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By Lisa Moore
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
From the very first day of the school year, WHS students, teachers, tech crew, pit, and POPS members began the long pre-production work necessary to present the dark comedy and musical thriller “Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Requiring a collaboration between the drama, technology, choral and music departments, Stephen Wrobleski, Brian McManimon, Kevin McDonald, and Steve Scott all worked together to create a show that highlighted the many talented students involved. Nearly 150 student performers, musicians, and tech crew, worked tirelessly over the last two months, learning the complex musical score, songs, scripts, accents, and stage directions, and creating complex moving sets, props, stage lighting and sound. For those who attended the performances the efforts were obvious with the production quality superseding expectations for a high school performance.
While the context of the show is dark - it is a complete 180 degree turn from last year’s fall musical, “Beauty and the Beast” - director Wrobleski views the musical as an important piece of musical theater canon, and felt the students were up to the task of performing it in all its complexity. With intense effort and many hours devoted to perfecting the show, each person involved rose to the occasion and collaboratively put on amazing performances.
Senior Jack Grossi was cast as the lead, Sweeney Todd, and Jackie Scholl as Mrs. Lovett. The two young actors performed at a level beyond their years, playing off of each other with great comedic timing. Backed by a large ensemble cast, a live student orchestra, and a stunning set, show attendees were treated to a Broadway-level performance each show.
As the holiday season approaches, Wellesley Performing Arts Department has a full calendar of upcoming events. Visit www.wellesleypops.org to find show dates and times and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment.