have a song! And it's been called a preview of what's to come!

[@brooklyn7189]

Went to see it Saturday… unfortunately Groban was ill… however it was absolutely excellent… the understudy was excellent and she is marvelous!

[@Sharpe1502]

From what I’ve heard, Annaleigh steals the show. I’m predicting her to win the Tony this year. I hope Groban beats Ben Platt this year. I’m still not over Dear Evan Hansen beating Great Comet in every category from years ago. 😂

[@DesireeStamat]

Oh no not again LOL

[@ampersandcastle1091]

same haha. My friend is obsessed with Ben Platt but as a massive Great Comet fan I just can’t quite forgive him

[@day_trippr4967]

IT WOULD BE REVENGE!! 😂

[@hailee176]

Coming here after she lost 😭 I’m still upset about it

[@day_trippr4967]

@@hailee176 Same 😭

[@MattChance]

These two make absolutely the perfect pair onstage. When Gaten Matarazzo joins them, it somehow reaches an even higher level thanks to his voice. Amazing that a show with this much age on it can still feel so fresh and cool!

[@IlaughedIcried]

Is Gaten playing Antony or Toby? (I'm guessing Antony, but maybe he's shorter than I think?)

[@MattChance]

@@IlaughedIcried Tobias Ragg

[@IlaughedIcried]

@@MattChance Oh wow! Awesome!

[@laurapalmer511]

Yes, yes, Josh Groban. I saw this on Friday the 18th, had Nicholas Christopher on instead, and my goodness, he absolutely killed the role (pun not intended) but. What stole everything for me? Annaleigh Ashford. Her Mrs. Lovett was DIVINE. Hilarious, always on, lending so much life to the stage, it was just incredible. Never been a Sweeney fan before. I would go see it again and again.

[@dylansmith1833]

I saw this last week and was just blown away! Groban is a star!

[@drodriguezwdsc]

Can I ask you a question? We are headed to NYC in May to see this. Last year we went to Broadway and we had to bring all of our vaccination cards. Do they still require them? Didn't want to to bring them if it wasn't necessary. Thanks. Sounds like it was an awesome show!

[@rjd3wine]

@@drodriguezwdsc We have gone to Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Camelot. No vaccination cards were required. Masking was optional as well. I'd photograph your vaccination cards on your phone or photocopy just to be covered. Have a great visit. Sweeney Todd on our short list now.

[@dylansmith1833]

@@drodriguezwdsc Hi Dan! No, Broadway lifted the Vaxx requirement almost a year ago and lifted the mask mandate last summer. While masks are optional, you will see signs on every Broadway Theatre door that says that masks are “STRONGLY ENCOURAGED” but are not mandatory. Hope you enjoy this production! Groban and Gaten Matarazzo are standout performers in this production! Also, the full orchestra will send chills down your spine constantly!

[@drodriguezwdsc]

@@dylansmith1833 Thank you so much for the info. We came last year right before they lifted the regulations. Wife and I are bringing her parents this time and wanted to have everything we need just in case. We'll all take pics of our cards just in case. We're pretty pumped for this one. Thanks again!

[@dylansmith1833]

@@drodriguezwdsc No problem! Hope you enjoy it!

[@nicolefrances.c]

Being able to usher for this show continuously does nothing but makes me so happy and full of life.. ironically

[@dianetheisen8664]

Lucky‼️

[@graysonjmes]

I work merch there sometimes! One of my favorite shows to work at the moment!

[@nicolefrances.c]

@@graysonjmes that’s so cool! I’m only a sub but honestly I’ve given all my availability to them because I need them to know I’m dedicated 😅

[@tessaokeefe9866]

@@graysonjmeshow do you get the job of selling merch?

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

I saw the original cast when my mom took me for my 18th birthday in November 1979. They changed my life and I mean that. 20 years later I was on Broadway myself. Sondheim & Hal Prince... I'll never forget it. I live in San Francisco now, so it'll be hard to get to see it before it wins a whole bunch of revival Tonys. But to hear the orchestrations with a full orchestra, bliss!

