Any photos, video, or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited.
There will be one 15-minute intermission.
Smoke and haze machines will be used.
Rated R for mature themes, strong language, violence, and elements of gore.
SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
A Musical Thriller
Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by HUGH WHEELER
From an adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND
Originally directed on Broadway by HAROLD PRINCE
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in association with Dean and Judy Manos
SWEENEY TODD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Show Sponsors
From the President
Dear Audience Members,
Thank you for attending this 2024–25 performing arts season production. The outstanding show you are about to enjoy is part of a thoughtful and carefully selected lineup designed to provide a wide array of entertainment experiences. I would like to acknowledge Dillon McArdle, director of the Viterbo Fine Arts Center, and his incredible staff for their hard work in making this season possible.
Allow me to also extend my gratitude to you—our patrons, benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, and students—for your continued support in bringing the best of the arts to the region. We are fortunate to live in a place with so many cultural and artistic opportunities, just as the members of the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration envisioned when they built this wonderful facility.
We are very happy to have you join us. On with the show!
“Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President
Conservatory Note
Welcome to our 2024-25 season at the Conservatory!
We’re thrilled to invite you on a journey that only live theatre can offer. This season, prepare to experience a diverse array of stories—from gripping mysteries to joyous musical adventures.
We begin our season with the chilling tale of the infamous Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, brought to life by the genius of Stephen Sondheim. By spring, we’ll plunge miles under the sea, where a singing sponge named “Bob” awaits your company.
In between these remarkable tales, we’ll share the community joy of our annual holiday tradition, A Viterbo Christmas: Star of Wonder.
Your journey through the season also features a Tony Award-winning comedy, a powerful true story of courage, a timeless Mozart opera, and an inspiring evening of dance featuring talented young performers on the brink of their professional careers.
You are why we’ve embarked on this journey. Thank you for being with us, and we hope you’ll join us for every moment!
Rick Walters
Executive Artistic Director
Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Director's Note
You don’t have to look very hard to see that our current world is filled with chaos, destruction, and death. I know for myself it is easy to become numb to the horrors of the world. Reading or listening to the news (or worse, consuming it in social media soundbites) often leads to a complete paralysis of action. How can I do anything to change what’s happening? I don’t think I’m alone in these thoughts. While it is our instinct to turn away from the world’s most horrific parts, Sweeney Todd looks at them head on.
This is a story of mythic proportions: A person comes back from the dead–walks through the gates of Hell–back to a world that is, perhaps, not so different from where they came from. Filled with rage and out for revenge, they create chaos and destruction not because they lack humanity, but because they see that humanity is destroying itself. As Sweeney says, “It’s man devouring man.”
Sweeney Todd is certainly speaking to the systems of power and class structures that create systems of oppression that even when acknowledged and fought against, rarely change. Perhaps, like our consumption of true crime podcasts, horror films, and blood thirsty video games, Sweeney Todd is speaking to our collective subconscious desire for violence. Or maybe Sweeney Todd is speaking to that little voice in your head that comes out whenever you say or think, “I could just kill them,” and how we could all be Sweeney…under the right circumstances.
What would happen if we decided to face all the violence, destruction, and oppression head on? What could we learn?
On a personal note, as someone who strives to approach people and situations with kindness first, it tickles me how much fun I’ve had working on such a seemingly dark piece for the last several months. It has been an absolute joy discovering our version of Sweeney Todd with this group of artists. For those familiar with the show, there are some moments you’ll recognize. As Sondheim says, “content dictates form,” and who am I to disagree with Sondheim? There are also moments where the storytelling might feel new and exciting, and I hope you are as delighted to witness this production as I have been working on it.
–Brittany Bara
Music Director's Note
"When you’re writing a musical like Sweeney Todd, you know the characters are going to collide. You start melding their musical moments to create the big picture."" –Stephen Sondheim, The New Yorker
The musical genius of Sondheim is on full display in our production. He has described his score as "a soundtrack to a classic horror film." Thematic materials wind through the catacombs of the tale, creating a musical sense of foreboding. Sondheim has referred to his musical motifs assigned to each character as "phrases that return to haunt the mind." Every single moment of the score has a purpose.
