SWEENEY TODD   Role: Adolfo Pirelli Production Info: 2/18-3/29/2009 @ Geva Theatre (NY) Director: Mark Cuddy  Musical Director: Don Kot

One of Sondheim's most masterful musicals, Sweeney Todd tells the 19th-century story of barber Benjamin Barker, wrongfully imprisoned and separated from his family. When he returns to London years later, he vows to take his revenge, no matter how how bloody. As the flamboyant barber (and local competition) Pirelli, I got to give Barker/Todd a run for his money . . . with some rather unfortunate results! Rehearsals began on January 21st, 2009, and preview performances began on Wednesday, February 18th. Opening night took place on Friday, February 21st with a final performance on Sunday, March 29th. Click on this link to visit the Geva Theatre Center website.

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ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE, 2/23/2009 by Marcia Morphy   Sordidness aside, there's an ecstatic hum that comes from a cast clicking in symbiosis. Soprano [Marissa] McGowan and tenor [Daniel] Bogart shine in their duet "Kiss Me" and are the perfect dream lovers caught in a motley ensemble that includes the Judge's henchman, Beadle Bamford (a sinister, malevolent Roland Rusinek), rival barber Adolfo Pirelli (a flamboyant Ron DeStefano) and his ragamuffin protege Tobias Ragg (brilliantly played by Brad Weinstock), and haunting Beggar Woman (Leslie Becker) who weaves in and out warning of a "City on Fire."