Sweeney Todd: Tiny Desk Concert

Josh Rogosin | December 22, 2023
My parents brought me to see a production of Sweeney Todd when I was 10; I had nightmares for weeks. That may have been the beginning of my obsession with the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
"We're so grateful to sing Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece every single day," Josh Groban explains at the Tiny Desk. "He was so brilliant at juxtaposing the beautiful with the horrific." (It turns out that both Groban and I named our dogs "Sweeney Dog," something I learned when I introduced the cast.)
Expect a wave of emotions throughout this performance: empathy for Sweeney (Groban) and Mrs. Lovett (Annaleigh Ashford) with their songs of vengeance and longing, "My Friends," and "By the Sea"; desire with the quartet's vocal counterpoint performed in "Johanna (Act 2 Sequence)"; laughter with the duet's performance of "A Little Priest." Incredibly, this Tiny Desk version of the musical is no less impactful - the 26-piece orchestra currently playing the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre gets a nine-piece orchestration courtesy of Jonathan Tunick, Sondheim's longtime collaborator, led by conductor Alex Lacamoire. Absolutely mesmerizing.
SET LIST
"My Friends"
"By the Sea"
"Johanna (Act 2 Sequence)"
"A Little Priest"
COMPOSER
Stephen Sondheim
ORCHESTRATIONS
Jonathan Tunick
CAST
Josh Groban ("Sweeney Todd")
Annaleigh Ashford ("Mrs. Lovett")
Daniel Yearwood ("Anthony Hope")
Maria Bilbao ("Johanna")
Joanna Carpenter ("Beggar Woman")
MUSICIANS
Todd Palmer: clarinet
Damian Primis: bassoon
Sarah Boxmeyer: French horn
John Chudoba: trumpet
Kory Grossman: percussion
Adam Rothenberg: piano, keyboard
Anna Parks: violin
Wayne Smith: cello
Chiho Saegusa: bass
Alex Lacamoire: conductor
Randy Cohen: keyboard programmer
David Lai: music supervisor
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer/Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Keren Carrión
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Audio Assistants: Valentina Rodríguez Sánchez, Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Grace Widyatmadja
Animation: Jackie Lay
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Lars Gotrich, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #sweeneytodd

[@nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.

[@miajoelle]

Bless whoever it was that decided to bring the theatre to tiny desk. I love this so much. They sound incredible.

[@WERNERRICHMONDTV]

one of the best ones i've seen

[@Storkus100]

I am now officially obsessed with Annaleigh Ashford. How she plays with the sounds of the accent and words....comedy genius.

[@julsca3738]

Def exposes me to listening to the music which is wonderful since I normally don’t go to the theater

[@inesjones5361]

Absolutely. These glimpses into Broadway are amazing.

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

It would be awesome if they could get Eminem or bjork on

[@wineoneone]

I love how Josh Groban is one of the most skilled baritone of our generation and also just a weird muppet man I would die for him.

[@9206156175]

I didn't think of it til now but he would be an excellent jim Henson in a biopic

[@insertcheesypunhere]

as someone who's listened to josh groban since childhood, his shift from "amazingly skilled singer and kinda awkward dude" to "amazingly skilled actor and singer who's still a kinda awkward dude" is great to see. also, as someone who is neurodivergent...he has The Vibes.

[@lana4952]

@@insertcheesypunhere I think his awkwardness makes him all the more adorable. He’s said in multiple interviews he has ADD plus has suffered from depression and anxiety since he was young, so I suppose that can be considered neurodivergent. Plus he calls himself extremely shy. But it also makes it that much more impressive that he’s achieved everything he has.

[@insertcheesypunhere]

@@lana4952 that doesn't surprise me. honestly im not surprised now that he made this jump, since neurodivergent people do find themselves acting in everyday life by masking and pretending to be more "normal."

[@angela897094]

​@insertcheesypunhere he was so adorably awkward onstage when he first started. It was so cute and endearing. Now, at his solo shows, he owns the stage but can still be awkward but in a cool confident way, if that makes any sense. He's always been so talented and loveable!

