By Bailey VenJohn
Staff reporter

After auditions January 9 and 10, the cast is rehearsing for “Sweeney Todd.” The musical will be performed March 1, 3, 7 and 9.

“Sweeney Todd” was chosen for this year’s spring play by the students but Roger Moon, theatre professor, got the final say.

“They picked it because over the process of four years we do a variety of types and styles of musicals so the students get a taste of everything throughout their years. The students wanted a play that is a challenge for their singing abilities and one that is for a younger audience,” said Moon.

Katherine Keene, marine biology freshman, is the assistant stage manager. She is excited with the choice of “Sweeney Todd” because it is her favorite musical.

The play has roles for anywhere from 11 to 22 cast members, 10 of which are leads. There were a total of 24 students who tried out. During auditions for the play “Sweeney Todd” students also tried for another play, “Parallel Lives.” Allyson Moon, theatre professor, will direct this play.

The goal was to get everybody a part in either play. Nineteen students were selected for “Sweeney Todd” leaving 5 to the cast of “Parallel Lives.”

Brooke Rowzee, class of 2010, is the stage manager for “Sweeney Todd.” She is on campus as a guest artist from New York City. Rowzee decided to come back to work with the department again when she had the chance.

Moon and Rowzie look forward to collaborating on the musical.

Keene said her favorite part about theatre is “seeing something go from writing on paper to a great production.”

“It’s gonna be exceptional and killer.” said Rowzee about her expectations for the play.

Keene advised against watching the movie “Sweeney Todd” before going to check out their production.

Cast For Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd……………………………………….……………….Justin Tinker

Mrs. Lovett…………………………………..…….……………………..Julia Faust

Anthony Hope……………………………………….…………..….Shane Schrag

Johanna…………………………………………………….Stephanie Wheeler

Tobias Ragg………………………………………….……………Stephen Stogner

Judge Turpin………………………………………………………………..Chris Cole

Beadle Bamford……………………………………..………………Nathan Bales

Beggar Woman………………………………………..……………..Arden Moon

Adolfo Pirelli…………………………..………………..…………Aron Pfingsten

Ensemble Company

Erin Buster                                    Chris Dodd

Caitlin Harris                                             Jordan Hill

Kaitlyn Holler                              Jacob Marney

Zoe Rea                                            Joe Tran

Nikia Smith                                           Zach Williams

Cast for Parallel Lives

Cooper Hart

Juliette Lowrance

Danielle Morford

Lisa Prater

Emily Tilton