Program

OnStage Atlanta Presents

SWEENEY TODD

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler

Cast

Allison Pratt

Ensemble

Allison Pratt (Ensemble) is thrilled to be doing another show with OnStage Atlanta, where she was last seen as Frog in "A Year with Frog and Toad," Ms. Winx / Jessamyn Jacobs in "Between the Lines," Andrew Hall in "Men on Boats," Margaret Mitchell in "Angels of the Southern Accents," Ilona in "She Loves Me," and Junie in "Junie B. Jones is Not A Crook." By day, she's the Family Programs Coordinator at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where she spends her time leading storytimes, music programs, and nature adventures for little ones. She's also represented by Formation Talent Agency and is the co-creator and co-star of the children's YouTube series "Ask Deer Abby." Endless thanks to the entire OnStage Atlanta family for another wonderful adventure, and enjoy the show.. but perhaps skip the pie afterwards! 😉

Branden Hembree

Sweeney Todd

Branden Hembree (Sweeney Todd) has a few food recommendations. Notable burritos: Bell Street Burritos (Grilled shrimp, grilled burrito, no beans, dipped in salsa verde), Raging Burrito (Pineapple jerk tofu burrito{the pineapple salsa? OMG}). Notable non-burritos: Papi’s (Rey’s cuban sandwich without the pickles), and a Publix pub sub (Boars Head honey maple turkey, chipotle Gouda, on a soft sub roll). Branden is glad you’re here and will be accepting compliments and gift cards after the show.

Carrie Poh

Beggar Woman

Carrie Poh (Beggar Woman) has been acting professionally for over 20 years, and with this production she's finally landed the role she's dreamed of since high school. Favorite previous roles include Frank-N-Further in "The Rocky Horror Show", Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire", Roseanne McCoy in "Hatfields and McCoys", and the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods". Thank you so much to OSA for bringing me along on this journey, and to my wonderful family and friends, especially my parents and my husband.

Dayne Swerdling

Beadle Bamford

Dayne Swerdling (Beadle) is thrilled to be making his OSA debut in Sweeney Todd. It’s his first full stage production in 16 years since he played The Rabbi in “Fiddler in the Roof” at Brookwood High School. He is producing and directing his first film called “Rock Your Hearts Out” premiering this October. He would like to thank his wife, Ashley, for music directing him when he wasn’t at rehearsal and his daughter Becca for being a stinky schtoinker.

Elyssa Mactas Lakin

Mrs. Lovett

Elyssa Mactas Lakin (Mrs. Lovett) is chomping at the bit to serve you the worst pies in Decatur – baking her way back to OSA where she last played Betty in The Great American Trailer Park Musical. In a previous era, she performed in NYC from the concert and cabaret scene to touring and Off-Broadway. Her most savory role of all is the family business with Phil, Izzie, and Leo: a crust above the rest. Undying thanks to Charlie, Paul, and Janie, this delicious cast and crew, and our killer babysitters (not literally). BFA: NYU Tisch. For sweet Michelle (who is hopefully impressed by the amount of puns in this bio). Follow her slice of life at @elyssamlakin.

Emma Vigneault

Ensemble

Emma Vigneault (ensemble) is thrilled to be in her first production at OnStage Atlanta, in one of her favorite shows of all time! Previous credits include Songs for a New World (Woman 1), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), and Pirates of Penzance (Edith). As a vocalist, she has performed at Fox Theatre, OutFront Theatre, and City Winery. Emma studied Music and Vocal Performance at Davidson College under Jacqueline Culpepper. Off-stage, Emma loves fiber arts, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and spending time with her friends and family. Thank you to Richard, Harvey, and Elliott for all their support and love!

Evelyn Yurgionas

Johanna

Evelyn Yurgionas (Johanna) is thrilled to be making her OnStage Atlanta debut in Sweeney Todd. Recent credits include Anya (Anastasia), Gretchen (Mean Girls), Mrs. Banks (Mary Poppins), and Yvette (Clue). Most recently, she competed at Access Broadway, where she earned 1st Overall (Solo), 1st Overall (Group), 2nd Overall (Duet), and 4th Overall (Solo). Evelyn is incredibly grateful to her parents, family, and friends for their endless love and support, and would like to thank everyone involved in Sweeney Todd for being so kind and welcoming.

