Aaron Tveit Has Already Had a Barber Chair Misfire

Ah, the magic of live theatre: the love from the audience, the immediacy of sharing a room together, and unplanned technical snafus that turn a dramatic climax into a comedy act.

Broadway's Sweeney Todd has been no stranger to technical misfires when it comes to its all-important barber chair, but new star Aaron Tveit revealed in a February 23 visit to Live With Kelly and Mark that he's already experienced that particular horror, even with less than two weeks of performances under his belt. See him share what happens when his chair fails to dispose of his victims properly above.

Tveit joined the cast alongside fellow Tony winner Sutton Foster as Mrs. Lovett beginning February 9, with the new stars set to play a limited 12-week engagement. Also new to the company is Heartstopper star Joe Locke, making his Broadway debut as Toby.

New stars also mean a new Playbill cover. Purchase a copy of Foster and Tveit's Sweeney Todd Playbill program exclusively at The Playbill Store.

Directed by Thomas Kail, the revival was nominated for eight 2023 Tony Awards, and won Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Natasha Katz) and Best Sound Design of a Musical (Nevin Steinberg). The revival officially opened March 26, 2023. Foster and Tveit succeed the production's original leading pair, Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, who ended their run January 14.

READ: To Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster, Sweeney Todd is a Love Story

Based on the Christopher Bond play of the same name, Sweeney Todd centers on its titular barber who seeks revenge on a corrupt judge and turns to murder, with neighbor and accomplice Mrs. Lovett ultimately discovering they can dispose of the evidence by serving up the most unsettling meat pies to the people of London.

The production features choreography by Steven Hoggett, scenic design by Mimi Lien, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, special effects design by Jeremy Chernick, and wig, hair, and make-up design by J. Jared Janas. Casting is by The Telsey Office, and Baseline Theatrical's Nick Lugo and James Hickey serve as general managers. Cody Renard Richard is production stage manager.