Over 100 Students Prepare for the Arrival of the Demon Barber

The Demon Barber will be coming to Rumson in March, but there’s nothing to fear: Residents will not be turned into meat pies.

It’s no small undertaking to transform Bingham Avenue into Fleet Street. l (RFH) has been gearing up for months in preparation of its production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Since December, for four days a week, approximately 100 students—10 percent of the student population at RFH—have been learning their lines, practicing the music and choreography for the play. There are also the costumes being created, the props and stage being worked on, the lighting being planned, and combining all the elements together.

Seeing a rehearsal in action was quite the eye-opener and it was quite apparent that so much goes into the production of a play—and a high school one at that. So many behind-the-scenes adults and students are involved , aside from those who will appear on stage, and they all work together to ensure the success of the production.

Numerous rooms at RFH were transformed—one into a costume area, another into the music and pit orchestra room, and still another where the ensemble and cast were rehearsing.

The costume room was where Director Suzanne Sweeney, was found working along side Carole Malik, the costume and props designer. The women were busy creating a costume for a member of the ensemble. The costume, complete with buttress, black jacket and Victorian-styled laced blouse, was definitely reminiscent of the late 1800s, the era in which Sweeney Todd takes place. Two students, Angela Levantino and Alexandra Cole, were busy sewing other costumes.

Malik has been designing costumes for the Tower Players for 10 years and Sweeney has been directing for over 25 years. “We care about every student and what they wear,” said Sweeney, explaining that they never rent costumes, but always make them.

Over the years, clothing that will become costumes have been collected, and the stacks of bins are piled high to the ceiling, three-feet deep. Each year they pull from the bins to create new costumes.

It takes months to get the costumes together and Malik explained that a great deal of attention is paid to each detail of every costume. Aside from teaching the students to sew, Malik teaches the students the costume design element of theatre. It has certainly paid off, as the Tower Players have won the coveted Basie Award for costume design in the past.

Jeanne Johnson, the play production coordinator, and Sweeney, both said that every part is important and it is all about teaching the children. “Every voice is important and every person is treated like a star,” said Sweeney. Tower Players’ aim is to give hands-on learning to children and teach them to “walk away with that knowledge,” Sweeney said.

Down the hall from costumes, the musical directors, and Vince Mottern, were busy with the pit orchestra. Mottern, the vocal teacher, and Grillo, the music teacher, were practicing with all members of the orchestra, and some members of the cast were there, too, practicing the Demon Barber’s music.

Each student interviewed who is taking part in the production expressed enthusiasm—and gratitude—for their experience in Tower Players.

Gianna Maita, the president of the International Thespian Society, will be playing the bird seller in the play. This will be her eighth show, as a member of the society it has allowed her to “take a leadership position.” Maita said, “We get to set the example,” adding that there is a great deal of team spirit in the show. “I enjoy doing it and love the people and love how Mrs. Sweeney works with us.”

Emma Loughran, who will be playing Mrs. Lovett in the play, was surprised when she was chosen for the part. “I wasn’t expecting it all—I thought a senior would get the part.” When asked what she thought of making people in meat pies she laughed and said, “I think it’s cool.” She said the cast is very committed this year and she is looking forward to playing Lovett. Loughran is also a member of the Thespian Society.

Catherine Zimel, a sophomore, who is part of the ensemble in the play, said, “Everyone cares about each other in the cast. That’s what puts on a great show. I’ve made friends through Tower that I will keep for the rest of my life.”

Sweeney Todd will be presented on March 18 and 19 at 7:30pm, and March 20 at 1pm at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Group discounts are also available. You can call 732-84201597, ext. 300 for tickets, or visit the school’s website. The Rumson and Fair Haven Public Library will also be accepting ticket orders.