SWEENEY TODD
THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Music and Lyrics by Book by STEPHEN SONDHEIM HUGH WHEELER
From an Adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND
SEASON SPONSOR SHOW SPONSOR
Alice and Alfred Willis Dogfish Head
CAST
Sweeney Todd
Mrs. Lovett
Matt Whalen
Lorraine Leavel
Tobias Ragg Thomas Higgins
Anthony Hope
Johanna
Judge Turpin
Beggar Woman
Beadle Bamford
Drew Black
Tiffany Furicchia
Steve Givens
Sarah Rose
Benjamin Cohen
Adolfo Pirelli Les Diggs
Jonas Fogg
Ensemble
Tyler Dark
Nicole Anupol, Amanda Aris, Amanda Boyle, Tyler Dark, Les Diggs, Samuel Garrett, Josh Getka, Dulcena Kemmerlin, Alan Krisfalusi, Dena Lagonigro, Carissa Meiklejohn, Zach Naar, Ashley O’Donnell, Ernie Ritchey, Emily Swett, Kierstyn Woody
CREATIVE TEAM
DIRECTOR
David Button MUSICAL DIRECTOR James Weber CHOREOGRAPHER
MANAGER
SET DESIGN
COSTUME DESIGNER
Candice Jewell
Christopher Decker
Button, Josh Getka
Lorraine Leavel
LIGHT DESIGNER Brendan Smith
SOUND COORDINATOR
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Justin Witters
Aleta Thompson
Josh Getka, Mike Reynolds, Michael Rhue, Ed O’Conner, Mike Lewis, Tommy McGarry
BARBERY INSTRUCTOR Sait Aslan
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR
Olivia Boyle
SWEENEY TODD
THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act I
CAST
Matt Whalen
is grateful to be back on the Clear Space stage to take a second stab at a role he played twenty years ago in high school! You may have caught him on the CS stage as Barry in TheProm , Frederick Frankenstein in YoungFrankenstein , Pontius Pilate in JesusChristSuperstar , and Freddy in MyFairLady . Recently making the move to Delaware, Matt now calls Milton, DE home and is thrilled to be a part of the southern Delaware arts scene, where live theatre is alive and well! B.A. Acting: West Chester University. Love to Ben (you're going to be wonderful), TJ, and Tom! IG: @mattosings
Lorraine Leavel
is thrilled to be returning to the Clear Space stage, having been a part of the company for over a decade. She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. She teaches drama at the Southern Delaware School of the Arts. Favorite roles include MammaMia(Rosie), Carrie(Margaret White), HelloDolly! (Dolly), SweenyTodd(Mrs. Lovett), Ragtime(Mother), IntoTheWoods(Witch and Bakers Wife), ALittleNightMusic(Charlotte), and Seussical(Gertrude McFuzz). Lorraine also enjoys costuming (a skill she learned from her grandma) and running the summer theatre camp at Possum Point Players.
Thomas Higgins is overjoyed to be returning to the Clear Space stage in this production of Sweeney Todd . You may have seen him in the past two Summer seasons where he played Franz in RockofAgesand SpongeBob in TheSpongeBobMusical . Thomas recently just graduated with his BFA in Musical Theatre from Rider University - Go Broncs! Other credits include JunieB.Jones(J.W. Engeman Theatre), Polkadots:TheCoolKidsMusical (Argyle Theatre), and FreakyFriday(Music Theatre Wichita). Thomas sends love to his family back home in Kansas and endless gratitude to the creative team at Clear Space. Enjoy the tale! @thomasfrigginhiggins @hellskitchenagency
Drew Black
is stoked to be making his Clear Space Debut! Regional credits include DoubleHelix (Goodspeed Musicals); TheWinter’ sTale(Hartford Stage); Cabaret(Breckenridge Backstage Theater); BridgesofMadisonCounty(Vintage Theater); TheFullMonty (Little Theatre of Manchester). BFA: The Hartt School. Love to my parents and Zoe! @drwblack drew-black.com
CAST
Tiffany Furicchia
is thrilled to be performing in SweeneyToddat Clear Space Theatre! Her most recent credits include TheSoundofMusic(Leisl u/s, Ensemble) at The John. W Engeman Theatre and Audrey:TheNewMusical(Marilyn Monroe) Off-Broadway at The Players Theatre. She is from Grosse Pointe, Michigan and is a graduate of Montclair State University BFA MT and The LINK Program. She thanks Ally and MTA, her family, and friends for all their support. Instagram: @tiffanyfuricchia