Jackson (Jax) Millarker

Ensemble

Jackson (Jax) Millarker (ensemble) is thrilled to return for his fourth show with OnStage Atlanta after nearly three years away. He is currently a freshman at Valdosta State University pursuing a B.F.A. in Theatre. Recent credits include Charles Marr in Listen, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Dickon in The Secret Garden, and Peter Shaw in Silent Sky. Thank you to everyone who has supported him in this passion.

James W. Brunson Jr.

Dr. Fogg/Ensemble

James W. Brunson Jr. (Dr. Fogg/Ensemble) is a native of the Carolinas and making his debut at both OnStage Atlanta and into the Atlanta theatre community as a whole. James has been a vocal performer for many years, experienced touring nationally and internationally, and currently an active member of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. James is excited for the opportunity to fulfill his dreams of performing musical theater, and beyond grateful to all the people that have been supportive of him.

Julio Zaconet Valentin

Adolfo Pirelli

Julio Zaconet Valentin (Adolfo Pirelli) is thrilled to be back at OSA as the king of the barbers, barber of kings- Adolfo Pirelli! His most recent roles include Benny in the world premiere of Initiative at the Aurora Theater, and Santiago in AUI’s Moulin Rouge. Thankful to the team for bringing Sondheim to life. What a journey. Buongiorno a tutti!.

Kevin Dyson

Anthony Hope

Kevin Dyson (Anthony Hope) is beyond thrilled to be joining this wonderful company. Recently Kevin was in Between the Lines (Ryan/Frump). He would like to thank his friends and family for being supportive in his journey!

Kira Apple

Ensemble

Kira Apple (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her OnStage Atlanta debut! Previous credits include The Secret Garden (Martha) with Decatur First Drama in 2025, The Secret Garden (Dreamer) with Act1 Theater in 2024, and Parade (Lucille Frank) with Genesius Theater (Reading, PA) back in 2010. She is a part-time voice actor in audio dramas such as Inn Between, Electromancy, The Way We Haunt Now, and BloodyFM’s The Dead: Strings of Fate. She has an MA in English Literature and is a full-time bookseller. Thank you to her endlessly supportive husband Dallas!

Lex Maldonado

Ensemble

Lex Maldonado (ensemble) is excited to be performing his dream show for his debut at OnStage Atlanta! His previous roles around Atlanta have included Malvolio in Twelfth Night, McNaught in Murder on the Nile, Simon in The Game’s Afoot, El-Fayoumy in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Tad Rose in The Ruby Sunrise. He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support. Carpe Diem!

Margaret McMurray

Ensemble

Margaret McMurray (ensemble) has a BM from University of Memphis and an MM from Georgia State University, both in vocal performance. Since moving to Atlanta Margaret has performed with ATLVocalite, Opera on Tap Atlanta, Peach State Opera, Atlanta Concert Opera, Capitol City Opera, Act3 Playhouse, Woodstock Arts Theater, and Act 1 Theater. Most recently she played Sophie in Werther with Capitol City Opera’s Dinner and a Diva series. Margaret is also the soprano section leader at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She has sung soprano solos in Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light, Schubert’s Mass No.2 in G, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Saint-Saëns’s Oratorio de Noël, Handel’s Messiah, and Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Marissa Clay

Dance Captain/Ensemble

Marissa Clay (Dance Captain/Ensemble) is honored to make her OSA debut! Marissa Clay is an actor and voiceover artist with Formation Talent. Footlight Players Theatre: Heather Duke, HEATHERS; The Acrobat, MATILDA; ensemble, HEAD OVER HEELS. Village Repertory Co: Becky Sharp, VANITY FAIR. College of Charleston: Coat Woman/Pam, RENT. Voiceover: Atlanta History Center, UPS Store, Amazon, CubeSmart. GraphicAudio series: FOURTH WING, THE BOOK OF AZRAEL, CRESCENT CITY, HIDDEN LEGACY. Games: AGE OF APES, PENELOPE PENDRICK AND THE ART OF DECEIT. Film: INTO AMERICA’S WILD, TRUNK. With more gratitude than I could ever express. www.MarissaClay.com.