[@cheriebomb158]

What show were you in on Broadway?

[@dianetheisen8664]

You are so right ‼️ I saw the original, too, and it, too, changed my life.

[@richmoves]

I was lucky enough to see the original Bway production back in 1979. It was fantastic! It was the first Bway musical I ever saw. I didn't really get Groban when he first arrived on the scene years ago. I am a fan now and I think he's going to crush this role.🎭🎶

[@davidlrattigan]

I was the same. My aunt used to send me his CDs when he first became a star, and I wasn't too keen. But it makes sense when he says in the interview that his early career was never the thing he dreamed about when he was 10 - he was dreaming about being on the stage, doing what he does now. The clips are really promising.

[@dianetheisen8664]

It was the same for me, too, in that it was my first Broadway musical 🎶. I fell in love and after that, I can't help but compare every musical 🎶 I see to Sweeney Todd.

[@jimbo40]

I saw this last night 4/22 and can't stop thinking about this particular production. It is phenomenal. Annaleigh's comic timing had me in tears and Josh Groban's voice is superb. I highly recommend you go see it, if you can get a ticket, or afford the ticket price.

[@laurenpunch1053]

So proud how Josh has come! He really NEEDS to be in more musicals.

[@sima8323]

Saw it on Feb 28th. Brilliant cast, crew, everyone was fantastic. For the first time, it made me see Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd as equals. As characters, I had never before seen them as both parts of the same puzzle. They are meant to be together. Usually, I see Sweeney as portrayed as this dark, brooding man with little other in his mind than driven revenge. It becomes almost flat. but that is Not at all the way Josh portrayed him. Annaleigh was a genius as well. Both of them, played off each other so well. This was also the first time I had ever seen Annaleigh live and she perfected everything from the body language to the movement, accent, just incredible. Usually mrs. Lovett is played as more as this scheming older woman that is a comedic side to Sweeney, but she was played with such depth, youthful tenacity and intelligence, that she rivaled Sweeney! Okay Overall Tony, Tony, Tony...for everyone in this show. Bravo.

[@paridasnapesnapesnape5584]

GOD Josh Groban was INCREDIBLE in great comet 😭😭 so good to see him back on stage

[@fbueller]

This production looks amazing!

[@iAncientOne]

Saw the original with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury! Love love Annaleigh Ashford! Saw her has Glinda to Stephanie J. Block’s Elphaba.

[@LC-le9ew]

I love Annaleigh; wish I could see this one live!

[@brianobrien7983]

Josh Grobin is a few years older than Len Cariou was when he premiered in the role.

[@lizmillinor8681]

Saw it in previews a few weeks ago and it was fantastic! Josh was wonderful, but Annaleigh stole the show (so funny)! My kids thought it was a huge treat to find out that Jordan Fisher and Gaten Matarrazo were in the cast, as well! It really was wonderful! The kids have seen Broadway touring shows many times, but this was their first trip to NYC and actual Broadway. It couldn’t have been a better introduction! Even my 15 year old son loved it and he’s usually too cool for that 😉.

[@karenkaren3189]

I was fortunate to see both the original production with George Hearn and Angela Lansbury and the early 2000's revival with Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone. Would love to see this one also.

[@RY-fe3rt]

Built for Broadway with those pipes. Happy 42nd, Josh!

[@MasterofVoice]

I hope this will be filmed for PBS Great Performances! Wow!!

[@jeffdunn996]

Saw the original Sweeney Todd. It was one of my favorite musicals and wish I could see Josh in Sweeney Todd. I'm a big Josh fan this would be the best, but I live in NC so I'm hoping there will be a cast album of the musical and on CD.

[@kennethwayne6857]

No doubt there will be.