Steve Givens
Originally from Seaford, DE, Steve Givens now lives in Georgetown and works as an English teacher for the Indian River School District. Along with performances in several community theater productions in the area over the years, Steve has had the privilege of playing Daddy Warbucks in Annie , Captain Von Trapp in TheSoundof Music , and Count Carl-Magnus in ALittleNightMusicon the Clear Space stage. He is ecstatic to return to the Clear Space stage in this production of SweeneyTodd
Sarah Rose is delighted to be returning to Clear Space! Favorite shows include TheSpitfireGrill (Shelby), IntotheWoods(Cinderella) and Godspell(John the Baptist) at Possum Point Players; AndThenThereWereNone(Vera) at Second Street Players; and Victor/Victoria(Norma) at Clear Space. A graduate of Penn State University and Westminster Choir College, she is the choral director at Sussex Tech H.S. as well as the Co-Director and Accompanist of the Southern Delaware Chorale. She lives in Lewes with her husband and children, Benjamin (10) and Hattie (5).
Benjamin Cohen is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a 10- year hiatus and grateful to be making his Clear Space debut alongside an incredible cast including his husband, Mr. Todd and his "old old old" friend of 30 years, the evil Judge! Thanks to David and the entire cast and crew for this wonderful opportunity and experience. Favorite past roles include Huck in BigRiver ; Mickey in BloodBrothers ; Nicely in Guysand Dolls ; Moonface Martin in AnythingGoes , Mr. Bumble in Oliver , Cousin Kevin in Tommy ; Brad in RockyHorror ; Ralph in ReeferMadness ; Biggley in H2$and Doody in Grease . Love to friends, family and especially to Matt and their two boys, Tommy and TJ.
Wishing the best to Clear Space for another successful season! Rick Tedrick, Shawn Wright, and Hunter
CAST
Les Diggs marks his return to the Clear Space Stage having previously been seen here in DamnYankees,KinkyBoots,ARaisinintheSun , and TheBodyguard . He retired from his career as a Biomedical Engineer in 2018 and has since made his home in the Rehoboth area. Born and raised in Baltimore, he appeared in numerous productions in and around the Baltimore/Washington area for over 30 years. Some of his favorite shows include roles in productions of AintMisbehavin', SophisticatedLadies,AChorusLine,JosephandtheAmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat,TheWiz,KissoftheSpiderwoman , and Godspell . Les would like to thank his friends and husband Tom for all the love and support.
Tyler Dark is excited to be back at Clear Space in one of his favorite productions! He was previously seen in The Bodyguard as The Stalker, and he has been performing regionally for over 25 years. As a youth, he was a student at Stagedoor Manor and Baltimore School for the Arts as an Acting major. He has also been performing stand-up comedy for over a decade, sharing the stage with some of the world’s biggest acts all over the Mid-Atlantic. He lives in Rehoboth Beach with his wife and their three cats.
Nicole Anupol is thrilled to be back at Clear Space with such a talented cast! Previous shows include TheLightningThief(Amy Winehouse/Ensemble) and TheBodyguard (Backup Vocalist/Ensemble). Nicole recently graduated with her MBA and works in real estate marketing in Rehoboth Beach. She wants to thank her friends and family for all of their encouragement and support!
Amanda Aris although originally from Baltimore, MD, has been a DE transplant for over 10 years. She is always ecstatic to find a new place on the stage with her Clear Space family. A few favorite credits include EstellaScrooge(Estella), The LightningThief (Sally), Carrie(Miss Gardner), IntoTheWoods(Stepmother), Heathers(Ms. Fleming), MaryPoppins(Bird Lady/Brill), and FunHome(Helen). Amanda has been performing from a young age, yet she is still finding her voice and the courage to create. Thank you to those who encourage and love her, always in all ways.
