Is it true? I don’t know. But the blog broadwayjournal.com says the following.
“Hamilton” produced Jeffrey Seller is raising $14.5 million to stage a super duper version of “Sweeney Todd” next spring.
Seller, the blog says, has lined up Josh Groban to play Sweeney, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Annaleigh Ashford to play the kooky but in-love Mrs. Lovett, baker of the best pies in London.
Thomas Kail, of “Hamilton” fame, would direct.
“Sweeney Todd” is my all time favorite musical. I’ve seen it in every form, including in a bake shop. So I hope this story is correct. After “Company” set Broadway on fire, and “Into the Woods” is going strong, we need more Sondheim!
There’s also a revival of “Merrily We Roll Along” heading to New York Theatre Arts Workshop with Daniel Radcliffe heading up the cast.
Groban and Ashford are perfect. Now, who to play Anthony? Is Josh Henry too old? (Maybe. Groban is kind of a young Sweeney.) There are plenty of choices for all the roles, that’s for sure.