[@AndySaenz]

I went to see Josh Groban in concert when he did his In the Round tour in 2013. He was amazing live! He sings just as good live as he does in his studio recordings! He sang The Prayer with Judith Hill and they did it so well! He’s got an amazing voice! He’s got a lot of charisma and stage presence as well. I hope he wins a Tony for his work in Sweeney Todd! He deserves it.

[@amandanies3174]

I saw him in Seattle for his "Straight to You" tour with my mom and my late grandmother, who was a massive fan and the one who introduced me to his music. He is incredible!

[@nothingtoseehere5678]

I hope this means we might get a Groban Phantom some day

[@jademulrooney9209]

Also saw josh in London in chess concert and love him on stage doing musicals

[@mariefreitas1524]

Great & fun interview! 😊

[@ladymondegreen]

Omg I can’t wait to listen to this. Wish I could see it live!

[@danapratola]

I saw this on Tuesday in NYC. Such fun! It was AMAZING.

[@purplequeen8318]

Can't wait to see it!!!

[@topherMac]

I didn’t think anyone would ever come close to George Hearn… but WOW, here he is.

[@Kasino80]

Annaleigh racking up the Sondheim Icons. Now we just need her as the witch in into the woods.

[@zoetrogolo7349]

I saw Sweeney Todd a few days ago. The whole cast was amazing and extremely talented.

[@broadwaymike92]

Just saw the production on Thursday!!! Thrilling. Josh and Annaleigh..... it was a master class of a performance!!! Do NOT miss them together.

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

Well, if Alan Rickman can go from DIE HARD to HARRY POTTER, I say good for you Mr. Groban!

[@phangirl90]

Not to mention playing Judge Turpin in the film version.

[@stephenjacobs2747]

Josh, you're amazing!!

[@oddityonder]

I just saw it yesterday and man, it was amazing. I love it so much

[@allyson--]

:~) good vibes from the clips shown so far

[@katiehobbs96]

I would give anything to see Josh Groban in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. I'd give anything to see the show. Wish it was still on broadway

[@ampersandcastle1091]

Same 😭 it genuinely pains me every single day that I’ll never get to see it

[@dianetheisen8664]

The original musical 🎶 back in the7️⃣0️⃣s was my 1️⃣st Broadway musical 🎶 ever‼️. I loved it‼️. Wish I could see the new version.

[@stephenhall509]

I need a cast album!!!!

[@figmo397]

I would so love to see that! I saw the original with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou.

[@Jerry-hp5sf]

I saw that production. Still the best one I’ve ever seen, imho.

[@dianetheisen8664]

I saw the original, too‼️. Wish I could see this one.

[@jochenstossberg5427]

Can't top it actually.

[@dianaswan90]

Such a talented and sweet person ❤how i love josh !!!

[@HeronCoyote1234]

I saw this with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou. Amazing. I can’t wait to see this revival.

[@jonathanrio6587]

"British accident" is giving me my life! LOVE THAT for her!

[@kory_misun]

I remember searching for covers of Johanna years ago and Josh's name popping up. Later after singing that, he did a duet of Pretty Women with another famous, angelic-voiced man and I thought 'Dang, Josh would be great in Sweeney Todd, give it a few years!' And look, he's on the poster, not as Anthony, but the titular character and he's done wonderfully.

[@braddavis8822]

We have absolutely incredible musical theater here in Chicago... But I think, this deserves a trip Broadway..

[@davidimhoff2118]

Here I am, a huge fan of Groban and didn't even know he was doing this. I've got to see him in this role

[@kimo2520]

I LOVE that musical!!

[@jackedwardsally]

He sounds amazing!! Im doubly jealous of anyone who gets to go see this sow

[@dianetheisen8664]

Me, too‼️

[@BackHouseKelly]

Am seeing it in 2 weeks from today am so excited 😭

[@dianetheisen8664]

Jealous ‼️

[@yuke1256]

Im literally so excited about Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs Lovette

[@MelissaNgai]

I'm so excited for Josh to be so dramatic and dark lol

[@KarenKelly110]

July.. I can’t wait!!