[@nathancreek6086]

Annaleigh is so brave to portray Mrs Lovett as Nadja from What We Do In The Shadows

[@woschaebedip]

If I close my eyes I can see Nadja and Laszlo performing

[@notyourboi4076]

Definitely caught that but thought maybe I was imagining it 😂

[@katrina_SJD]

Glad it wasn't just me

[@justinpugh5746]

That's exactly who she sounds like! Lol

[@musicalmaniac1000]

Now that you've said it, I can't unsee it 😂

[@henrydperrine]

I love how Annaleigh plays Mrs. Lovett. Shes kinda niave in a way and shes mimicking Sweeney in a way. Trying to be like him so he likes her. Absolutely lovely decision.

[@SweatyOracle]

Joanna Carpenter is singing the Beggar Woman. Joanna is a vacation swing who does NOT cover the role on Broadway but stepped in at the very last second with no real rehearsal so the show could go on. Today is Joanna’s last day at Sweeney Todd on Broadway (which has also been her Broadway debut) and I don’t feel like she’s getting the praises she deserves for stepping up to plate at this concert

[@TaylorBrown419]

She's amazing!!

[@cruisindownthestreetinmy6490]

Absolutely incredible

[@AdventuresAwait123]

Awesome

[@szde]

Loving Annaleigh Ashford's Modern Essex Mockney But Also Weird Camp Eastern European Circus Owner Accent. It is an unexpected choice, and a brave one

[@thomasjames456]

It's the worst English accent I've ever heard

[@kieranseale1087]

Definitely eastern European!

[@matthewlucas4990]

Absolutely hilarious. I love your description, too haha. A theatre critic described her performance as "barely human", but they meant it positively.

[@simhedgesrex7097]

Brave - I'll say! It's just all over the place. I couldn't sit through the whole show, because I find it incredibly distracting. Fire the dialect coach.

[@chirilily]

One of the best (funniest and most accurate) comments I've ever seen on youtube :)

[@amrelarcher8990]

Mrs. Lovett going under the desk and not leaving Sweeney Todd's side is such a nice touch. credit to Annaleigh for that!

[@nickigrace8348]

Soooo typical Lovett and Sweeney antics

[@amrelarcher8990]

Sweeney’s reaction to her is also amazing. “Oh you’re doing this now? Okay” and he just moves on. Josh and Annaleigh really embodied the characters they played in this. I love them so much!

[@judylinzer8421]

Amazing Broadway show !! Wonderful cast !!

[@charleslewis1795]

❤❤❤❤❤oh❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤my❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@charleslewis1795]

​❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤@@nickigrace8348

[@globalsoundconcerts]

What an unbelievable thrill to produce record and mix this concert -- my Magnum Opus at the Tiny Desk. Thank you to everyone who trusted me with Stephen's masterpiece. Alex Lacamoire is a genius and I was so honored to work with him on this very special show. Love to everyone watching. I hope this fills your heart and that you love it as much as I do. Best belated birthday present ever. #ittakesavillage

[@AMTunLimited]

Are you the audio engineer for the Tiny Desks? Your work is incredible, and a shining example of how good live mixes can be

[@globalsoundconcerts]

@@AMTunLimitedyes! And thank you so much for listening ❤

[@homebakerrr]

INCREDIBLE mix

[@quakerwildcat]

Thank you. And Lac AmIright?

[@potterydogproduction]

This seems like it would be ab amazing job. The av nerd in me would love a full rundown of your process. They always sound amazing.

[@JohnFix]

The whole cast and orchestra is great, but Annaleigh doing all the little acting bits brings this Tiny Desk performance to the next level.

[@thomasjames456]

No it doesn't her English accent is awful

[@trallskis]

She’s easily one of the best parts of the show

[@Mish653]

@@trallskisagreed!

[@LacedWithOreos]

She makes such a charming Lovett!

