Joe Locke to make his Broadway debut in ‘Sweeney Todd’
Hey there, all you Broadway buffs and Heartstopper fans, we’ve got some exciting news for you! Get ready to cheer because Joe Locke, our beloved Charlie Spring from Netflix’s Heartstopper, is about to make his Broadway debut this January in the acclaimed Tony Award-nominated revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Locke is stepping into the shoes of the young apprentice Tobias, a role that garnered attention in the revival and that was previously played by Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things fame, who bid farewell to the character just last month. Locke will grace the stage at the historic Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in the heart of NYC starting January 31st.
His arrival comes right before the eagerly awaited debuts of Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster, who will take on the iconic roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett starting February 9th. As the original cast members Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford wrap up their final performances on Sunday, January 14, 2024, Locke’s inclusion promises an exciting new chapter for this mesmerizing production.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street holds a special place in the records of Broadway history. Stephen Sondheim’s tenth Broadway production is widely regarded as his magnum opus—a captivating blend of melodious tunes and daring theatrics that have graced theaters of all sizes, including numerous opera houses. The original 1979 Broadway rendition clinched an astounding eight Tony Awards, securing its position as the season’s best musical. This gripping tale has seen multiple revivals, and in 2007, it received a cinematic adaptation by Tim Burton, featuring Johnny Depp in the titular role.
For those uninitiated in the dark yet enthralling world of Sweeney Todd, the story revolves around the titular character, Sweeney Todd, who returns to London seeking revenge against the corrupt judge who wronged him and tore his family apart. Todd, aided by the resourceful Mrs. Lovett, turns to a gruesome solution, setting up a barbershop where his clients meet a rather unfortunate fate before becoming the secret ingredient in Lovett’s meat pies.
The revival, helmed by the acclaimed director Thomas Kail (Hamilton), received widespread acclaim upon its opening last March. Its consistent high rankings in Broadway’s weekly box office attest to its immense popularity among theatergoers. Jeffrey Seller, the lead producer, has been instrumental in bringing this mesmerizing rendition to life.
Locke’s addition undoubtedly adds a fresh, youthful energy to an already captivating production. Locke’s Broadway debut is not only a milestone in his burgeoning career but also a momentous occasion for all of us theater lovers who are eagerly anticipating his performance in this darkly captivating tale.
So, mark your calendars, folks, ‘cause Locke’s Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is about to light up the stage with a whole new energy!
Tickets for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street are available for purchase at the venue or on the official webpage that you can find here. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured image: Photo by Felix Cooper. Netflix. TUDUM.
