Sweeney 3.0 (ish)

[nmlhats]

So the upcoming August cast changes have been announced: 

http://www.playbill.com/article/hugh-panaro-to-succeed-norm-lewis-in-off-broadways-sweeney-todd

Hugh Panaro sings well and all, but I am having a REALLY hard time imagining a tenor portraying Sweeney. It just seems so wrong. (The best Sweeney I've seen is Bryn Terfel, at Chicago Lyric Opera many years ago.) 

Very glad Carmello and John-Michael Lyles are staying, though--I hope through the end of the year, because my tix are in November.

[Caye2]

Does anyone know of any discounts (codes, websites, etc.) for Sweeney Todd?  I see that TodayTix has tickets available now, but are there any other sites/codes?

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Hugh Panaro as Sweeney Todd? He's a tenor - like, a real tenor, with a very bright, boyish sound. Even if he can hit the low notes, this is very unconventional casting. I'm curious to see how he does.

[nmlhats]

I am a little bit afraid....I just can't imagine how this is a good idea. 

[ksilver117]

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Hugh Panaro as Sweeney Todd? He's a tenor - like, a real tenor, with a very bright, boyish sound. Even if he can hit the low notes, this is very unconventional casting. I'm curious to see how he does."

He's actually a baritenor, although his voice does without a doubt lean more toward the tenor side. He's got a good lower range though. Certainly not a typical Sweeney range, but it should work pretty well for the role.

[MattRVA]

Is it reasonable to assume Panaro, Carmello, and the rest of Sweeney 3.0, so to speak, will be with the show through December?

[rosemarycountess2017]

I think Hugh is going to be terrific and unique as Sweeney. His lower range is as strong as the higher. I am really excited for this to happen! Also he was nailing the mad part of the character as the Phantom, so I assume it's going to be very interesting to watch.

[MattRVA]

Anyone have a chance to see the new cast yet? I have tickets for November, and while I was a bit disappointed to hear of Norm Lewis's departure I'm interested to see what Hugh Panaro offers. 

[TheThreadMaster]

I really enjoyed him in Phantom. Hope he does phenomenal!

[ksilver117]

A friend of mine was in the audience last night, for their second performance. Rave reviews for the cast, and especially Panaro. They said he gets to use his lower range a lot (of course) and it sounds fantastic. I can't wait to see him now.

[missthemountains]

Carmello and Panaro in Sweeney? It's Lestat all over again!!

[egnarotsew]

I saw it last night as well.  I lost the lottery but then at around 4:45 I got a call from Today Tix asking if I wanted unclaimed lottery tickets.  I'm not very familiar with Sweeney Todd but I enjoyed his performance.

 

[sit&dither]

Christine Pedi on SiriusXM keeps mentioning that Carolee is in the production until "sometime in September."  Has her exit date been announced, and I've just missed it?

[LesWickedly]

Carolee has tweeted a few times that she's here at least through the end of December. Hopefully that didn't change.

[Lot666]

TheThreadMaster said: "I really enjoyed him in Phantom. Hope he does phenomenal!"

He was wonderful in Phantom; I wish they'd bring him back there.

[little_sally]

Has this become an open-run? It would be nice to have this great production continue to run, especially since casting has (so far) been exciting.

[markienyc]

When I saw Norm Lewis in Sweeney, there is a moment where he yells (screams) at a guest in the front row to MOVE!! Then he sits down next to them after the scoot over.  That night it was me and it was terrifying!  Anyone who's seen it remember if Hugh Panaro does this?  It left quite an impression, let me assure you lol.

[MarkBearSF]

I think the MOVE! bit is part of the show. It was me when we saw it with Norm's (excellent) understudy. It certainly made me jump. (Great seat, wasn't it!)

 

[markienyc]

Great seat, right in the middle of the action, and (depending on how you deal with shocking in your face surprises) very very memorable!  Obviously the people going to this production (hopefully) know how truly immersive this production is. 

[3GamesToLove]

Anyone sat in the mezzanine/balcony since they removed the pie counter over the summer?

[nmlhats]

I looked at CC's Tweets and found this reply on 8/19: "I'll be at the pie shop through the end of the year ... maybe longer! Come visit!"

So I think we're safe!

[egnarotsew]

3GamesToLove said: "Anyone sat in the mezzanine/balcony since they removed the pie counter over the summer?"

I sat in the balcony the other night.

[GavestonPS]

I'd go to see and hear Panaro in ANYthing. Literally.

[NewYorkTheater]

This thread has talked so far about Hugh Panaro only in terms of his singing. I saw him in the show last week, and I was disappointed by his acting. He did try to give a hardened look, but this was a leading man with a hardened look. I saw little indication of a deranged character. 

[Wee Thomas2]

egnarotsew said: "3GamesToLove said: "Anyone sat in the mezzanine/balcony since they removed the pie counter over the summer?"

I sat in the balcony the othernight."

We were in the 2nd row of the Balcony on Sunday (matinee).  I'd say at most 5% of the action happens out of your sight, and you're much less likely to get "acted at" up there (but not impossible) as you are down on the floor.

 

Incredible what they've done to that theater.  Every time we go to Barrow Street it's like a new building.