“Sweeney Todd” is complex and sweeping.
The Stephen Sondheim show– about a wrongfully imprisoned barker who returns to London seeking revenge — is dark. The music, which dominates the production, is difficult. Even the English accents are hard to master.
But Staples Players staged it, expertly and excitingly, in the spring of 2015. It was another stunning success for directors David Roth and Kerry Long, and their high school-in-name-only actors.
Media instructor Jim Honeycutt filmed both casts, and created this memorable highlight reel. Click here or below to see:
Many of the actors have since built impressive careers, on stage and off. Among them:
Everett Sussman (Sweeney Todd) is an applied mathematics/computer science graduate of Harvard University. He is now a digital creator. He has acted in regional theater productions, including (again!) “Sweeney Todd.”
Juliet Kimble (Mrs. Lovett) graduated with a BFA from Ithaca College, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. She performed in “Richard III,” “King Lear” and “Broken Heart” there.
Jack Baylis (Anthony Hope) graduated from Point Park University’s musical theater program. He has performed in “Legally Blonde,” “Jersey Boys,” “Children of Eden,” “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Caroline Didelot (Johanna) appeared in “Kinky Boots” at Baldwin Wallace University, “42nd Street” at New London Barn Playhouse, and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for Prime Video.
Emma Ruchefsky (Johanna) performs professionally under the stage name Emma Charles (and occasionally EMMMA).She has toured nationally and released acclaimed singles and EPs. Billboard recognized her as a Best Emerging Artist. She continues to write, record and tour.
Jack Bowman (Tobias) earned a BFA in musical theatre from Pennsylvania State University. He worked on stage and screen in New York. Because of COVID, his focus shifted to digital art. Jack is now an animator with a focus in 2D and 3D design, illustration and animation.
Joe Badion (Tobias) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Noa Wind (Beggar Woman) is a vocalist and performer who has appeared as a supporting chorus member and soloist in high-profile concert events with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.
Jacob Leaf (Judge Turpin) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.
Nick Massoud (Judge Turpin) sang a cappella at Yale with the Spizzwinks and the Whiffenpoofs. He now lives and works in New York.
Keanan Pucci (The Beadle) graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, contributing to virtual production pipelines and visual development for projects like Netflix’s “Escape from Hat.” His film credits include “An Inconsistent Story in Stealing. Click here for a showcase of his interactive and 3D work.
Mackenzie Lavoie (Fogg, Ensemble) earned a bachelor of science in arts administration, combined arts and a minor in film and media studies at Wagner College. She is a communications and PR professional specializing in strategic storytelling, media relations and brand positioning.
Christian Melhuish (Quintet) is a singer, actor and dancer in New York. After graduating from Temple University with a BFA in musical theater, Christian has performed regionally around the country. Credits include Jesus (“Godspell”), Romeo (“Romeo & Juliet”) and Bob Gaudio (“Jersey Boys”). He has also performed Off-Broadway and in cabarets and staged readings.
Remy Laifer (Quintet) is a New York-based actor and musician. A graduate of Northwestern University’s theatre program, he has appeared on television in NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” His film work includes “Escape from Myrtle Broadway” and “3 Worlds, 1 Modern Romance.”
Bailey Claffey (Ensemble) graduated from Wagner College’s Theater and Speech Department. She has performed regionally, and sang the national anthem before a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.
Avery Mendillo (Ensemble, Soloist) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.
Jackie Rhoads (Ensemble) is a filmmaker, actor, writer and producer, who studied film at Vanderbilt University. She creates and stars in videos on her YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 subscribers, and supports the development team at Fivestone Studios, a production company based in Nashville.
Zoe Samuels (Ensemble) is an associate strategy director at Edelman. She graduated with a degree in theater and Chinese from Middlebury College.
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