Sondheim’s musical brilliance is challenging and rewarding. Our students have discovered the delicate vocal balance between power and subtlety. Our exceptional orchestra plays almost continually, helping to sustain the suspense with menacing and driving accompaniments. At times, your director felt genuinely intimidated, yet inspired, by Sondheim’s mastery.
I can do it, put me to it, show me something I can overcome.
–Janette Hanson
Setting
Victorian Era London: Fleet Street
List of Songs
PROLOGUE Ballad of Sweeney Todd: All
ACT 1 No Place Like London: Anthony, Sweeney Todd, Beggar Woman The Worst Pies In London: Mrs. Lovett Poor Thing: Mrs. Lovett My Friends: Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Ensemble
Green Finch and Linnet Bird: Johanna Ah, Miss: Anthony, Beggar Woman Johanna (Part I): Anthony Johanna (Part II): Anthony Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir: Tobias, Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Ensemble Pirelli’s Entrance: Pirelli The Contest (Part I): Pirelli The Contest (Part II): Pirelli, Tobias Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Ensemble Johanna: Judge Turpin Wait: Mrs. Lovett, Beggar Woman Pirelli’s Death: Pirelli The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Members of the Ensemble Kiss Me (Part I): Anthony, Johanna Ladies In Their Sensitivities: Beadle, Judge Turpin Kiss Me (Part II): Anthony, Johanna Pretty Women (Part I): Sweeney Todd, Judge Turpin Pretty Women (Part II): Sweeney, Todd, Judge Turpin, Anthony Epiphany: Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett A Little Priest: Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett
ACT 2 God, That’s Good!: Tobias, Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd, Ensemble Johanna: Act II Sequence - Sweeney Todd, Beggar Woman, Anthony, Johanna I Am A Lass: Mrs. Lovett By The Sea (Part I): Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd By The Sea (Part II): Mrs. Lovett Wigmaker Sequence: Sweeney Todd, Anthony, Members of the Ensemble The Letter: Member of the Ensemble Not While I’m Around: Tobias, Mrs. Lovett Parlor Songs (Part I): Beadle Parlor Songs (Part II): Beadle, Mrs. Lovett, Tobias Parlor Songs (Part III): Beadle, Mrs. Lovett, Tobias Fogg’s Asylum: Ensemble City On Fire: Johanna, Ensemble Searching (Part I): Sweeney Todd, Beggar Woman, Mrs. Lovett, Ensemble Searching (Part II): Beggar Woman, Anthony, Johanna Judge’s Return: Judge Turpin, Sweeney Todd Final Scene (Part I): Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett Final Scene (Part II): Sweeney Todd
EPIOLOGUE The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: All
Cast
Sweeney Todd: Zach Sullivan
Mrs Lovett: Shea Grande
Beggar Woman: Savannah DeShazo
Johanna: Beth Anderson
Anthony: Spencer Curtis
Pirelli: Jake Aune
Tobias: Madalaine Brown
Beadle: Clay Corley
Judge Turpin: CJ Zimmer
Fogg, Ensemble, U/S Pirelli: Braydon Dayne
Ensemble
Laurelle Bandy
Claire Capra (U/S Johanna)
Makayla Taylor
Carley Clover (U/S Beggar Woman)
Kenzie Greenwood (U/S Mrs. Lovett)
Helen Riddle
Megan Wheelock
Tucker Mensen (U/S Anthony)
Trey’lon Salley
Ellie Parish
Angel Hernandez
Braeden Jackson (U/S Judge Turpin)
Off Stage Singers
Zach Lichner (U/S Sweeney Todd)
Tori Greenlaw (U/S Tobias)
Isaac Knudsen (U/S Beadle)
Xavier Carnicom
Lou Xiong
Adrienne Moder
Zach Buhl
Scenic Build Crew: Vera Shipley, Tucker Mensen, Reagan Kettner, Hallie Utterback, Spencer Curtis, Sophie La Fave, Sam Asid, Trey’lon Salley, Sony Vassor
Rick Walters, Mary Ellen Haupert
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Department of Theatre & Dance
University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department
Biographies
Cast
JOHANNA
Beth Anderson
is a senior music theatre major from Warrensburg, Mo. with minors in dance and arts administration. She extends all glory to God and strives for every performance to be an act of worship to Him. She thanks her amazing family, friends, and Viterbo faculty for their love and support. 2 Corinthians 5:21
@bethhandersonn4
PIRELLI
Jake Aune
is a senior music theatre major from Elk River, Minn. He has been seen in roles such as Bat Boy in Bat Boy: The Musical, Matterson in The Hello Girls, Bickle in Footloose, and Stokes in Carrie: The Musical. In addition to performing, he enjoys collaborating with his peers as the co-artistic director for the Student Theatre Project on campus. He'd like to thank his family for their love and support.
ENSEMBLE
Laurelle Bandy
is a junior music theatre major from Bradenton, Fla. She was last seen in Viterbo's Conservatory production of Tar Beach as Mary Claire and assistant directed Viterbo STP's production of Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to thank her family and roommates for all their support. Special shoutout to Claire for being the best, best friend!
@laurelle.bandy
TOBIAS
Madalaine Brown
is a sophomore music theatre major from Milwaukee. She has been previously seen in Viterbo STP's production of A Year With Frog and Toad as the Lady Bird 2 track. She would like to thank Eli for being the place her heart feels home and her family for supporting her dreams. To the reader, learn to trust your heart and live one day at a time. Enjoy the show!
@madalainebrown
OFF STAGE SINGER, FIGHT CAPTAIN
Zach Buhl
is a sophomore music theatre major with an arts administration minor. He is excited to be beginning his performance journey at Viterbo this school year, working on Sweeney Todd. Previous to college, his favorite shows he worked on were Les Miserable (Marius) and Newsies (Jack Kelly). Many thanks to his friends and family for their endless support. @zachbuhl05
ENSEMBLE, UNDERSTUDY JOHANNA
Claire Capra
is a junior music theatre major from the suburbs of Chicago. Previously at Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts, she has stage managed Tar Beach and performed in 42nd Street and The Pirates of Penzance. She would like to thank her friends and family for their never-ending support, as well as her peers, professors, and the production team for making this opportunity possible. @claire_caps
OFF STAGE SINGER
Xavier Carnicom
is a sophomore music theatre major in Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Outside of theatre, he loves to paint, hang with friends, and go thrifting! He was most recently seen in the Conservatory's production of Godspell as the We Beseech Thee soloist, also known as Nick. Coming up, he will be performing on the mainstage as an offstage vocalist in Sweeney Todd and assistant props designing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He would like to welcome anyone new entering the program, faculty and students alike, as well as to thank the friends he has made this past year! @xcarnicom03
ENSEMBLE, UNDERSTUDY BEGGAR WOMAN
Carley Clover
is a sophomore music theatre major with a minor in dance from Champlin, Minn. Past credits include a Swing in Bat Boy: The Musical and Margaret in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to thank her friends, family, and faculty for their continuous support! @carleyclover
ANTHONY
Spencer Curtis
is a senior music theatre major from Salt Lake City. At Viterbo, he's been lucky enough to perform in 42nd Street (Bert), Measure for Measure (Claudio), The Hello Girls, and The Elephant Speaks Jazz, as well as assistant directing Tar Beach. He's also enjoyed performing in Viterbo's Student Theatre Project productions, Dance Kaleidoscope, and Platinum Edition show choir. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their love and support. @rspencercurtis
FOGG, ENSEMBLE, U/S PIRELLI
Braydon Dayne
is a sophomore music theatre major. Recent theatre credits include Toad in STP's A Year With Frog and Toad, and social media designer for Viterbo's Godspell. You can also see his makeup design work in Viterbo Film Studio's The Warehouse. He is a self taught makeup artist, graphic designer, and performer. He would like to thank the people he surrounds himself with for always supporting him! @braydondayne
BEGGAR WOMAN
Savannah DeShazo
is a senior music theatre major with an arts admin minor. Some of her previous credits include, Margot in Bright Star, Mary Frances in Tar Beach, Ensemble/Mary U/s in Jesus Christ Superstar, Cop/Ensemble in Footloose. Savannah would like to thank the Turbettes and her family for their tremendous support. Enjoy the show! @deshazo4
MRS. LOVETT
Shea Grande
is a senior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration who was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn. This past summer she worked as a dance counselor at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, choreographing for various shows like Evita, Anything Goes, and SIX. Previous roles include Ensemble/Dance Caption in Bat Boy: The Musical (Viterbo University), Ensemble/Peggy Sawyer U/S in 42nd Street (Viterbo University), and Ensemble/Maureen U/S in RENT (LCT). She would like to thank her mom and Bill as well as the Turbettes, her roommates, and her boyfriend for all that they do for her. @sheagrande
OFF STAGE SINGER, UNDERSTUDY TOBIAS
Tori Greenlaw
is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Sarasota, Fla. She graduated from the VPA theater program at Booker High School, also having been in Evita at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. She was most recently seen in the new work's production of George Orwell's Animal Farm in London. She thanks her Mom, Dad, Grandmother, and friends for their everlasting support. Thanks for comin'! @torigreenlaw_
ENSEMBLE, UNDERSTUDY TOBIAS
McKenzie Greenwood
is a senior music theatre major and English literature minor. Past Viterbo credits include Vi Moore in Footloose, an entourage member/Understudy Soloist in Godspell, ensemble in Student Theatre Project's cabaret, and Diamond Edition show choir. She would like to thank her family for their unwavering support, and her fellow MT '25 class for an amazing four years here at Viterbo.
@kenzieg7
ENSEMBLE
Angel Hernandez
is eager to debut his first main stage production at Viterbo. He previously played Frog in Student Theatre Production's musical A Year With Frog and Toad and has been performing since high school. He was born in Santa Ana, Calif. and graduated from Albert Lea High School class of 2023. From a young age, he always wanted to be a singer and actor. Now he's currently pursuing his BFA in music theatre. He thanks all of his family and friends who are here supporting him. Enjoy the show!
@_.angel.hernandez
ENEMBLE, UNDERSTUDY JUDGE TURPIN
Braeden Jackson
is a sophomore BFA music theatre major with minors in dance and marketing who is originally from LeClaire, Iowa. He recently played the part of Jesus' Entourage in Viterbo University's production of Godspell. Past directing experience includes Why Do We Laugh? and Ken Ludwig's adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. He is also an active costume designer and recently had a summer internship with the Des Moines Metro Opera in their costume department. A special shoutout to all his friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. He hopes you enjoy the show! @braedenjackson.official
ENSEMBLE, UNDERSTUDY BEADLE
Isaac Knudsen
is a junior music theatre major with a dance minor. Their past credits include Bud/Pan and Batboy u/s (Bat Boy: The Musical), Chuck (She Kills Monsters), and Swing (The Pirates of Penzance). They were also involved with Viterbo's Film Club last semester and was Max (The Warehouse). Knudsen has also been involved with Viterbo's Student Theatre Project as Claudio (Much Ado About Nothing). Knudsen is thrilled for their junior year! @isaacknudseng
OFF STAGE SINGER, UNDERSTUDY SWEENEY TODD
Zachary Lichner
is a junior music theatre major, who cannot wait to be a part of this year's season! You may have seen him previously in Bat Boy: The Musical (Sheriff Reynolds), STP's Heathers (Ram Sweeney), or 42nd Street (Ensemble and Julian U/S). Apart from the Conservatory he is involved in the student government and Student Theatre Project. He'd like to thank his family, friends, and all of his faculty. Please enjoy the show!
@Zack.Lichner
OFF STAGE SINGER
Adrienne Moder
is a sophomore music theatre major with a dance minor. They are eager to perform and expand their skills here at Viterbo. They hope you enjoy the show! adriennemona.com
ENSEMBLE, UNDERSTUDY ANTHONY
Tucker Mensen
is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and music. His prior shows at Viterbo include Ron in Bat Boy: The Musical and ensemble in both 42nd Street and The Pirates of Penzance. He is very excited going into his junior year and is always excited to work with a new cast. @tick_tuck16
ENSEMBLE
Ellie Parish
is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. Previous Viterbo credits include Reenie Dolan in Tar Beach and Ensemble in Viterbo STP's production of Heathers. She would like to thank God and her amazing parents and brother for always making her feel like she can do anything she puts her mind to. She hopes you enjoy this season's productions! @elliecparish
ENSEMBLE
Helen Riddle
is a junior BFA music theatre major with an English writing minor. She is thrilled to be a part of Viterbo's Conservatory productions this school year! Past credits include: Tar Beach, Viterbo University; Reenie/Mary Claire U/S The Pirates of Penzance, Paul Bunyan Playhouse; Edith/Chorus RENT, Emerging Professionals Ensemble; Alexi Darling/Ensemble. She would like to thank her loving family for their support of her journey in the performing field. @helen.riddle7
ENSEMBLE
Trey'lon Salley
is a sophomore music theatre major. He is so incredibly ecstatic and grateful to his director for allowing him to be a part of this beautiful show. He has been apart of one production in his first year at Viterbo, where he was recently seen as the By My Side soloist in Godspell the musical. He would love to thank his mother, family, and friends for funding and supporting his dream and wishes the cast and crew the absolute best of luck as they take to the stage to share such magic! @treylonsalley
SWEENEY TODD
Zachary Sullivan
is a senior musical theatre major and dance minor from Excelsior, Minn. He has appeared in previous Viterbo productions such as Carrie: The Musical, Footloose, Significant Other, The Hello Girls, Dance Kaleidoscope, and Tar Beach. He is excited to return to the Viterbo stage, and would like to give a special thanks to his friends, family, and Owen for their unconditional love and support. Enjoy the show!