CAST
Amanda Boyle is excited to return to the Clear Space stage after making her Clear Space debut earlier this season in MyFairLady . A classically trained singer, she holds a Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from Millikin University and a Master's in Vocal Performance from Illinois State University. Amanda's favorite past roles include Lily in TheSecretGardenwith Eastlight Theater and The Queen of the Night in TheMagic Flutewith Pacific Opera America Amanda thanks her family for their love and support and is thankful that her daughter signed her up for the audition.
Samuel Garrett has just wrapped up playing Philip Lombard in Second Street Players' AndThen ThereWereNone in his native Milford after four years working and earning an MFA from East 15 Acting School in London. In London, Samuel appeared as Orgon in Molière’s Tartuffe(Bridewell Theatre), Lee in Sam Shepard’s TrueWest with Overtone Theatre, and Youngsun Yoon’s Kiss(Bread & Roses Theatre). He was also Prince Charming in the Sheringham Little Theatre pantomime Cinderellain Norfolk, England. Samuel is set to appear in two Possum Pictures films, Dancewith Meand LoveliestofTrees , both shooting this fall.
Joshua Getka is excited to appear on stage again with Clear Space, with previous credits that include DamnYankees(Ensemble) and OtherDesertCities(Trip). Josh regularly performs as a musician for the “live band in the loft”, most recently for The Bodyguard,JerseyBoysand RockOfAges , as well as performing with various theater companies throughout Delaware. He completed his B.A. in Music and Music Education at Caldwell University, followed by degrees from University of ScrantonM.B.A., Wilmington University - M.Ed. – School Leadership & M.Ed. Special Education, Eastern Washington University - Graduate Certificate: Accounting. Josh resides in Rehoboth with his wife, Elizabeth, and their dogs, Jetty and Sailor.
Dulcena Kemmerlin
is a retired teacher from Milford where she taught in the District for 27 years. She has participated in many shows with Milford's Second Street Players, Possum Point Players and Clear Space. Her appearances include BigRiver(Alice), Elf,GuessWho’ sComingTo Dinner(Mary), ToKillAMockingbird,NightAtTheOscars,HelloDolly,Ghost:TheMusical, Footloose , and Victor/Victoria . She was most recently seen in KinkyBoots,MyFairLady, and TheMusicMan . . For many years (1996-2015), Dulcena was the director of the Miss Milford Scholarship Program for the Miss Delaware Organization Dulcena has been married for 47 years to her husband R. Anthony. They have two sons, Ralph, Jr.(aka Doc) and Prince and four beautiful grandchildren, Zoe, Mia, Luka and Caden.
CAST
Alan Krisfalusi
is thrilled to return to the Clear Space stage after a full year, plus a recent stint as Mayor Shinn at Second Street Player’s production of TheMusicMan . Theopportunity to reconnect with his CS friends from previous shows is exactly what he needs this fall. Alan’s favorite and last shows at Clear Space were YoungFrankenstein,Damn Yankees,Elf,LittleShopOfHorrors,Grease,Victor/Victoriaand Scrooge!Alan is happy to be retired from his Corporate HR job (NO REGRETS in today’s world!) with his extremely supportive husband while he lives out his “daydreams” on stage.
Dena Lagonigro
is many things including a photographer and mother of 3 who lives in Lewes, by way of Connecticut (but if you ask her, she’s a New Yawkah). No matter where she lives, theatre is the home to which she will always return. Past performances with Clear Space include EstellaScrooge,YoungFrankenstein(Frau Blücher), TheCemetery Club(Lucille), DamnYankees,9To5,The39Steps,Scrooge!,OurTown(Mrs. Webb), LaCageAuxFolles(Marie Dindon), TheWeddingSinger(Angie), and The MusicMan(Mrs. Squires). She is thankful for the family and friends, near and far, who continue to support her every endeavor.
Carissa Meiklejohn
(she/her) is an English Dept Chair at Milford High School who directed their Drama Club for 20 years. She’s earned an English Education degree from Pitt, a certificate in Wildlife and Forestry Conservation from Penn Foster College, a Masters in Counseling from Wilmington University, and a Masters in Public History from SNHU. Favorite roles include Regina in RockofAges , Adult Alison in FunHome , Mamma Morton in Chicago , Rosie in MammaMia , and Roz in 9to5 . She’s enjoyed working with Clear Space since the summer of 2011. She resides in Milton with her wife and dog.