[@fan-fx1zb]

Except her british accent is a travesty

[@alexmueller5935]

Props to Joanna Carpenter for stepping in on the beggar woman's part in Johanna quartet. She's a swing for the ensemble

[@emlestrange]

I thought she looked so worried i was like, you got this girl! Props to her, she did awesome

[@AdventuresAwait123]

She was awesome, brought a tear

[@faithrolfes4443]

I love how Annaleigh's default motion was whacking/nudging/poking Josh

[@xMcRsTaRx]

Drives me insane how much she did that 😅😅😅😅

[@baileyboone5429]

How does Josh sound even better here than on the cast recording? You can tell he's really grown into the role. Gosh, I just love him.

[@ecomaniacbali6546]

Josh seems to always do so well in live performances. just as an example listen to his "Stages Live"album. It's even better than the studio Stages album.

[@ChienaAvtzon]

He sounds incredible in the theater.

[@SFranklin]

I agree, he sounds incredible here.

[@oogie_boogie101]

​@SFranklin, he sounds amazing all the time

[@ihaveaplan.ijustneedmoney.9777]

I honestly prefer an actor's performance after they've done dozens if not hundreds of shows since the initial cast recording. Because at that point they've settled in with the role so much that they can naturally add nuances that benefits the role. One of my favorite cases is probably Bertie's Trunchbull and how his voice for her gradually became more rough and even "witch-like" as time went on. 😂

[@DaemonMunkir]

Annaleigh Ashford is a precious bean. Annaleigh Ashford is a treasure. "Actually I found some things under the desk."

[@Avery_4272]

Maybe under the desk she found 6 magic beans from a baker and his wife, ha!

[@DesireeStamat]

I wonder who the guitar pics could be from?

[@Shae29]

Couldn’t agree more! She’s so sweet❤

[@audball217]

I’m freaking out!!! The woman in the black turtleneck, I was in the wizard of oz with her when she was Dorothy! It’s so cool to see her there,knowing the tiny town we came from. Everyone is incredibly talented, not surprised though ❤️❤️

[@MaskingMasc]

Annaleigh is crafting such an incredible career. She is such a fantastic character actor and so impressive.

[@emhu2594]

What is that accent

[@madelynnchase4231]

@@emhu2594funny- I don’t know that it needs to be anything else

[@lionmuesli4321]

I would say a failed attempt at a cockney accent @@emhu2594

[@curiouslystrongsinging]

The best voice of any Mrs Lovett I've ever heard.

[@margaritakmp]

@@emhu2594 it reminds me of Nadja from What We Do in the Shadows

[@allyson--]

There has GOT to be a Merrily We Roll Along: Tiny Desk Concert in the works!

[@Oper905]

Yes! This! Please!

[@jonathanmuniz4903]

Concur!

[@globalsoundconcerts]

For real

[@allyson--]

Merrily Overture Appreciation Comment

[@Avery_4272]

@@allyson--One of my favorite overtures!!

[@timothymontes2049]

Fantastic. That beggar woman enunciated the lyrics so well I finally got to understand what that character keeps on saying in the fast runs. Bravo!

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

Ashford is really hilarious. it is kind of refreshing that she can play such dark comedy with such ham. lol. Groban's voice is always richly comforting. thank you for this. Sondheim is always touching

[@metikabegleiter1770]

No one is talking about how Joanna Carpenter who is playing the Beggar Woman here is a SWING!!! I can’t believe they did not even mention that. Shoutout to the Swings and Understudies that keep these shows going and (as seen here) get nearly no recognition for their incredible work!!! ❤❤❤ 10:52

[@carriejones2231]

She's fantastic. Kept hold of that frenetic attitude, that bit of crazy.

[@ricrui3]

What is a SWING?

[@oliviacarroll798]

@@ricrui3 basically she has a ton of roles she plays- the "Beggar Woman" is not the only role she plays or even the main one- she simply goes where she's needed and she's able to do that by learning a ton off different "tracks" or roles.