Maximus McCormick

Ensemble

Maximus McCormick (ensemble) is making his stage debut in this beast of a show.

Michael Reed

Tobias Ragg

Michael Reed (Tobias Ragg) has been hungry for the chance to be in Sweeney Todd since middle school, and is so grateful to be fulfilling a dream role with such an incredible company! OnStage Atlanta is his creative home away from home, and this will be his second production after earning his BA in Theatrical Arts at SUNY Fredonia. Endless love and thanks to Mom and Dad for their constant support, and shoutout to fiancé Phoenix killing it in the booth!

Michael Short

Judge Turpin

Michael Short (Judge Turpin) is a working actor/singer/dancer & choreographer here in the Atlanta Metro area, who’s had the privilege of working throughout Atlanta - on stage and on screen - performing at The Alliance Theatre (JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH), Aurora Theatre Company (The New Musical: MEN WITH MONEY), Out Front Theatre (Porcelain), Renegade Theatre (NEXT TO NORMAL), AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY (Act III) and a multitude of shows here at Onstage Atlanta: (THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK, SHE LOVES ME, ROCK OF AGES and the new musical ANGELS OF THE SOUTHERN ACCENTS, just to name a few). Not to mention numerous regional theatre productions up north and through the country: THE PAJAMA GAME (Ivortyon Playhouse); KISS ME KATE, THE MUSIC MAN & FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (The Merry -Go - Round Playhouse ; Main State Music Theatre; The Eugene O’Neil Theatre company - just to name a few). Prior to moving down south, Michael toured with the national companies of A CHORUS LINE (Mark) and DAMN YANKEES (Smokey/ Joe Hardy u/s). When not performing he is a busy dance instructor, teaching at various studios throughout the city, as well as, The Dekalb Senior Center where he teaches Tap & Jazz to the most dedicated seniors in Dekalb county, and during the school year, he is a director/coach/travel team & company choreographer at DCP in Decatur. Michael holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from The University of Michigan (Go BLUE!). Michael deeply thanks Charlie, Janie & Paul and the rest of the Company @ OnStage for always giving him a place ‘to play’ and room to grow while trusting him with their vision. And lastly, he thanks his husband Brian and their Golden Retriever, Buckley.

Crew

Director – Charlie Miller
Choreographer – Janie Hitchcock
Music Director– Paul Tate – is an accompanist, vocal coach, piano teacher, recording artist, and freelance musician working in Atlanta. Paul is a great supporter of many theatres in the area where he has served as musical director or pianist in the pit, including Billy Elliot (City Springs Theatre), Gutenberg! The Musical (Dad’s Garage), Daddy Long Legs (Legacy Theatre), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Stage Door Theatre), Xanadu (Act 3), and several musicals at OnStage Atlanta, including The Rocky Horror Show, Rock of Ages, Spring Awakening, Scrooge, as well as the in-concert version of Sweeney Todd presented in 2004! His original piano and church music may be found on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music. Many thanks to this hardworking cast, to Janie, and to Charlie. Isn’t that Sweeney there beside you?
Set Design – Charlie Miller
Costume Design – Kathy Buraczynski
Props Design – Cathe Hall Payne & Charlie Miller
Lighting Design – Harley Gould
Sound Design – Charlie Miller
Light Production – Phoenix Posey
Sound Production  – Charlie Miller
Production Manager – Cathe Hall Payne
OSA Managing Director – Angie Short
Special Thanks – Snellville Performing Arts, Amy Cain Lucas, Darrell Wofford, and the entire OSA Artistic Company and Board

DONORS LIST

We would like to thank the following donors who have helped and continue to help support us.
Pledge A
Susan Atkinson; Tom Gillespie; Scott Overcarsh

Pledge B
Nat Martin & Gene Lewis; Patricia & Jon Mosley Nelson; Barry N West

Pledge C
Hal Brody; Dona Cucich; Steven Ethridge; Nancy H Marsh; Cathe Hall Payne & Angela Short; Aleisha McKinley; Paula Pratt; Steve & Patsy West; Gabriel & Robbie White