@zachthsullivan
ENSEMBLE
Makayla Taylor
is beyond excited to be in her third year as a music theatre major! You can find her in the costume shop normally or on the department social media pages! Viterbo Credits: Lilith (She Kills Monsters), Maiden/Mabel u/s (The Pirates of Penzance) or most recently assistant costume designer (Godspell). She also performed with STP as Turtle/Bird (A Year With Frog and Toad) and has been a member since her first year! She would love to thank her family and professors for their support and hopes you all enjoy this year's season! @Kayla_taylor207
ENSEMBLE
Megan Wheelock
is a senior music theatre major with a dance minor. She has recently been seen as Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters, and Martha Dunnstock in STP's production of Heathers: The Musical. She's also a recent finalist in the Iowa Bill Riley Talent Search, where she was awarded third place. She would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous support; and thank God for making all of this possible. @meganelisewheelock
OFF STAGE SINGER, ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR
Lou Xiong
is a sophomore BFA music theatre major with a minor in dance. Past Viterbo credit includes: Godspell (Jesus Entourage). In his free time, he enjoys playing piano and writing music. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show! @mouahlou.xiong
JUDGE TURPIN
CJ Zimmer
is a fourth-year music theatre student with music and dance minors. Previous credits at Viterbo include: Bat Boy: The Musical, 42nd Street, and Carrie: The Musical. He would like to thank his family for their constant support and motivation. @cj.zimmer1
Biographies
Production Team
DIRECTOR
Brittany Bara
is an assistant professor of theatre and music theatre in the Conservatory for Performing Arts at Viterbo University. She currently serves as co-chair of the EduCore Committee for the international Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA). As an actor and director, she has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Bara is a Designated Linklater Teacher and continues to work professionally as a voice and text coach, dialect designer, and intimacy director. Throughout all areas, she focuses her work on cultivating empathy. She believes strongly in radical kindness and approaching life with a generosity of spirit. Viterbo directing credits: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Tar Beach, The Hello Girls, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from Emerson College in Boston and an MFA in performance pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh. Endless love and thanks to Dan and C for all their support.www.brittanybara.com
CHOREOGRAPHER
Joie Steele
is a senior music theatre major with a minor in dance from Tuscaloosa, Ala. Selected performance credits: Ensemble/Lorraine US (42nd Street), Norma (Carrie: The Musical) with Viterbo University. Female/OS Swing (The Laramie Project) with LaCrosse Community Theatre. Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), Ensemble (Heathers) with The Student Theatre Project. Selected choreography credits: We Are The Tigers (World Amateur Premiere), Tuck Everlasting, Mamma Mia, Company (asst.) with French Woods Festival of Performing Arts. 13! with Tuscaloosa Theatre Troupe. Steele serves as the Student Theatre Project co-artistic director, Funny Side Up Vice President, and Pre-professional Performing Arts secretary. Enjoy the show and lots of love! @joie.steele
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER
Colin Cada
is a senior theatre major from Winona with a dance minor. His previous Conservatory productions include CARRIE: The Musical as an ensemble member, Measure for Measure as Angelo, The Hello Girls as a swing, and 42nd Street as an ensemble member. He was most recently seen as the All Good Gifts soloist in Godspell. Cada is incredibly excited to be working both behind the scenes and on stage this semester. He would like to thank his loving and supportive parents and friends for always having his back in and outside of the theatre. "To my senior peers and other artists, remember that being brave is being afraid and doing it anyway. Love you all." @colincada
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER
Mike Speck
is a Viterbo adjunct, teaching stage combat styles and serving as fight director for Sweeney Todd and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He holds teaching certification with the Society of American Fight Directors and an MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University. Past Viterbo credits include Tar Beach, The Pirates of Penzance, Pajama Game, and Footloose. Favorite credits elsewhere include a six-man sword fight choreographed as a theme-and-variations; a musical brawl incorporating Latin dance, thrown drinks, and set changes; a 6'2" Tybalt vs a 4'10" Mercutio; and a case of rapiers fight where phrase IV's choreography was "phrase II, but backwards." Acting credits include work at the Guthrie Theatre, Theatre at Monmouth, Tent Theatre, and the Lost Colony.
