Podcast Summary: "Are the new Sweeney Todd leads miscast? | Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster join Broadway revival"

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey Jo)
• Description: Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre reviews the latest shows from the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-West End, Edinburgh Fringe, and globally. As a leading voice in theatre criticism on social platforms, Mickey-Jo pioneers a new medium for theatre critique, boasting the largest dedicated theatre criticism YouTube channel with over 60,000 subscribers.

Episode Release Date: November 1, 2023

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey Jo delves into the recent casting changes in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. The discussion centers around the replacement of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford with Tony Award winners Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster. Mickey Jo explores the implications of these casting choices and the mixed reactions they've garnered from audiences and critics alike.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Sutton Foster can just about fit through the door that Annaleigh Ashford barged open with her casting, but Aaron Tveit feels much more like Picatonia Award winner Out of the Hat."

Original Casting and Initial Reactions

Mickey Jo begins by reflecting on the original casting of Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd and Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett. Groban, known for his romantic tenor voice, was perceived as a younger, more romantic take on the traditionally darker role of Todd. Ashford's casting as Mrs. Lovett introduced a fresh, unconventional interpretation, particularly noted for her unique accent choices.

Mickey Jo [00:45]: "Annaleigh, despite having impressed with some other recent Sondheim performances, seemed like a really out of the box casting choice for Mrs. Lovett."

While Mickey Jo appreciated the performances, acknowledging them in his YouTube review, he notes that not all fans were equally thrilled, particularly concerning vocal alignment and character interpretation.

Announcement of New Leads: Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster

The core of the episode focuses on the recent announcement that Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster will be taking over the leading roles starting February 9, 2024, for a 12-week limited run. This shift has stirred varied reactions within the theatre community.

Mickey Jo [04:15]: "Sutton Foster can just about fit through the door that Annaleigh Ashford barged open with her casting. But Aaron Tveit feels much more like Picatonia Award winner Out of the Hat."

Mickey Jo discusses the gap between the departure of the current leads and the arrival of the new ones, speculating on interim casting choices and noting the absence of announcements for replacements of supporting roles, such as Gaten Matarazzo's Tobias.

Background of the New Leads

Sutton Foster

Mickey Jo provides an overview of Sutton Foster's illustrious career, highlighting her Tony Award-winning performances and versatility in both new musicals and revivals. Despite her extensive experience, Foster has limited history with Sondheim productions, which raises questions about her fit for Mrs. Lovett.

Mickey Jo [10:30]: "Sutton Foster is one of the most talented people on the planet. I think she's going to sell that material."

Aaron Tveit

Aaron Tveit’s background is similarly impressive, with a Tony Award for his role in Moulin Rouge and noteworthy performances in Next to Normal, Catch Me If You Can, and Assassins. However, Mickey Jo expresses concerns regarding Tveit's vocal suitability for the bass-baritone role of Sweeney Todd.

Mickey Jo [16:50]: "Aaron Tveit feels miscast vocally for Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd is a bass baritone, and Aaron Tveit I would describe as a lyric tenor."

Critique of the Casting Choices

Sutton Foster as Mrs. Lovett

Mickey Jo acknowledges Foster's exceptional talent and comedic prowess, suggesting that her energy and stage presence could successfully embody Mrs. Lovett's zany character. However, he remains skeptical about Foster's ability to adapt to the accent demands, referencing online backlash regarding Ashford's accent.

Mickey Jo [12:00]: "I think she has it within her to really deliver in the same kind of style with which Annaleigh Ashford did."

Aaron Tveit as Sweeney Todd

The primary concern lies with Tveit's casting as Sweeney Todd. Mickey Jo questions whether Tveit's high tenor range and youthful vocal tone can effectively convey the character's darkness and depth, essential to the role.

Mickey Jo [19:40]: "I still don't hear it vocally. It's not even the range that I'm most concerned about. It's the tone. It's the youthfulness of his tone."

Mickey Jo discusses the potential challenges Tveit may face in delivering the angst and malevolence required for Sweeney Todd, given his established vocal style and previous roles.

Potential Impact and Future Implications

The episode explores the broader implications of these casting decisions on the production's reception and longevity. Mickey Jo speculates on future casting adjustments, especially considering the upcoming departure of supporting actors like Gaten Matarazzo, and the potential ripple effects on other productions, such as Sunday in the Park with George.

Mickey Jo [22:10]: "Are they coming to bring Sunday to the West End next year? And are Taylor Swift fans going to riot because Gyllenhaal's in it?"

Host's Perspective and Conclusion

Mickey Jo concludes with a balanced perspective, expressing faith in Sutton Foster's ability to excel in her new role while maintaining reservations about Aaron Tveit's fit for Sweeney Todd. He emphasizes the importance of vocal and theatrical compatibility in casting decisions and invites listeners to share their opinions.

Mickey Jo [25:00]: "I have faith in Sutton Foster as a performer... But Aaron Tveit feels much more like Picatonia Award winner Out of the Hat. I am not convinced that he's necessarily going to make sense in this role."

He encourages audience engagement, prompting listeners to comment on their thoughts regarding the new casting and their plans to see the revival.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:00] "Sutton Foster can just about fit through the door that Annaleigh Ashford barged open with her casting, but Aaron Tveit feels much more like Picatonia Award winner Out of the Hat."
• [04:15] "Sutton Foster can just about fit through the door that Annaleigh Ashford barged open with her casting. But Aaron Tveit feels much more like Picatonia Award winner Out of the Hat."
• [10:30] "Sutton Foster is one of the most talented people on the planet. I think she's going to sell that material."
• [12:00] "I think she has it within her to really deliver in the same kind of style with which Annaleigh Ashford did."
• [16:50] "Aaron Tveit feels miscast vocally for Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd is a bass baritone, and Aaron Tveit I would describe as a lyric tenor."
• [19:40] "I still don't hear it vocally. It's not even the range that I'm most concerned about. It's the tone. It's the youthfulness of his tone."
• [22:10] "Are they coming to bring Sunday to the West End next year? And are Taylor Swift fans going to riot because Gyllenhaal's in it?"
• [25:00] "I have faith in Sutton Foster as a performer... But Aaron Tveit feels much more like Picatonia Award winner Out of the Hat. I am not convinced that he's necessarily going to make sense in this role."

Final Thoughts

Mickey Jo offers a comprehensive analysis of the casting changes in Sweeney Todd, balancing appreciation for the talents of Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit with critical questions about their suitability for their new roles. This episode serves as an insightful commentary for theatre enthusiasts anticipating the revival's direction and performance quality.

Stay Connected:

• YouTube Channel: MickeyJoTheatre
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