Sault performers to present musical theatre masterpiece 'Sweeney Todd'

Sault Theatre Workshop and Shot in the Dark say the casting for their upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street stars a range of seasoned stage veterans as well as a company of talented young people.

The show is set to open the week of Halloween, this fall Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, as the season opener, the local theatre company said in a news release.

"Sweeney Todd tells the macabre tale of a wrongfully imprisoned barber who escapes and returns to London, seeking vengeance against a corrupt judge who framed him.

"Winner of eight Tony awards upon its Broadway debut in 1979, the musical has gone on to be one of the most popular revivals and among the most-staged productions of community groups across North America."

In 2007 it was adapted into a Hollywood musical directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman. 

Leading the cast in the local Sault production are: 

• Logan Frech as Sweeney Todd, the tragic main character: a versatile performer known for roles in “Sister Act” and “The Music Man,” Logan brings an intensity and intelligence to the title character

• Kara Colynuck as Mrs. Lovett, a pie shop entrepreneuse: a celebrated local actress who recently starred in “Jersey Boys,” this production is especially special for Kara because “Sweeney” was her first stage role in a 1994 Richard Howard production

• Ethan Heimonen as Anthony Hope, a sailor who befriends Sweeney: star of many high school productions at Superior Heights, such as “The SpongeBob Musical” and “Spamalot,” Ethan also recently starred in “Jersey Boys” as Bob Gaudio

• Gianna Spironello as Johanna, Sweeney Todd’s long-lost daughter: a talented young artist, Gianna joins the cast fresh off her dazzling debut as Donna in Korah’s production of “Mamma Mia”

• Matthew Stephens as Judge Turpin, Sweeney’s nemesis: Matthew returns to the Sault after earning a bachelor's degree in commerce and sports administration from Laurentian; he is a life-long performer and local talent who has appeared in “Anne of Green Gables,” “Into the Woods,” and, most recently, “Fiddler on the Roof” 

• Aaron Fisher as Beadle Bamford, the Judge’s right-hand man: Aaron is fresh off a successful performance with the Sault Symphony and a celebrated turn as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” last November

• Liz Pearson as The Beggar Woman, a mysterious stranger: returning to theatre because of her passion for this musical, Liz brings years of experience in the arts and a background as a performer in local shows like “Les Misèrables” and “The King and I”

• Pharaoh MacInnes as Tobias Ragg, an apprentice: a rising star in community theatre, Pharaoh has performed extensively with the Musical Comedy Guild and works closely with Northern Arts Academy 

• David Dellaire as Adolfo Pirelli, a rival barber: joining the cast for this cameo role, David has recently returned home to his roots in the Sault after performing and teaching music abroad in England for the last few years

Rounding out the cast are an ensemble of performers including Abby Barsanti, Jamie-Lynn Garside, Grace King, Riley Korschin, Calvin Lane, Alison MacDonald, Rebekah Moran, Maisie Nelson, Nicolette Rebello, Silas Toma, Jason Turpin, and Marisa Valois-Christie.

The production will be directed by Anthony Aceti, a local high school drama teacher known for working at Superior Heights. He previously directed Matilda at Sault Theatre Workshop and is looking forward to returning to the “intimate yet expressive and immersive” venue. 

“After being away from community theatre and focusing on high school shows like Spamalot and The SpongeBob Musical, it was so exciting to be welcomed back when I had a chance to direct, Fiddler on the Roof last fall,” Aceti said.

“Having an opportunity to return to Sault Theatre Workshop is a treat and I’m looking forward to sharing our work with everyone, especially because the tone and atmosphere of this show will be perfect for our performance week, which is Halloween.” 

Patty Gartshore, conductor of the Chamber Singers of Algoma, has been assisting with the choral music for the production.

The creative team also includes Abby Barsanti, who does double duty as an ensemble member and choreographer, and Ted McKinney, who will apprentice the production process by acting as assistant to the director.

Vicky Brienesse will stage manage and Teresa Miller will produce. Rob Rock will design the lighting and Hayden Jackson will be in charge of sound. Val Wilson and Scarlet Marenger will provide costumes, Shirley Yun is propsmaster, and Austin Simon and Mike Brienesse will build the set. 

“Because Sweeney Todd is widely considered a masterpiece of musical theatre, we are excited to bring this dark and thrilling tale to life with such a talented cast and crew,” said producer Teresa Miller. 

Tickets for the show will be available through the Station Mall Box Office. 

What: Sweeney Todd, a musical thriller
When: Oct. 30 to Nov. 3
Where: Sault Theatre Workshop (co-producer Shot in the Dark), 121 Pittsburgh Ave.
How: Tickets on sale at Station Mall Box Office ($30, plus fees)