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER, PROPERTIES DESIGNER, PROP SHOP SUPERVISOR
Kelsey Taunt
has been working as a freelance theatre artist/ designer/ teacher for over 15 years. She has a BA in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with a double emphasis in design and acting. Taunt is excited to be a part of Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
SCENIC DESIGNER
Jesse Dreikosen
is the associate chair and head of design and production at The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts in Moscow, Idaho. Before moving to Idaho, he was an associate professor and head of design and production at Florida International University. Dreikosen earned an MFA in scene design from Purdue University and a BFA in theatre design from Viterbo University. Prior to joining the faculty at FIU he worked as the resident scene designer at New Theatre in South Florida. Favorite shows at New Theatre include Madagascar (Carbonell Nomination), For Better, Paradise, and The Sunken Living Room, which was remounted at Southern Repertory Theatre in New Orleans. He has designed around the country at such theatres as The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Contemporary American Theater Festival, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Company of Fools, The Texas Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Mint Theater, Texas Repertory Theatre Company, The Red Fern Theatre, The Ohio Theatre, The Renaissance Theatre and The 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, California. His work has been exhibited at the Prague Quadrennial in the Czech Republic. He has served as the Vice-Commissioner of Education in the Scene Design & Technologies Commission for The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). Dreikosen has also served as the National Chair of Design, Technology and Management for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). He has received numerous regional and national awards for his designs. www.jessedreikosen.com
LIGHTING DESIGNER, PRODUCTION MANAGER, LEAD ELECTRICIAN
Jason Underferth
is a seasoned lighting designer with over two decades of experience illuminating the stages of the Midwest. He has dedicated the past decade to shaping the theatrical landscape as the production manager and lighting design lecturer at Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn. During his tenure, he artfully designed the visual components for more than 40 shows. Notable productions in Underferth's portfolio include Man of La Mancha and Enchanted April, both showcased at The Commonweal Theatre Company. Now embarking on his third year at Viterbo, Underferth is eager to contribute his expertise as the production manager for the Conservatory for the Performing Arts. He looks forward to creating memorable experiences for the Conservatory's upcoming performances through his lighting designs.
HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
Annie Voss
is so thrilled and grateful to be back at Viterbo! She is a sophomore music theatre major from South Saint Paul with a dance minor. Her past Viterbo credits include Dancer/Jesus Understudy in Godspell. She would like to thank all her wonderful friends and family for their continuous support. Enjoy the show!
@annievoss_
REHEARSAL PIANIST
Sarah Tellier
is a proud member of the theatre and music theatre faculty at Viterbo University, where she is a vocal coach, collaborative pianist, music director, pit pianist, and rehearsal pianist. Prior to her appointment at Viterbo, she attended the University of Central Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and her Master of Arts degree in Collaborative Piano, in addition to a study abroad program in France and Belgium. Before leaving Florida and arriving in Wisconsin, Tellier worked for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa where she was a collaborative pianist and instructor, vocal, coach, musical theatre teacher, pit pianist, and music director. She has spent the last 10 years music directing and organizing regional Jimmy Award programs and successfully training students for auditions and performances in the art of musical theatre. Past favorite projects include: Tuck Everlasting with Patel Conservatory, Heathers: The Musical with mad Theatre of Tampa, Ragtime with American Stage, Dames At Sea with freeFall Theatre, and collaborating with SIX: The Musical for their open call in Orlando. @PianoPixie05
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Robert Alston
is a senior music theatre major from Wausau. Previous Viterbo credits include Lyle in Footloose, Captain Riser in The Hello Girls, Abner in 42nd Street, and Miles in She Kills Monsters. He has also been seen performing and teaching regionally with Northern Sky theatre and Missoula Children's Theatre. He would like to extend a huge thanks to his family, friends, and partner for their constant love, support, and encouragement! @robbyalston1
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Janette Hanson
is a member of the theatre and music theatre faculty at Viterbo University, where she serves as collaborative accompanist, vocal coach, music director, pit musician, and rehearsal pianist. She previously served on the faculty at UW-LaCrosse, Western Technical College, and Sparta High School.