[@julesj2353]

@@ricrui3swings essentially learn the whole show so they can step in for anyone who doesn’t have a specific understudy. Depending on the show this can be up to 15ish people’s roles. They can step in for other ensemble members, smaller characters, etc. They are ready and able to dance and sing most anything in the show. It’s a huge amount of work and takes a lot of talent and effort to be that versatile and know that many parts. Swings and understudies also enable schedules to be a bit flexible - makes it so people can take a day off, stay home when sick or do PR stuff like this event. They are the unsung heroes of many shows. There are also swing technicians who move into various technical roles backstage.

[@metikabegleiter1770]

@@ricrui3 a swing is a performer who is not usually onstage but learns as many as 12 “tracks” or roles in the show (12 is extreme; I’d say 5 is about average) This can include lead roles or ensemble roles. They often go on for ensemble roles when one of the ensemble members is filling in for a lead. So for example Let’s say the person playing Johanna is out sick. Someone in the ensemble who knows that role will play it, but now someone needs to fill in that ensemble role… that will be the swing! Not to further confuse you, but Joanna here is a vacation swing which means she used to be a full time swing in the show but now only comes in when people are out on vacation or injury. This is because she’s in rehearsals for a new show at Mcc called the connector that is set to open mid January. She just took her final bow in Sweeney. What’s even MORE impressive is that the beggar woman is not one of the roles she covered as a swing. She never went on as the beggar woman; never *technically* learned this role so it’s more impressive that she is filling In ❤️

[@UsefullyAwesome]

0:04 “My Friends” 4:48 “By the Sea” 9:17 “Johanna (Act 2 Sequence)” 15:40 “A Little Priest”

[@kevinpalmer6176]

You rock for this!

[@nickigrace8348]

josh and annaleigh are so brilliant, their characters just shine through the screen. they do not need costumes or sets, that’s sweeney todd and mrs lovett right there

[@andreabersoza2588]

I could listen to Josh Groban forever. Also Maria Bilbao is so incredibly talented. I'm so glad she's on the 2023 recording

[@devwgtivr6]

Annaleigh's voice is incredible for a Tiny Desk set. The production is ultra impressive.

[@pati2570]

What a gift for the theatre kids. ❤

[@averynewtown2782]

For everybody!

[@338holly]

As a former chior kid I saw Josh Groban and hit play.

[@roisin1159]

Rightt

[@anmimc]

Man, I hope they recorded this cast for video. This might be as close to seeing a performance as I will get.

[@maryannefeyer6332]

I was lucky enough to see the matinee on 11/29. It was easily the best thing I’ve ever seen on Broadway (next to the original cast of “Ragtime,” which is saying something!)

[@ecomaniacbali6546]

The NYC Library at Lincoln Center did a Pro-shot last week. I hope someday it's availble to the public.

[@SquarelyGames]

I LOVE this version of Mrs Lovett! She is having so much fun! Does so much with her acting, still it all feels so natural. Absolutely fantastic.

[@CompostRoses]

If I took a shot every time Annaleigh Ashford hit Josh Groban with her right arm I wouldn't be alive to write this.

[@gabrielramos498]

We want Company: Tiny Desk Concert, please

[@stellaminer5230]

18:57 the way the musicians behind them also salute had me CRACKING up, love to see the little bits and insides jokes the orchestra and crew always have!

[@celestelalianna7276]

Annaleigh plays lovett so playful, I love ittt!

[@AP-vx1wx]

Annaleigh is having a blast. I just love her energy and charisma.

[@theothercastlepodcast]

I and my entire family were on the fence about JG as Sweeney Todd. Threw this on in the background during Christmas dinner and everyone stopped to listen. We were completely enthralled.

[@solvillabaja2040]

I don't think Josh has ever sounded better!

[@Avery_4272]

He's certainly taken good care of his voice!

[@ZannePeace42]

He really has grown into a new level hasn't he! Wow.

[@asmileisspecial]

It feels like such a gift to hear him sing parts of the Sweeney Todd score. I’m jealous of anyone who gets to see him live.

