Awwww...such a wonderful production! Saw it twice, loved it immensely.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I wanted it to be better than it was. It was a fun show, but didn't really do anything different with the story other than the setting. I wanted it to be more theatrical or something.
The original Bway production ran 557 performances. The 1989 revival only ran 188 performances & the 2005 LuPone revival ran 349 performances.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
The most recent replacements did nothing to excite me or entice me to see the show again the way Carmello, Panaro, and Lewis all did. I suspect others felt the same, as I don't see nearly as much discussion of the show as there was when they were in it.
I'll be grateful for this production putting Carolee Carmello in the role of Mrs. Lovett. One of the finest stage performances I have ever seen. Similar to adamgreer, I never got excited by other casting enough to go back, but Carmello alone was worth every penny.
I can't imagine a better contemporary Mrs. Lovett! Carmello was outstanding.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
adamgreer said: "The most recent replacements did nothing to excite me or entice me to see the show again the way Carmello, Panaro, and Lewis all did. I suspect others felt the same, as I don't see nearly as much discussion of the show as there was when they were in it."
Is it worth seeing with the current cast? I haven’t gotten around to seeing it yet. I was thinking of going in early June. If I can dig it up again, I did find a pretty good discount, so wouldn’t be paying full price.
I also had some issues with this production, but I'm happy for them for their long run. Does anyone know if they will have recouped by the end? It's a small house, but the tickets are pretty expensive. Not to mention the wildly overpriced pies. I imagine the transformation of the space set them back a bit, but other than that it's not a high-budget production at all.
I agree that Carolee's performance was astoundingly good. What a joy it was to see this phenomenal performer finally take on one of the great roles of musical theatre, after years of being wasted on lesser parts.
As for the current cast, I haven't felt the need to return to see them, but I admit they do intrigue me on paper. Sally Ann Triplett is a seasoned pro, and Thom Sesma was a stand-out for me in Pacific Overtures, despite not having a huge role. Based on what I saw of him there, I imagine he'd be a great Sweeney. Plus how cool is it to have an Asian American man play Sweeney Todd in a major production?
I went back to the show last Sunday and enjoyed the new cast. The production remains solid. If you can find decently priced tickets, it's worth a return trip.
Just bought tickets for this Sunday while I'll be in the city. Found a great discount code (FIVEHUNDRED) that sets most tickets at $50 until the end of May. If there are any left, I highly recommend grabbing one!
For the record, I'm not trying to suggest that Sally Ann Triplett isn't good in the role or is somehow unqualified. I'm simply stating she doesn't excite me the way Carmello's casting did, which caused me to buy a ticket almost immediately after she was announced.
GeorgeandDot said: "Too bad it's closing. I would've loved to have seen Victoria Clark play Lovett."
That would have been fantastic!
I really enjoyed this production, and it gave me a chance to finally see Carolee Carmello onstage. And what a performance she gave! I'm very happy I got to experience this show.
99pandas said: "adamgreer said: "The most recent replacements did nothing to excite me or entice me to see the show again the way Carmello, Panaro, and Lewis all did. I suspect others felt the same, as I don't see nearly as much discussion of the show as there was when they were in it."
Is it worth seeing with the current cast? I haven’t gotten around to seeing it yet. I was thinking of going in early June. If I can dig it up again, I did find a pretty good discount, so wouldn’t be paying full price."
I saw it at the end of last month and had a wonderful time. Sally Ann Triplett was out so I can’t comment on her, but Thom Sesma was a fantastic Sweeney. Definitely worth your time if you haven’t gone yet.
Jshan05 said: "Just bought tickets for this Sunday while I'll be in the city. Found a great discount code (FIVEHUNDRED) that sets most tickets at $50 until the end of May. If there are any left, I highly recommend grabbing one!"
Just got an email from them. “Fan Offer” all full-priced tickets $50.00 for the month of June. Use code: KILLERFANS. I wasn’t planning on seeing it again since I’ve already seen it twice. But for $50.00, I may see it a third time.
I’ve been lurking on here for a long time and finally decided to join. Just wanted to say thanks to all who recommended this show! I saw it on my most recent trip to NYC due to the recommendations on this message board and am so glad I got to see it before it closes.
I’ve seen this production twice over the past year, each time with different leads, both excellent - favorite Hugh & Carolee. I’d see it again, but the new leads don’t excite me at all.