Curious to know what the LHS Barnstormers are up to? Look no further than “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!” This murderous musical features a tremendous plot, incredible orchestrations and an extremely talented cast, pit and crew.
Tessa Ritchie, an ensemble member, describes the musical as, “…the story of ‘Sweeney Todd,’ formally Benjamin Barker, who seeks revenge upon Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford who shipped him far away from London in hopes of being able to win the favor of Lucy, Todd’s wife.” The musical’s plot also intertwines the stories of the supporting characters of Anthony, Judge Turpin, Beadle Bamford, Tobias Ragg, Adolfo Pirelli and Johanna to create a chain of events that Richie calls, “chaotic” and “suspenseful.”
“Sweeney Todd” is lucky to be adorned with star-studded LHS students in the cast, pit and leadership positions! The title role is played by Owen Hill, who will perform alongside Eileen Brady as Mrs. Lovett, Bryce Sandoval as Anthony, Samantha Perry as Johanna, Charles Scott as Judge Turpin, Lydia Browning as Beadle Bamford, Ceci Whiteamire as Beggar Woman, Ben Wrobleski as Tobias Ragg and Elizabeth Schuldt as Adolfo Pirelli. Student leadership includes Reagan Bratko as the Stage Manager and Jana Evans as the Assistant Director.
The pit members include Casper Harkleroad, Margot King and Stevie Williams (Violin), CJ Campen and Anna Maurer (Viola), Nora Dunne, Abigail Peck and Dawson Rossen (Cello), Amalija Marich (Bass), Iris Wright and Ryann Stirling (Flute/Piccolo), Jane Wagle (Oboe), Sophia Lipowski and Danka Wentzel (Clarinet), Alessio Matera (Bassoon), Joey Gregg and Max Winters (Trumpet), Devin Lubas and Michael Minch (Trombone), and David Awkar, Gwen Hunter and Daniel O’Brien (Percussion).
The performances will be held April 11-13 in the Civic Auditorium, but that’s not where it ends. This year, Lakewood High School is eligible for the Dazzle Awards, which are awards that honor excellence in high school musical theater productions in Northeast Ohio. Plus, finalists are flown to New York City to compete in the Jimmy Awards, which are essentially the Tony Awards for high schoolers involved with their school’s musical theater production. The Dazzle Awards present many opportunities for the cast, pit, crew and leadership, so stay tuned!