[@wcdream]

Josh groban as sweeney was such a killer choice. His voice is PERFECT for a character like this.

[@losfp]

I have no idea where Annaleigh thinks Mrs Lovett is actually from. But she is so good, I don't actually care! Loving these Tiny Desk musicals shows, and this pared down arrangement is gorgeous!

[@oriolesaltec]

It’s an interesting choice to get a non-Brit to play mrs lovett, but she makes up for it, I agree.

[@marthav6640]

I agree. But it’s distracting. Josh is perfection.

[@louloumjryan1991]

😂 I think she sounds British while singing but a bit German while speaking! She’s great.

[@kieranseale1087]

​@@louloumjryan1991 her accent is ridiculous (and there is no such thing as a "British" accent)!

[@briannarenni]

Ok so I'm not the only one 💀It's a region....not found on maps

[@Shae29]

Josh and Annaleigh’s chemistry is amazing! I honestly thought they’d do Green finch and linnet bird, and wasn’t expecting By the sea at all😂

[@boixgenius]

PLEASE continue to do more theater! I genuinely screamed when I saw this was a thing. Thank you npr

[@noellegpineda]

One of the absolute best Tiny Desk concerts. Annaleigh Ashford as Lovett is a perfect fit. I love how present she is in every moment.

[@SpeedyJavve]

Couldn't stop thinking about Andy Bernard being crushed seeing his younger brother outshine him in the very same musical he performed in and as the lead no less. 😄

[@TomeWorm]

I would pay good money to see Andy and Walter, Jr. do a Sweeney singoff!!

[@exalted8659]

Josh and Annaleigh's chemistry left me speechless throughout their entire performance. Bravo!!

[@mrsdv]

I just saw this in person a couple of weeks ago and was blown away by this cast. They are exceptional together. I knew that I would be blown away by Groban what I wasn't expecting was for Ashford to steal the show like she does. Their chemistry is incredible on stage but it is captured perfectly here. Perfect Christmas present NPR, I am so happy to have something to reminisce!

[@DonnaLowe]

I felt the same when I saw it!

[@lc1715]

Love this but Annaleigh’s accent travels around more than Carmen Sandiego

[@dhandler19]

Ha! True but she mostly gets away with it on charm and talent!

[@nicolefrances.c]

Annaleigh is just… magnetizing.

[@kueller917]

The tight space and directional microphones really keep Annaleigh from doing more of the movements she does on stage but I like that she managed to bring the same energy to the performance anyways by scavenging for trinkets under the desk. Also Tiny Desk really needs to get rented out for a cast recording. They're so often better and livelier than many of the actual cast recordings.

[@jacobebersole7138]

I absolutely love the Mrs. Lovett voice, it scratches a weird itch in my brain

[@janetgates3957]

how many times did I watch this? ..yes

[@soleilhuangdale]

the clarinet and bassoon at 18:53 are why pit is my fav 👏

[@fanw3255]

Josh's voice is so beautiful. The version of Mrs Lovett by Annaleigh is incredible. Love the whole cast!

[@inferno-.]

annaleigh ashford gives me so much joy😄😄

[@llPAIGEll]

Love Josh Groban. Such an amazing voice.

[@nonchi5113]

Honestly Josh is such an angel i found it difficult to see him as the demon barber. It's like Sweeney is killing all those ppl with a baby-proof razor

[@soaribb32]

On point 😂😂😂

[@jakedahms8856]

Jonathan Tunick is brilliant, this sounds so full and beautiful and the sound mix is gorgeous, this is gonna be a wonderful archive for us Sondheim nerds forever.

[@m76000]

“Annaleigh is now UNDER the tiny desk…” 😂 8:32

[@ForgottenCovers]

I've seen this on Broadway twice now, once with Josh Groban and once with Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney, and it is just SO AMAZING! Annaleigh Ashford is a national treasure 😊

[@temporarystranger95]

I saw the show recently with Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney, and I thought he was incredible. Wow! What a performance.