Pledge D
Susanne Bagby; Jacquelyn Goodman; Rus McCoy; Lockey McDonald; Dianna Milhollin; DeWayne Morgan

Pledge E
Rachelle Barnett; D. J. Dammann; Deborah DiBona; Michael Knee; Timothy Lindquist; Richard Vitaris; Alan & Janie Yorker

Producer – $1000.00 +
Susan Atkinson; Marc & Kathy Buraczynski; Craig Hardesty & Jim Farmer; Mona Freund; Warren Gump; Charlie Miller; Steven Miller; Jenny Mittleman & William Thompson; Jearl Nix; Louis Rodriguez; Scott Rousseau (the Estate of); RS Still; Mary Wellington

Playwright – $500.00 – $999.00
Tom Broyles; Deporres & Barbara Cormier; Stephen Hagen; Meg Lewis; Patti Mactas; Dr & Mrs. Stanley Tenenbaum

Director – $100.00 – $499.00
Willie Atkinson; Pat Bell; Barbara Blair; Michael Blair; Lee Buechele; William Carmichael; Lory Cox; Robert Craig; Da’non Dastugue; Margaret Dawe; Kathleen Delaney; Margo Doers; Robert Drake; Kathy Egan; Bobbie Elzey; Scott Evers; Leah Farmer; Ann Farnell; Jackie Fears; Shannon Franklin; Jannah Goodell; Patricia Guenthner; Rusty (Elyse) Haber; Marie Hall; Joanne & Joan Karpeles Harwood; Barbara Haworth; Anne Hayden; Leigh Jason; Ellen Jones; Gary Kapp JR; Carolyn Kennedy; Claudia Wright Kennedy; Robert Kleemeier; Lawrence Kloet; James Lorton; Nancy Marsh; Ernest Minarich; Ed & Betty Mitchell; Karen Montgomery; Robert Mosca; Catherine Mullins; Bruce Neal; Donna Nelson; Michele NeSmith; Christine Noel; Nancy Powell; William Price; John Robinson; Carl Roebling; John Sartain; Varda & Kenneth Sauer; Michael & Ramona Sauter; Hunter Showalter; Ken Skalitzky; Paul Spadafora; Jim Spernyak; Susan Stiefel; Mark Sulkin & McNaughton Shelley; Judy Tennell (in Honor of); Richard Vitaris; Kitty Wimbish; Betty Yaschik; Howard Yorek; Jessie Zaretsky

Actor – $25.00 – $99.00
Grace Agnew; David Allison; Ellen Arney; Tricia Berrett; Lila Bradley; Mary Bradley-Bailey; Bragg. Susan; Sheila Brock; Thelma Burks; Chris Carroll; Marjorie Cooper; Brenda Crayton-Pitches; Glenda Cucher; Peter Dakutis; Stacie Deaton; William Dillard; Portia Dischinger; Margaret Dixon; Sherry Durren; Shyler Edwards; Mike Ellsworth; Dale Farmer; Ann Farnell; Anne Finkelman; Deborah Force; Donna Gardner; Dominique Glover; Ellen Green; Jasmyne Griffin; Jeanie Gushee; Rich Hammett; Elizabeth Hanfelt; Paul Heller; Jean Hilyard; Beverly Howell; Lauren Hudlow; Martha Hunter; Linda Judson; Richard Kelley; Hank Kimmel; Victoria Kingsland; Heidi Klein; Judy Knighten; Terry Krugman; Jessie Kuipers; James Lamb; Bonnie Marshall; Redge Martin; David McDaniel; Shelley McNaughton; Sherree Meyers; Matthew Morgan; Ted Morrow; Leonard Pallats; Deborah Palmer;  William Seright; Leslee Sinclair; Tad Spencer; Patrice Stark; Zachary Stutts; Susan Tabnik; Tim Talley; JoAnne Taylor; Steve & Linda Uzelac; Edith Walls; Teresa Weaver; Marcia Wessels; Dennis Whitney; Mary Williams; Julius Wilson; Nancy Wilson; Valerie Wolny; Viki Woodard