[@allisonbergh4429]

Man I wish I could see this production. What do I have to do to get a proshot?

[@vestracore]

i knoww right ugh i want to see this so bad

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

🎶 ... Wait ... 🎶

[@raquelaguillon5336]

Happy Birthday Josh ❤ XOXO

[@calwells5612]

Sondheim was a flat-out genius. Brilliant, brilliant composer. Oh, that harmony! So dense and complex, yet accessible. Awesome, indeed.

[@ALOHAMOMMA60]

Tony Award winners, Josh and his co 🌟 star are phenomenal in the play. Josh deserves it since he was phenomenal in the COMET and was cheated out of it. Both performers are wonderful 👏 ❤. SWEENEY TODD is here to stay.

[@samcreates650]

I really wish I can see this!

[@isabelburns6598]

I need a recorded soundtrack ASAP

[@starryeyeschick]

Would love to see this live!

[@englishincontext4025]

I've loved Sweeney since the opening bars when I sat in the stalls at London's Drury Lane theatre, back in the late 1970s watching Dennis Quilley and Sheila Hancock give brilliant performances. For me, this is a perfect musical, and I'm sure that Groban will be truly great. So I'm delighted that in this short feature about the new production the director allowed no more than two bars of music, at any one time, before overlaying the music with someone yapping. Quite an editorial feat!

[@Digital_Ninja279]

A small theater just did a small run of the metal version of Sweeny Todd.

[@masterofallgoons]

Interesting.. I'd be curious to hear that. Is it available to listen to anywhere?

[@sarahhanratty3006]

I’m so excited! I’m going April 5th!!

[@Dimi374]

I can not wait to see Anna

[@ameliawhiteley5971]

Don't forget about demon barber of fleet story 2007 movie with Alan Helena and Johnny Depp in it

[@kevinnivek6273]

i love great comet so much

[@Mona07452]

What a great piece, and where oh where did you get that full-color, good- condition clip of Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou? Would love to see that version in its entirety. Saw the Sunday matinee show on March 19 with whole family and it was absolutely incredible. Annaleigh and Josh just hit it out of the park, but I still feel she appears a bit too young and pretty for Lovett. Did Kail say no to stage makeup, I wonder?

[@jochenstossberg5427]

The problem here is that Mr Todd actually can't stand Mrs Lovett. This production makes them 'a team'. All wrong. I've seen four Mrs Lovetts, and Angela Lansbury's desperate old bag wiped all of them off the map. She was not only very funny, but you never mis-heard a word she sang.

[@endhai]

@@jochenstossberg5427 Yes, I agree. I love Tim Burton's movie with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter and it is heartbreaking how bad he treats her there. Seems Depp loved to, play a realy bad guy. They sung very well. Would be funny to see them Both on stage...

[@jasonluckoff3880]

He left the show now this new star taking over

[@Usertfders]

Thank gawd Disney hasn't gotten ahold of the IP.

[@kphoenix5942]

After Into the Woods, I pray the mouse never goes near Sondheim again.

[@ladisneyprincesse]

But they got their actors!

[@mackjay1777]

Why so little of Groban singing Sweeney in this interview? The narrator talks over him every time.

[@dianetheisen8664]

IKR⁉️

[@mephx]

Wonderful! Just bought the book. but who knew Jane Pauley was still around. lol

[@shiveringchihuahua]

Groban likes his musicals to pop.

[@masterofallgoons]

Much like his ladies

[@kimmychan1967]

Got my tix!!! Cannot wait. 😍💇🏽‍♂️

[@ModernMedusa]

YYYAAAAAASSS Edit: you spelled "Groban" wrong in your tags lol

[@ideagirl]

I would love to go see it live. Let me know if you need a companion to see it with you!

