Starting on April 9, the ORR Drama Club will be putting on their final production of the year – an adaptation of the classic musical Sweeney Todd, based on the famous urban legend. The play runs through Sunday, April 12, and as always, is directed by Paul Sardinha.
Juniors Kyle Costa and Emily Faulkner play the lead roles of Sweeney Todd and his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett. The play also stars juniors Victor Morrison, Lexi Melloni, and Holly Frink, and seniors Michael Amato and Isaiah Kidney.
For Costa, Sweeney Todd will be a production he will always remember.
“This is one of my favorite plays,” said Costa. “It’s so cool taking on the lead role, and it’s different than anything I’ve ever done in drama.”
The role is truly different, one of the most unique that Drama Club audiences will be treated to this year. Kyle describes his role as “a man charged for a crime he didn’t commit, who escapes prison, and becomes a murderer.”
The best thing about Sweeney Todd, in his opinion, is the play’s genre.
“[The best thing about the play is] the fact that it’s a dark comedy,” said Costa. “Without spoiling anything, there’s moments when you’ll be laughing, and there’s moments when you’ll be gripping your seat.”
Fellow star Emily Faulkner has a special connection to the play.
“This is really special to me, because I’m playing the lead role in my dad and grandmother’s favorite show,” Faulkner said.
When asked if her role as Mrs. Lovett was one of her favorites, she said, “It’s the most fun I’ve had with a character, but also the most trying.”
Mrs. Lovett is the lead character in the play, opposite Sweeney Todd. According to Emily, “She is in love with Mr. Todd, and is willing to do anything for him, including feeding into his psychotic killing spree.”
Like Costa, Faulkner received the part she auditioned for, and it seems that both actors are adjusting well into their demanding roles.
Evan Roznoy is used to being one the Drama Club’s main on-stage talents. The junior has a penchant for acting, but for the production of Sweeney Todd, he’ll be trying his hand at something new.
“I’m working as a follow spot,” Roznoy explained. “I’ll be operating the spotlights and following the actors around onstage.” Roznoy saw the opportunity to be on the crew as a great way to experience a new part of the Drama Club.
“In my decision to be a stagehand, I really just wanted to try something new,” said Roznoy. “Being a lead can sometimes be overwhelming, but I wanted to be involved in Drama Club in any way possible,” he said.
He is excited to see the action unfold on stage, however, as he commended the selection of Sweeney Todd for the Spring Musical.
“It’s got a really dark atmosphere, so we had to get it approved and do a toned-down version,” Roznoy said. “It has lighter elements, but it’s definitely not a feel-good play.”
As far as this school year goes, Roznoy’s best memories were made during the winter production of It’s A Wonderful Life. He played the lead role of Mr. Potter in that production, and he commented that it was “great to see the audience’s reaction to such an empowering character.”
Coming on the heels of the Drama Club’s teaser performance at the Winter Pep Rally, anticipation is building for Sweeney Todd. The cast is really gelling, the crew is working hard, and the play should be another entry in a long line of successes for the Drama Club. Be sure to catch Sweeney Todd in the ORRHS auditorium when it opens on April 9.
By Patrick Briand