[@connell8]

I just saw Sweeney Todd this week, what a gift to then get the Tiny Desk accompaniment 2 days later! I just wanted to say how fantastic Josh’s enunciation is. When the whole ensemble sang they were amazing, but I was getting a little lost and then Josh came out and his enunciation was impeccable - I could follow everything. Like, it was so good that that was my immediate thought and first comment to describe how good the show is!

[@connell8]

And then the second comment would be about Lovett and Sweeney’s chemistry and Ashford’s performance. Ugh I mean this show was everything

[@lezzlemynezzle]

This is so true, I often couldn’t hear the words some of the other people sang during the show but could always hear Josh’s lyrics

[@TheDriedfrogpills]

Shout out to the orchestra members doing so much work

[@peterschneiter7960]

Brilliant! Brilliant!! Brilliant!! I love Mrs Lovett's mock "cockney" accent on the meat pie song - adds something unique to this Sondheim Sweeny Special

[@octoberly_]

This is what Andy wanted on the office, but of course he lost out to his brother again.

[@GITSVermeer]

Omg, I always think of The Office when I see something about Sweeny Todd. I open this and immediatly see Josh Groban. My day is okay again :):)

[@jacobchavez4176]

Annaleigh Ashford is the life life-blood of this production ❤

[@KUROHiTO88]

After recalibrating my ears to not hear Patti LuPone or Helena Bonham Carter, I've come to dig Annaleigh's musical choices. And she's definitely the funniest Lovett, so there's that.

[@jacobchavez4176]

@@KUROHiTO88 just the ability to bring something so new and unique to a decades-old musical that feels fresh is amazing to me

[@margonton]

You see the talent of Josh Groban when he switches from scary murderer barber to his sweet and kind self !

[@TheLikeButton.]

The Joanna quartet is so great especially because he's completely slaughtering fools in the chair and dumping them down the hole during it!

[@KennyRubenis]

Loved it! I get such a big smile on my face when I see how much fun Annaleigh is having as Mrs Lovett. Wish I could see the show again :)

[@SpectrumSpecter13]

I'm always left going, "Wait?? Where's the rest?? I need it!!" at the end of Tiny Desks in general, but ESPECIALLY the broadway ones! This was amazing!! ❤🥲

[@dustinanglin]

Saw this in NYC in October, and while Groban's voice is impressive, Annaleigh Ashford stole the show. She is so effortlessly funny.

[@MarkHatlestad]

The reorchestration is fantastic, as well as the performances... So glad this was made!

[@markschildberg1667]

Jonathan Tunick’s genius is mystifying. How does he always know the instrumentation and dynamics, regardless of the orchestra’s size?

[@JosephJohnson-gu5fw]

I honestly did not know what to expect and wow oh wow wow I am just floored by annalee ashford's charm as Mrs Lovett and Josh Groban as Sweeney is just there are no words It's just so beautiful

[@mandcbruce]

Really caught my attention the way the TDC microphone eerily morphed into a straight razor. It cued me to really focus on this special performance.

[@globalsoundconcerts]

So happy to hear this. Shout out to our amazing animator Jackie Lay!

[@KristinaEmilyOfficial]

Musical theatre tiny desks are my new favourite thing in the world! This is so good! 😍 keep them coming! ❤

[@chrislonge3343]

My favourite musical

[@brittneymcnamara9854]

Josh and Annaleigh are incredible and the production was amazing. I could listen to Josh sing this score all day every day

[@tahlele]

I never been so early to a tiny desk like this! This is my favorite musical!!!!!

[@Avery_4272]

Thank you, Jonathan Tunick, for being such a brilliant orchestrator and sharing your gift.

[@sonofliberty1]

Thank you for this Christmas treat NPR and thank you to all of the performers and sound and video technicians and the people who worked to get this organised. Brilliant!

[@NadiaGladys]

The woodwinds were such a great touch.