Zach Naar
is thrilled to be back on the Clear Space stage after appearing in MyFairLady andTheBodyguardthis year. He is a sophomore Elementary Education major at Delaware Tech. When not on stage, he teaches Preschool at Delaware Tech’s Child Development Center. Some of his recent credits include Matilda:TheMusical (Agatha Trunchbull), and RadiumGirls(Edward Markley), Ragtime(Ensemble), and TheLittleMermaid(Prince Eric). He wants to thank all his family and friends for their endless love and support.
CAST
Ashley O'Donnell is thrilled to be returning to the stage. Having grown up working with Clear Space it's exciting to come full circle and get to perform in her hometown again! Last seen on the Clear Space stage in the 2016 production of The25thAnnualPutnam CountySpellingBeebefore moving to NYC to live out some big city dreams. Past favorite credits include SpellingBee(Logainne), TheFantasticks(Luisa), Some Girl(s)(Sam), and OurTown(Emily). Ashley would like to dedicate her performances to her family who have always supported her performing and have never missed a show.
Ernie Ritchey has performed in and/or choreography over 60 productions over his theatrical career. Most recently at Clear Space he performed in JerseyBoys,KinkyBoots,Josephandthe AmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat,LittleShopofHorrors,ScroogetheMusical,Elf,and Victor/Victoria . He would like to take this opportunity to thank Clear Space and Bob for providing the vehicle and support to continue doing what he loves. Please, sit back and enjoy the show!
Emily Swett is excited to be back on the Clear Space stage after her debut earlier this season in DamnYankees ! Favorite credits include LeonceundLena(Lena) and Seussical(Mayzie). Emily received her bachelor of music in Music Theatre from James Madison University in 2021. She would like to thank her family, her partner Josh, and her CCCA friends for all their support. @emilyswetty everywhere!
Kierstyn Woody is from Seaford, Delaware. She works as a music teacher at Seaford Central Elementary. She began performing at a young age, however has only recently started performing in shows in the area. Her favorite prior performances have been TheBodyguard,ElfTheMusical,WhiteChristmas,SongsForANewWorld,Ragtime AndLittleShopOfHorrors.
SWEENEY TODD is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Music Theatre International.
DAVID BUTTON (Director)
See Bio on STAFF Page
CREATIVE TEAM
CHRISTOPHER DECKER (StageManager)
is always excited to be a part of another Clear Space production after designing and creating the costumes for TheSpongebobMusical,Victor/Victoria,JosephAndTheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat, DamnYankeesand Matilda.He has also assisted and created pieces for shows like Seussical,Guysand Dolls,AndPriscillaQueenOfTheDesert.He hopes you enjoy the creativity coming to life on stage.
CANDICE JEWELL (Choreographer ) is always excited to choreograph for Clear Space Theatre but was absolutely thrilled to make her directorial debut this summer with RockofAges . Clear Space audiences have seen her choreography in last summer’s JesusChristSuperstar(a personal favorite of hers). Other regional favorites include La CageauxFolles,Footloose,LegallyBlonde,Joseph…Dreamcoat , and Hello,Dolly!Candice is originally from Delaware County, PA (Delco!) and holds a B.F.A. in Music Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. She has been a part of the Clear Space family since 2016 in addition to being a full-time dance educator of all ages and lives in Wilmington, DE with her husband, Justin, and two fur babies, Figment and Gizmo.
LORRAINE LEAVEL (CostumeDesigner)
See Bio under CAST
BRENDAN SMITH (LightingDesigner) has worked with Clear Space as the Lighting Designer since 2014, for which he has received multiple awards. He is mostly self-taught in the craft and refined his skills designing shows for the Dance Conservatory, Kent County Theatre Guild, Dover High School, The Schwartz Center, and Clear Space. He has two adoring sons, Jackson and Harrison.