In January 2020, she was chosen to conduct the WI All-State Vocal Jazz ensemble. She served as the WCDA Vocal Jazz Repertoire and Standards chair and All-State Vocal Jazz coordinator. She also directed the WI Vocal Jazz Institute from 2009-2014. She judges show choir solo competitions at Viterbo, Onalaska, Holmen, and La Crosse. She served as staff accompanist for the National NATS competition in 2019. She received a Kohl's Teacher Fellowship Award in 2009, and is a member of the VoiceCare Network, American Choral Directors Association, and Music Teachers National Association.
She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Central Missouri State University, and her Masters degree in Education from UW-LaCrosse. She maintains a private studio where she gives instruction in a variety of voice and piano styles. She and her husband Mark have four children and four grandchildren. She is an active accompanist, soloist, clinician, and church musician, and gigs with local jazz bands and her guitar-playing husband.
@hansonjanette
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Katie Schafer
is a senior music theatre major from Michigan. Past credits at Viterbo include Angelo u/s (Measure for Measure), Ensemble (Pirates of Penzance), Dorothy (42nd Street), and Meredith (Bat Boy: The Musical). She is super excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the production team for Sweeney Todd. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support! @katie__schafer
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Ryleigh Phillips
is a first-year music theatre major from Austin, Texas. She previously did work at Zach Theatre's PPC, Cedar Ridge High School, and other community theaters in the Austin area. She wants to thank her parents for always supporting her, and she's super excited to train and grow at Viterbo!
@ryleighphillips_
ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER
Sydney Ellis
is a sophomore music theatre major with music and dance minors
from Chatfield, Minn. She was most recently seen as a featured dancer in Viterbo's production of Godspell last spring. When not on stage, you can find her as a member of the Viterbo University Dance Team, or playing live music around La Crosse. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support, and dedicate this performance to her uncle Richard. @sydneygraceellis
PAINT CHARGE ARTIST
Madi Bollinger
is from California where she was a lighting, sound, and scenic designer, an assistant technical director, and stagecraft teacher. She has a BA in technical theatre from CSU Fresno and is earning an MFA in technical direction from the University of Idaho. Some previous credits include: Lighting: Mary Poppins, Be More Chill, Arabian Nights, Clybourne Park; Scenic: Mamma Mia, Into The Woods, Freaky Friday; Fly Lead: Disney's Descendants, Sister Act, Tuck Everlasting.
CARPENTER
Patrick M. Strain
has been one of La Crosse's friendly neighborhood lighting designers since moving to the area in 2015 and he has lit many of Viterbo's musicals since then, including Footloose, The Pajama Game, Into the Woods, Cats!, and Oklahoma! He has designed scenery and lighting for a variety of theatres around the Midwest, a few on the East Coast and even one in Germany. Trivia about Strain includes that he was one of the scenic artists to paint the "town hall" at ETC world headquarters in Middleton and he was the lighting designer on the first community theatre production of Les Misérables (2001 at the U.S. Military's Roadside Theatre in Heidelberg, Germany).
COSTUME RUN CREW SUPERVISOR
Connor Martin
is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. Past Viterbo credits include: Godspell (Judas), The Pirates of Penzance (Sergeant of Police), 42nd Street (Ensemble), and Heathers: The Musical (Ensemble). He is the Vice President of Student Government Association (SGA), representative for Student Theatre Project (STP), and a social media ambassador for @viterbobound. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support! @connorjoseph.m connorjosephm.com