[@phyllispetras3369]

I still am with Patti and George!!!

[@mililaniman]

I wish I could see this.

[@lilymaley9615]

I did this show when I was 18; it’s an absolute masterpiece as a score & operetta. It’s the most technically demanding vocals of any show I’ve ever been in, but man is it wonderful and Josh Groban is a perfect recast for it, unexpected as it is. Much in the same way Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls leading in Sunset Blvd in London is supposed to be mind-bendingly amazing, it just shows how underutilized some of their talent is in much of the catchy pop music tracks. I was so disappointed in the Johnny Depp Sweeney Todd, vocals-wise, so this is amazing!

[@indigoalexgaming4500]

Saw this back in July... the best show I've ever seen. Absolutely *incredible* and lives rent free in my head forever more

[@Meelzdiva]

I need to see josh groban on Broadway!!

[@nverroye]

Laughing at how quietly everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Josh 😂

[@user-sp5ki3qb5o]

My Request for a vocal register of Josh Groban among the others : VOICE BREAK✅️ VOCAL FRY✅️ CHEST VOICE✅️ NECK VOICE✅️ BELT VOICE✅️ HEAD VOICE✅️ FALSETTO✅️ MIX VOICE✅️ WHISPER✅️ BREATHY✅️ BREATH✅️ HUSKY✅️ RASPY✅️

[@Mollykat5054]

What were the reviews on this? Any good?

[@luciahelenaevangelistadasi3558]

Lindo demais seu trabalho parabéns pelo trabalho com seus companheiros e Feliz aniversário dia 27 de Fevereiro Saúde e Paz para você que Deus Abençoe todos vocês Rio de Janeiro Brasil Pavuna Sucesso Sempre

[@elizacarrie7433]

I remember her from Legally Blonde, and may I say, she seems to have more venom than Todd. Her take on who Lovett is inside her head is so right

[@mollycblaeser]

I wish Angela Lansbury could have seen it 😭

[@omayraperales6514]

Watching the Sunday matinee on April 9th

[@reader2012]

I miss Great Comet

[@bradswilliams]

I thought that his brother, Andy Bernard, played Sweeney Todd.

[@donnalum4413]

For those who don't know...this is an inside joke about Josh Groban's bit on The Office. So funny!

[@phantomphan873]

I was bummed when he wasn’t casted as the phantom, but he is brilliant as Sweeney

[@KyCandicee]

I’m so jealous Broadway are showing this, not even the west end right now 😭

[@MrKidrick]

How about a revisiting of the new cast: Aaron Tveit as Sweeney & Sutton Foster as Mrs. Lovett?

[@MrKidrick]

It'll be neat to see profiles of these two amazing actors!

[@cedgson91]

Patti LuPone as Mrs Lovett can’t be beat Her Little Priest is my absolute favourite!

[@lapponia77]

I'm afraid I found her accent unconvincing. I found Julia McKenzie and Imelda Staunton much better. But life would be boring if we all agreed .....

[@PeaceBang]

LuPone's sloppy dialect and musically lazy approach to this brilliant score was a huge disappointment.

[@dianetheisen8664]

Angela Lansbury was excellent.

[@jochenstossberg5427]

One big problem with her and this new Mrs Lovett is that the character is meant to be Cockney. The show is set in London! They talk about London throughout the show! It's important!

[@jochenstossberg5427]

@@dianetheisen8664 Angela Lansbury was easily the best I've seen. She was everything Mrs Lovett is meant to be.

[@floh2959]

Annaleighs accent is ROUGH but her comic timing is great

[@Starrshine1701]

Is this video only available in the US? I told my sister about it but she’s in Canada and it’s not available to her.

[@masterofallgoons]

Don't know.. you could send her the link and see if it works.

[@Starrshine1701]

@@masterofallgoons yeah I did. That’s how I know she couldn’t open it.