Half the fun was hearing reactions of audience members who’ve apparently never seen the musical before. Thankfully, Sam Brouillette (Anthony Hope) does a lovely job with the melody. My favorite part of the show has always been a song titled “Johanna.” Butcher that and it’s all over in my book. I’ve seen two previous productions of “Sweeney Todd” and this was the funniest by far - in a good way. Grossman’s note also alludes to the humor in this work, which features book by Hugh Wheeler in addition to music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. That’s part of the challenge in giving youth such meaty roles. Teens will take me to task for saying this, but it’ll be a few years until they fully appreciate the depth of love hidden amidst all that blood.

“The characters,” adds Grossman, “are emotional and deep.” He advises theater goers to “Focus on the love and tortured souls of the characters” rather than the musical’s violence and blood. “It is a very complex story about injustice.” Its themes resonate in contemporary American society, consumed by discrepencies between the 99% and the 1%. “Sweeney Todd, School Edition isn’t about violence and blood,” he wrote. Though I wasn’t wild about every element of the show, I felt sympatico with Grossman’s vision the minute I read his director’s statement. Several cast members were culled from Arizona School for the Arts in Phoenix and the Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics in Peoria, including some I saw in another area first - a school production of “Spring Awakening.” This is another “mature content” musical and Spotlight notes that parental guidance is suggested. Gasper’s bio also notes that he’s been cast in the Phoenix Theatre production of “ Spring Awakening” so fans will know where to find him. Gasper has performed with several Valley theater companies, including Arizona Broadway Theatre, Hale Centre Theatre, Theater Works and Desert Stages Theatre. Gasper, whose program bio notes that he’ll “soon be heading to New York City,” performs the role of Sweeney Todd. Several seniors in the cast share college plans in their program bios - including ASU’s Barrett College/ Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Seems we just sent daughter Lizabeth off to college, and she’s returning next week proud to be a sophomore already. The University of Arizona musical theatre program is fortunate that she’s joining their freshman class next year.Ī warning to mom and pop Grossman, however. Sondheim is a bear to sing, but she’s got both serious vocal chops and delightful comedic timing. Carly Grossman is part of the very capable ensemble, and Jamie Grossman completely rocked the role of Mrs. There’s even a pair of Grossmans in the cast. There’s also serious fun with props, the work of Vicki Grossman.

“That’s a big show for a small stage.” It only worked because of clever set design - the work of Grossman and Bobby Sample. I ran into director Kenny Grossman after the show. Folks who hit tonight’s show can enjoy the added thrill of sharing the company’s 2012/13 season reveal. I enjoyed a slice of life as only Sondheim can deliver it last night, attending the first Valley production of “Sweeney Todd School Edition,” which is being performed by Spotlight Youth Theatre in Glendale through Sunday. Note: This is a condensed version of the original postĬoming up: “Moonface Martin” musings, Monsters & mayhem Bring a non-returnable headshot and resume.Ĭlick here to learn more about the Open Jar Institute, here for additional Open Jar audition details, and here for information about Spotlight Youth Theatre. Keep reading for specifics about what to prepare if you’re auditioning…Ĭome ready to sing a 32-bar song that shows you ‘at your best.’ Bring sheet music clearly marked for an accompanist to play. Both workshop and audition take place at Spotlight Youth Theatre, located at 10620 N. Auditioners should be ready to sing and dance, and have a resume and headshot to share. The workshop with Whiting takes place from 6-7pm, and the audition is scheduled for 7-8pm. Only youth entering grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 in the fall of 2013 can register to participate in the audition. 1 for both a “fun-filled and challenging” workshop and an Open Jar Institute audition. Whiting is a Broadway associate director and choreographer whose credits include “Hairspray,” “Hair,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Scottsboro Boys.” He’ll be at Spotlight Youth Theatre in Glendale on Thursday, Nov.

Spotlife youth theater