Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit put their own stamp on the magnificent Broadway revival of SWEENEY TODD

• By drediman
• April 2, 2024
• No Comments

One of the hit musical revivals currently gracing the boards of the Great White Way is the magnificent production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. When the revival opened last spring, it was all but destined to become one of the city’s hottest tickets, not least because of its headliners — recording superstar Josh Groban in the title role and Tony-winner and television star Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett (the delicious role originally played by the great Angela Lansbury).

Although both Groban and Ashford admirably made the iconic roles their own, I’d be hard pressed to say their successors are any less effective — and starry. As Mrs. Lovett, charismatic fan favorite Sutton Foster is arguably a better fit for the role than Ashford was, giving a fully-formed performance that remains convincingly in character from beginning to end. Throughout, the stage and screen star utilizes her voice and physicality with the scrappy comic ingenuity of a true stage pro without ever losing sight of the competing humanity and horrific ruthlessness percolating just beneath the surface. Even though Aaron Tveit’s tenor voice isn’t the most natural fit for the title role (he gets the job done, though), his naturally brooding disposition and matinee idol good looks catapults Sweeney squarely into the status of sex symbol. Although his portrayal — a smart “transition” role for the Tony-winner — alters the balance of the show, it also brings a more authentic sexual/romantic element to the character’s chemistry with Mrs. Lovett. Also new to the new cast is the young, golden-voiced Joe Locke (of Heartstopper fame) — in a notable Broadway debut — whose purity as Tobias beguiled me. Last but not least, the sensational Ruthie Ann Miles remains uncommonly and remarkably central as the Beggar Woman.

Thomas Kail’s production continues to be as an inspired full-scale representation of Sondheim’s masterpiece, particularly as fueled by a terrifically committed ensemble. Featuring a 26-piece orchestra and a large cast, the revival is a rare opportunity for fans of the musical to experience it in all its sonic and visual glory. More than ever, I feel that Steven Hoggett is the unsung hero of the creative team; his organic choreography and movement give the musical a dynamism that jumps off the stage with visceral force.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

SWEENEY TODD
Broadway, Musical
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
2 hours, 45 minutes (with one intermission)
Through May 5