Tag: sweeney todd

Tony Awards 2023 | Ranking Each Broadway Performance by How Much it Influenced Me to Buy a Ticket

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

The 76th Tony Awards went forward live on June 11, 2023, thanks to a compromise made with the Writers Guild of America as their strike continues. I was very intrigued to see how the show would do without any sort of script. Plus, I love watching The Tonys to see performances from currently running musicals, as they help me (and many others!) decide whether or not to pay the big bucks for tickets. This year, I was quite surprised with how the performances ended up changing my mind on some of the Broadway musicals. I thought it would be fun to share my ranking of the performances with you, and let you know whether or not I would buy a ticket for each show based on the Tony Awards performance alone.

For this post, I’ve decided to only include performances from currently running Broadway shows, as I’m focusing mainly on whether or not the performance inspired me to purchase a ticket. Of course, all of the performers are extremely talented, and this post is all in good fun. I am basing my thoughts fully on my own likes and dislikes when it comes to musical theatre, and I’ll share more about that as we go along.

10. & Juliet

I’ve been on the fence about seeing & Juliet for a while now. This jukebox musical is a retelling of Romeo & Juliet, and features pop hits from the 1990s and 2000s. Although I enjoy the songs included, the storyline isn’t that intriguing to me. That being said, I’ve heard a lot of good things about this show recently, and was leaning towards seeing it the next time I’m in New York. Unfortunately, the Tonys performance nearly solidified that the show isn’t for me. The vocals sounded really off, and the orchestration of Katy Perry’s Roar was oddly timed. The choreography was also quite basic and repetitive. It felt very campy, but not in a good way. Based on the Tony Awards performance, I would not see & Juliet.

9. Kimberly Akimbo

Next up is Kimberly Akimbo, which won the Tony for Best Musical! Despite its success at the awards, I’m just not drawn to the storyline. The cast performed the song Anagram, which I think was the right choice. It not only introduces the plot of the musical, but explains its name as well. The song was very well performed, and if I were to describe it in one word, it would be “cute.” That being said, the performance did not have that “wow” factor that would make me run to the box office. This seems like a good musical for those who typically enjoy plays.

8. New York New York

Another show I’ve been on the fence about is New York New York. I loved the dancing in this performance, as it gives that old school Broadway feel. However, I wasn’t sure what was going on with Colton Ryan’s accent, which felt very forced and unnatural. Similarly, the show’s concept feels derivative of other Broadway classics that have come before it. I’ve already seen and loved On the Town twice, so what does New York New York offer that’s new? The Tony Awards performance left me unsure.

7. The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise

I’ve already posted a full review of A Beautiful Noise on the blog, which I recently saw and enjoyed. The cast performed Neil Diamond’s hit Sweet Caroline at The Tonys, and it was a fun moment. I especially liked how the ensemble was dancing in the aisles and interacting with the audience. I’m definitely a bit biased because I love Will Swenson, but this performance did make me think I could become a repeat attender at this show. Would I pay full price for a ticket? No, but I’d certainly enter the lottery on a regular basis if I lived in the city.

6. Camelot

Camelot is a show that I feel like is flying under the radar this season. I don’t see many people talking about it online, so I didn’t know what to expect. The Tonys performance actually surprised me in a good way! I liked the costumes, and thought the songs were quite catchy. I was most impressed with Jordan Donica’s performance, though. He sounded absolutely incredible, and his voice alone makes me want to see the show! The performance did make me wish that we had a Broadway show for Galavant… maybe one day that will happen!

5. Parade

I tend to go for upbeat and sparkly Broadway shows, so Parade wasn’t on the top of my list for my last NYC trip since it tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was wrongfully accused of a serious crime. That being said, I was blown away by Ben Platt and Michaela Diamond’s performance. They sounded beautiful, and I felt a bit disappointed knowing I’d probably lost my chance to see Parade with them in it since the show is slated to close on August 6th.

4. Some Like It Hot

Moreover, Some Like It Hot is one of those musicals that I just know I would enjoy! It has amazing dancing (including tap!), beautiful costumes, and a cast full of stars. J. Harison Ghee especially owns the stage, and I would love to see them perform live! The cast performed the title number for The Tonys, and it definitely made me excited to see what else the show has in store for audiences.

3. Funny Girl

I’ll be the first to admit that I had no desire to see Funny Girl because I’m not a Lea Michele fan. However, her Tonys performance changed my mind! Her voice sounds incredible, and I now understand why so many are flocking to NYC to see her perform. Her rendition of Don’t Rain on my Parade was so powerful that it made me want to buy a ticket to the show. Although, I think I’m out of luck because the show closes on September 3rd.

2. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

I did just see Sweeney Todd, and I posted a full review on the blog. Nonetheless, the Tony Awards performance made me want to buy another ticket immediately! Everything about The Ballad of Sweeney Todd is carefully crafted, from the lighting, choreography, and staging. Don’t even get me started on how chilling and powerful the vocals are! While it’s a shame Annaleigh Ashford did not get to show off her talents as Mrs. Lovett, this performance left the audience wanting more for sure.

