zaro

Did Josh Groban leave Sweeney Todd?

Published in Broadway Exits 2 mins read

Yes, Josh Groban did leave the Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He and co-star Annaleigh Ashford announced their departure, with both playing their final performances as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett.

Groban's Departure from Sweeney Todd

Josh Groban, acclaimed for his powerful vocals, took on the titular role of Sweeney Todd in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's iconic musical. His portrayal, alongside Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett, garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. However, their tenure with the show was not indefinite.

  • Official Announcement: Both Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford confirmed their decision to exit the production.
  • Final Performances: They performed their concluding shows together, marking the end of their run in the lead roles.
  • Show Continuity: The musical continued its successful run on Broadway, with new stars stepping into the roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett after Groban and Ashford's departure.

This transition is a common practice in long-running Broadway shows, allowing new talent to bring fresh interpretations to beloved characters while enabling original cast members to pursue other projects. Groban and Ashford had the opportunity to reflect on their memorable time with the show, having been integral to its initial success and critical reception.

Key Details of the Departure

To provide a clear overview, here are the essential details regarding Josh Groban's exit from Sweeney Todd:

Aspect Detail
Performer Josh Groban
Role Sweeney Todd
Co-Star Departing Annaleigh Ashford (as Mrs. Lovett)
Show Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street on Broadway
Status Departed after playing final performances
Show's Future Continued with new lead performers

This information confirms that Groban's time as the demon barber concluded, making way for the next chapter of the critically acclaimed revival. For more information about the production's history and casting, you can visit resources like Playbill.