Title: Matthew Murphy Reports: Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster to Join Broadway’s “Sweeney Todd” Revival
Subtitle: Tveit and Foster to Take Over Iconic Roles from Tony-Nominated Stars
by Matthew Murphy
Date: December 14, 2023
Broadway’s “Sweeney Todd” revival is about to get a fresh injection of talent as Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster step into the shoes of the Demon Barber and his partner-in-crime, Mrs. Lovett. The announcement has created a buzz among theater enthusiasts as the stars prepare to grace the stage of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
The highly acclaimed actors will make their debut in the production on February 9, 2024, and are set to captivate audiences for 12 weeks before bidding farewell on May 5. This follows the departure of the Tony-nominated duo, Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, who will take their final bows on January 14.
Renowned director Thomas Kail, known for his work on “Hamilton,” has helmed this latest revival of Stephen Sondheim’s macabre masterpiece. Since its opening earlier in 2023, “Sweeney Todd” has garnered critical acclaim and consistently played to full houses on Broadway. The production has even clinched two Tony Awards, solidifying its success.
“Sweeney Todd” tells the dark story of a vengeful barber and a resourceful pie shop owner. After Sweeney Todd is unjustly sent away by a corrupt judge, he returns to London, consumed by a desire for revenge and the search for his lost family. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with the cunning Mrs. Lovett, who cleverly incorporates human meat into her infamous pies. The show debuted on Broadway in 1979 and has since had several successful revivals, including a 2007 film adaptation directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.
Aaron Tveit, fresh off his Tony win for his role in “Moulin Rouge: The Musical,” is no stranger to the Broadway stage. With a busy career that includes appearances in “Catch Me If You Can,” “Next to Normal,” and “Hairspray,” Tveit has enthralled audiences with his versatility. He has also made his mark on the screen, with memorable performances in the Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon,” “Grease: Live,” “Les Miserables,” and “Gossip Girl.”
Sutton Foster, who recently wowed audiences in the sold-out Broadway revival of “The Music Man” alongside Hugh Jackman, is a beloved figure in the theater world. With multiple Tony wins for her roles in “Anything Goes” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Foster has proven her talent and charisma on stage. She has also appeared in prestigious productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Annie,” and “Grease.” Foster’s presence on television includes her leading role in the popular sitcom “Younger,” which ran for an impressive seven seasons.
Fans eagerly anticipate Foster’s upcoming performance as Princess Winnifred in the adaptation of “Once Upon a Mattress” in January 2024 before she moves onto “Sweeney Todd.” Meanwhile, theater enthusiasts await Tveit and Foster’s thrilling transformation into the iconic characters of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, hoping for another captivating chapter in the revival of this timeless Broadway classic.
With the arrival of Tveit and Foster, the “Sweeney Todd” revival promises to continue its reign on Broadway, captivating audiences with its chilling tale and unforgettable performances.