Silhouette

Issue date: 8/31/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Snyder, Nick

Cast lists have been posted and now the countdown begins for the curtain to rise on the theater's production of "Sweeney Todd".

Ranging from ages 10 to 73, students and members of the community auditioned for "Sweeney Todd," a musical that will include nine principal roles, approximately 35 chorus, ensemble, and character roles, in addition to a tech and running crew. More than 50 students are expected to be involved in the musical.

Although the auditions were open to the public, about half of the cast and crew consist of students, according to Director, Doral "Skip" Mancini.

"Just within the leads we have four students and 16 students in the cast," Mancini said.

Clayton Wright, GCCC vocal and music director, was chosen to play the leading role of "Sweeney Todd" because his preparation for auditions was exceptional, according to Mancini.

"He sang well. He performed the basic skills needed very well, then he added the intensity and that all came with preparation," Mancini said. "He was very prepared."

Wright said playing Sweeney Todd is a role he has desired to play since he was the vocal director for the production almost 20 years ago.

"I was a vocal director for the musical in 1987, this is a role I really wanted to play ever since I did the show," Wright said. "I just worked really hard for it."

Chris Mangan, Garden City, who was cast as Anthony, said he anticipates a good response from the public.

"I think it's going to be a huge change for the community and I think this is the hardest play we have done here," Mangan said. "But I think we are going to pull it together and really impress people."

Auditions began Aug. 21 and continued through Aug. 23. Several people were called back for an additional night because the turnout was exceptional, according to Mancini.

"We had a tremendous turnout number-wise and talent-wise," Mancini said. "It [the casting process] was very, very hard."

Former GCCC music director, Bruce Spiller, will be the musical director for the production. Spiller, who has worked along side Mancini in more than 10 musicals, said he thinks the show will be a challenge.

"This is the hardest, biggest challenge this college has probably taken on, but it's just one of the plays I've always wanted to do," Spiller said. "It puts Garden City up there."

Mancini added that the musical aspects are challenging.

"The chorus in this show is the equivalent of singing a lead in another musical," Mancini said.

The first company rehearsal was Monday and the cast and crew will rehearse six times a week for the next eight weeks.

"There is an incredible benefit that everyone gets of learning and working as a team on it. It's going to be very hard to do and it's going to take everything we have to get it done with the technical demands and musical demands of the show," Mancini said. "I think we are going to get a tremendous response."

Production dates for the musical are set for Oct. 28, 29, and Nov. 3-5. Admission is $10 and tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 23.

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