[@yungfukup1826]

We need more musicals like Sweeney Todd fr

[@camilla8129]

they're always so in character omg!!! I adore them completely

[@johnovens3093]

BASSOONIST ON TINY DESK. WE MADE IT

[@marchg4114]

I KNEW Josh would be a splendid Todd, he is such an absolute treasure ❤ and Annaleigh has clearly paid attention to Patti LuPone's performances 😊 her voice is beautiful, too!

[@Ifithurtsyou]

I will never stop regretting not seeing the show when it first opened 😢 thank you tiny desk for a taste of Sweeney with Josh and Annaleigh

[@angelozgalang9166]

You arr absolutely brilliant josh groban❤

[@EmilyBekanich]

Josh and Annaleigh sound like angels ❤️

[@joyegreg]

I keep coming back for that sublime Johanna Act 2 Sequence. Daniel Yearwood's Anthony takes an intentionally monodimensional character and lifts him to the heavens, what a voice. And the line that just kills me with Sondheim's genius is "Goodbye Johanna, you're gone and yet you're mine/I'm fine, Johanna, I'm fine." That's such a deft understanding of a closed heart that can't allow the pain in - so he sings this almost Mozartian sweet quartet while he's slitting throats. "Another bright red day" indeed. And the whole thing pulsing with foreboding. Just brilliant.

[@1amr4y]

yess!!!!

[@jeremythompson8016]

I can't imagine loving this more. From top to bottom extraordinarily delightful. Been a Josh fan from go... she is a new and most VERY welcome find for me. Together they're beyond magical and surpass charming by miles. 💓💓💓

[@ashykins]

I love annaleigh so much. I saw her on broadway and she was my favorite the whole time

[@nothingserious8577]

Isn’t it crazy how Andy’s brother is playing Sweeney Todd which Andy was in on the show. The office and Sweeney Todd are in the same universe

[@padminimayur4049]

My Friends is such a masterful song

[@Michael-zi9of]

These folks, musicians and singers/actors - as well as composition and PERFORMANCE are top notch; as good as it gets!!! THANK YOU for that treat!

[@elmoandthestix4446]

This is amazing. I never expected Tiny Desk would do a Sondheim musical. Thank you!

[@semperaugustus661]

Saw this in NYC. Loved it so much I immediately went back and saw it the next night.

[@camilaalvarado4106]

Daniel is so good!!! First time hearing him he’s amazing!!! Josh and Annaleigh have never sounded better 😭❤️ I’m so sad I’ll never be able to see them live so this has made me so happy 😭😭😭❤️‍🩹

[@debbiedixon9039]

He’s a better fit for me than Jordan was.

[@rmfan2092]

@@debbiedixon9039 I loved Daniel in the role, but must admit I liked Jordan's voice better... but to each their own. :)

[@LouisianaGhostbusters]

Nobody has more fun performing than Annaleigh Ashford. GOALS.

[@TrainsAndSirens]

Wow! Brilliant performance! Tiny Desk always a sweet surprise!

[@whitneyryangarrity5265]

I’m guessing the bopping and constant touching is a character thing. At least young people are being introduced to glorious musical. I remember weeping just listening to the OG album. And later seeing Bob Gunton and Beth Fowler in a revival.

[@debbiedixon9039]

Love this show so much. Have tickets for the last Josh and Annaleigh performance. Love the s song choices Wish Josh did Epiphany my favorite song in act 1. Amazing chemistry. My third time can’t wait.

[@kaan_bey]

This one is the most entertaining By the Sea performance I've seen so far. Brilliant! ❤

[@denouvel]

♥ I love it !! thank you NPR

[@dhandler19]

This is wonderful and the clear chemistry between Groban and Ashford has enough power to light up Broadway. Everyone does such precise and lovely vocal work, it’s a pleasure to experience this trimmed down concert & appreciate their artistry. I love the positioning of the original Sweeney Todd Broadway cast recording behind Groban. This is very much a tribute to Cariou’s, Lansbury’s and that cast’s legendary work and I’ve been loving and listening to both.

[@veronicaburroughs5043]

Amazing