Sharp Performances By RFH's Rising Stars on Fleet Street

The Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street featured more than a few “sharp” performances.

“The show makes you think twice about getting a shave,” said Toni Lee Siddons, an audience member. “It was so great that it sent chills down my spine.”

Over 100 students have been preparing for the musical since December. The show ran from March 18-20 and students involved with the production were filled with mixed emotions about their final performance on Sunday afternoon.

“Things have been going really well,” said Austin Ryan, a RFH senior who played the lead role of Sweeney Todd. “But, performing in the last show is bitter sweet.”

Many seniors felt the same way about performing. Gabby Kenny is a senior who played Johanna, Sweeney’s daughter, in the show. She said that after being nervous for the first two shows this weekend, they are now trying to just have fun and enjoy their last performance on the RFH stage. “Now we are just having fun with the characters,” she explained. “We are really embracing them and trying to make the most out of our final performances.” 

Although it may be sad for the students who will be moving onto new stages next year, at least they went out with a bang. The production of Sweeney Todd left audience members in awe from start to finish.

From the second the audience walked through the high school doors, they were transported to Victorian London. The lobby was completely decorated to look like Fleet Street with street lamps and signs, a town center with refreshment “shops” named after RFH faculty and newspapers from the era decorating the walls.

The parent support group decorated the lobby and gym for the show. “We want the audience to feel the show before they even enter the auditorium,” said Jean Johnson, the production coordinator.

 Once the audience entered the auditorium, they were whisked away on a dark journey by the costumes, set and outstanding acting.

“I am really blown away by the acting,” said audience member Linda Huber. “I can’t believe they are high school students!” 

The student actors gave outstanding performances beyond their years. During intermission, you could hear the crowds raving about the acting and commenting on who will be the next Basie Award Nominee.

One of the performers talked about was Emma Loughran, a junior who has been performing in RFH shows since she was 7-years-old. She gave a standout performance as Mrs. Lovlett in the musical. When she tried out for the show, she said she was not expecting to get the lead role. “I was so surprised. I always knew acting was something that I wanted to pursue in the future, but I never thought I would get the lead role,” she explained. 

Loughran said that it has been an incredible experience to have this role because she has had the opportunity to learn from so many talented students and staff. “There are so many people at RFH with so much talent. It is such an honor to be able to act beside them,” she said.

Gail Siddons, an audience member agreed that the stage was full of rising stars. “They’re really star quality,” she said. In addition to the acting, she said that the costumes and the set create a “Broadway” experience. “It just takes you away!” she exclaimed. 

The full experience was produced within RFH walls. Students who are in the Stage Craft Course at the high school designed the set and props. The costumes were hand sown and designed by Carole Malik. The music, directed by Bill Grillo, featured almost all students. There were only 6 professional musicians in the orchestra.

Kevin Karol attends High Technology High School in Lincroft, NJ, but performed as Judge Turpin, the villain, in the musical. He traveled to RFH to be a part of the production. He says this created “interesting complications” like having to play hooky from school one day to perform in a sneak preview of the show, but for him it is  “definitely worth it”. Karol is the director of drama at his high school and is involved in community theater, “but nothing compares,” he said.

Karol’s words summed up the Sweeney Todd experience: “RFH puts on the best performances around.”

Check out the video to see more from the RFH production of Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street.