JAMES WEBER (MusicalDirector)
has had an active and varied career performing music for over 25 years. Trained at Westminster Choir College, Weber conducted a highly successful High School choral program for 12 years. He has been the choral contractor for both Mid-America Productions and DCINY for concerts in Carnegie Hall Lincoln Center, and others. Weber made his Carnegie Hall vocal solo debut in 2001, and his conducting debut in 2005. An active composer, his pieces have been recorded and performed by choirs at Westminster Choir College, among many others. On faculty at Rider University, Weber teaches classes in musical theatre and coaches students privately.
Clear Space Theatre Company Leadership
DAVID BUTTON (Artistic Director)
is the Artistic Director of Clear Space Theatre and teaches as a member of the Arts Institute faculty, founding multiple classes including the Spotlight on Young Performers program and co-founding the Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Summer Stock Intensives. He received his B.A. in Theatre with a focus on Acting and Directing from DeSales University. David has worked regionally with the Main Street Theatre, City Theatre, the Chojinyobiko Theater Group, The Milton Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He directed this season’s TheMousetrap,MyFairLady,JerseyBoys , and TheProm ; and will direct SweeneyToddin the fall Past directing credits include: Carrie,FunHome,IntoThe Woods,JesusChristSuperstar,NextToNormal,Clue,Misery,Baskerville,SteelMagnolias,TheOdd Couple,Heathers,MammaMia!Priscilla,TheWeddingSinger,Cabaret,LaCageAuxFolles,Seussical,A ChorusLine,TheFullMonty,LittleShopOfHorrors,SpellingBee,KinkyBoots,Ghost,SisterAct,Joseph andtheAmazingTechnocolorDreamcoat,TheSpongebobMusical,Footloose,TheRockyHorrorShow, and many more.
JOE GFALLER (Managing Director)
joined Clear Space Theatre Company as Managing Director in late 2023. A seasoned performing arts professional, Joe has held leadership positions, as well as roles in marketing, development, and community engagement with such varied organizations as the Alliance Theater, the American Repertory Theater, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, 7 Stages, and Metro Theater Company. As a consultant, he has worked with the National Blues Museum, the documentary Flint:ThePoisoningofanAmericanCity , the Utah Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has taught arts management in Webster University’s MFA arts leadership program and has taught acting at Berry College. His resume as a stage director includes over two dozen productions, including regional premieres by Caryl Churchill, David Mamet, Peter Sinn Nachtreib, and Addae Moon. He was a member of the Leadership St. Louis Class of 2013 and the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2006, and he graduated with honors from Harvard University. He is thrilled to have relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area to become part of the team at Clear Space.
STAFF
David Button
Joe Gfaller
Artistic Director Managing Director
Sydney Gray
Company Manager
Christopher Decker
Resident Costume Designer
Lorraine Leavel
Resident Costume Designer
Brendan Smith
Resident Lighting Designer
Todd Espeland
Director of Development & Community Engagement
Lara Bellistri
Box Office Manager
Evan Hrivnak
Digital Marketing Manager
Jadine Pilotti
House Manager &
Development Coordinator
Clear Space Theatre Company
Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 cultural organization founded in 2004, is committed to teaching, producing and presenting the performing arts. The term “clear space” refers to a focus on the process, knowledge, and humanity of arts performance: the idea that we find ourselves in what appears on the stage. Our Vision is to be a leader in the vibrant performing arts community of southern Delaware. Our Mission is to inspire audiences, artists, and students through high quality performance and educational experience.
Board Of Directors
Megan Nehrbas, Chair
Joe Sterner, Vice Chair
Laura Howard, Secretary Alfred Willis, Treasurer
Jay Allen
Jess Bain
James Berry
John Cullen
Mike Moreland
Richard J. Perry, Jr.
Ida Rowe
Lisa Schlosser
Mindi Moore Tunnell
The Producers Circle serves as ambassadors for Clear Space Theatre Company to deepen its engagement within the community and to steward critical existing relationships in support of the organization. If you are interested in serving, please contact co-chairs Liz Leshine or Alice Willis or Managing Director Joe Gfaller.
Producers Circle
Liz Leshine
Jeffrey and Ida Rowe
Peter Keeble
Peter Pizzolongo
Linda Wolf
Alice and Alfred Willis
Mary Jo Tarallo
Carl Schloegel
Judy Rayner
Jay Allen
Mary Kay Ryan, Founder