1. Shucked

Last but not least is the biggest surprise of the night for me, Shucked! I honestly didn’t think this show was for me at all. I don’t like country music, and I’ve heard the show is non-stop dad jokes. Yet this performance was so much fun! I actually really liked the medley they performed, and the corn dancing (if that’s what you call it) was so well done. Shucked went from a probable “no” to an “I need to see that.” Major props to the entire company for changing my mind with one TV spot!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I really enjoyed watching the Tony Awards this year. I actually liked the unscripted version of the show, as it cut down on awkward teleprompter reading and things got to the point quickly. I’m excited to plan another trip to New York City and add some of these shows to my list of things to see!

Share your favorite Tonys performance with me in the comments!

Broadway | Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Playing at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery Available through Broadway Direct

What I Paid: $266.70

Official Website: https://sweeneytoddbroadway.com/

For the first time since 1980, Broadway audiences can experience Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award®–winning score as it was performed in the original production—with Jonathan Tunick’s classic 26-player orchestration on an epic scale. Tony Award–winning director Thomas Kail (Hamilton) helms the return of this musical thriller starring Tony and Grammy® nominee Josh Groban (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) as Sweeney Todd and Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park With George, Kinky Boots) as Mrs. Lovett. Tony winner Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen) reunites with Kail as Music Supervisor, and Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) choreographs this new production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

REVIEW

I’m usually the type of person who enjoys seeing fun, upbeat, and glitzy Broadway shows, but when I found out Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford are starring in the new revival of Sweeney Todd, I knew it was an absolute must attend on my recent trip to New York City. I purchased a full price ticket directly through the show’s website a couple months in advance. Since I’m familiar with the show and didn’t feel the need to be that close to the bloody action, I picked a seat in the Center Orchestra, Row R. While the mezzanine does overhang just slightly, I did not feel like my view was obstructed at all, and highly recommend sitting here if you would like a slightly more affordable price.

If you’re new to Sweeney Todd, the show follows the title character as he returns to London after being sent away to prison on false charges by the evil Judge Turpin. He plots to get revenge against the judge, and re-opens his barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop. What follows is a dramatic and death-filled story about a man trying to seek justice whilst descending into madness.

As I expected, the show is amazingly performed. I can’t tell you how exciting and surreal it was to see this cast in person. Josh Groban’s voice is incredible, and he does a fantastic job at going from a quiet Sweeney to a downright scary one as the show progresses. Annaleigh Ashford is the perfect Mrs. Lovett. Her comedic timing is spot on, and she had the audience in the palm of her hand for the entire show. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Jordan Fisher sounds beautiful as Anthony, and while Gaten Matarazzo was out for the performance I attended, his understudy Nathan Salstone did a flawless job. The other stand-out performance for me is Ruthie Ann Miles as Beggar Woman. Every time she was onstage, my heart went out to her!

Moreover, the theatre itself is transformed to capture the eerie feel of the show. The use of fog when the show opens helps to evoke that unsettled feeling. Similarly, the lighting is very well done. The ensemble is often shrouded in shadow, and many of the scenes have a very dark feel to mimic the story’s themes. If it weren’t for the ambulance sirens going by the theatre (that’s NYC for you), it would be easy to imagine that I’d been transported to dreary London.

I do want to quickly mention the bloody scenes for those of you who may be nervous about attending a gory show. Without giving away too many spoilers, I’ll mention that the anticipation of the bloody moments is actually much worse than the moments themselves. The orchestra and actors work together to create so much tension, that I was actually a bit relieved when the first “shave” takes place and not much blood is seen. In fact, each death is pretty quick, and I feel like the show does a great job at not glorifying them. If you’re still a bit uneasy, do as I did and sit a bit farther back!

Overall, I am thrilled I had the privilege of attending this Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to see so many incredible performers on one stage, but the entire experience was amplified by the audience. From the moment the lights went down until the final bow, I felt like I was part of a wonderful group of theatre-goers experiencing greatness together. Everyone applauded with gusto when appropriate, and was enraptured throughout the rest of the performance. If you are able to see this show, I highly recommend it!

STAGE DOOR

I attended a Saturday matinee performance of Sweeney Todd. While barricades were set up around the stage door, security was very quick to inform everyone that, “There is no Stage Door.” This was disappointing, since I’ve seen many others on social media get their Playbills signed by the entire cast, but I do understand the need to rest between matinee and evening performances. The only off-putting thing was that if you even stood 10-15 feet away from the stage door itself, security yelled at you to move. I tried standing about 15 feet away to order food, and some others were slightly closer trying to look up directions on their phone. I would cross the street or move father down the block to avoid getting scolded, even if you think you are out of the way! If you do want to get your Playbills signed, you may have better luck at evening performances.

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