STEPHEN SONDHEIM (1930-2021) wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970), Follies (1971), A Little Night Music (1973), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976), Sweeney Todd (1979), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday In The Park With George (1984), Into The Woods (1987), Assassins (1991), Passion (1994), Road Show (2008) and HERE WE ARE (2023), as well as the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959), Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965) and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Side By Side By Sondheim (1976), Marry Me A Little (1981), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983), Putting It Together (1993/99), Moving On (2001), Sondheim On Sondheim (2010) and Old Friends (2023) are anthologies of his work as composer and lyricist. For films, he composed the scores of “Stavisky” (1974), co-composed the score for “Reds” (1981), and wrote songs for “Dick Tracy” (1990). He wrote songs for the television production “Evening Primrose” (1966), co-authored the film “The Last of Sheila” (1973) and the play Getting Away With Murder (1996) and provided incidental music for the plays The Girls of Summer (1956), Invitation To A March (1961), Twigs (1971) and The Enclave (1973).

He won the Tony Award for Best Score for Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Passion, all of which won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, as did Pacific Overtures and Sunday In The Park With George, the latter also receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1985).

Stephen Sondheim was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Williams College, winning the Hutchinson Prize for Music Composition, after which he studied theory and composition with Milton Babbitt. He served on the Council of the Dramatists Guild, the national association of playwrights, composers and lyricists, and served as its president from 1973 to 1981. In 1983 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 1990 was appointed the first Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993, the National Medal of Arts in 1996, the MacDowell Medal in 2013 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: “Finishing the Hat” (2010) and “Look, I Made a Hat” (2011).

In 2010 the Broadway theater formerly known as Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed in his honor, and in 2019 he became the first living artist to have a theatre named in his honor on Shaftesbury Avenue when the refurbished Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End was renamed the Sondheim Theatre to commemorate his 90th birthday, by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

Hugh Wheeler was a novelist, playwright and screen writer. He wrote more than thirty mystery novels under the pseudonyms Q. Patrick and Patrick Quentin, and four of his novels were transformed into films: Black Widow, Man in the Net, The Green-Eyed Monster and The Man with Two Wives. For films he wrote the screenplays for Travels with My Aunt, Something for Everyone, A Little Night Music, and Nijinsky. His plays include Big Fish, Little Fish (1961), Look: We’ve Come Through (1961) and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1966, adapted from the Shirley Jackson novel), he co-authored with Joseph Stein the book for a new production of the 1919 musical Irene (1973), wrote the books for A Little Night Music (1973), a new production of Candide (1973), Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979, based on a version of the play by Christopher Bond), and Meet Me in St. Louis (adapted from the 1949 M-G-M musical), contributed additional material for the musical Pacific Overtures (1976), and wrote a new adaptation of the Kurt Weill opera Silverlake, which was directed by Harold Prince at the New York Opera. He received Tony and Drama Desk Awards for A Little Night Music, Candide and Sweeney Todd. Prior to his death in 1987 Mr. Wheeler was working on two new musicals, Bodo and Fu Manchu, and a new adaptation of The Merry Widow.

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.

MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide.

MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

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Elizabeth is so excited to be doing Sweeney Todd as her senior show at Cornish! This will be her first time playing and understudying a traditionally male role, as well! Credits at Cornish College of the Arts include: Amélie (Amélie), Ensemble/Dance Captain (The Winter’s Tale), Embassy/Ensemble (Chess), U/S Med. Alison/Joan (Fun Home), and more from the New Works Festival and other class projects.

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Recently seen in Cornish’s New Works Festival as Jamie in ‘Playing Pretend’ as well as a part of ‘The Lore Project’ Outside of Cornish, He was most recently seen as Warner in Legally Blonde. Thank you to my parents and my friends for always encouraging me!

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Sam is excited to make his Cornish Mainstage debut as Tobias in Sweeney Todd! He was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai’i and has been doing theater for nearly a decade. Sam was last seen in a 5×5 play (Mother of the Marsh) and in the Freshman Musical Theater Showcase here at Cornish. He would like to thank his family for their continued support, and his friends for the multitude of late night runs for a “post rehearsal treat.” He hopes you enjoy Sweeney Todd!

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Liv is a 3rd year musical theatre major. Their last production was Cornish’s production of Alice By Heart where they played the Duchess. Liv is so excited to play the role of Anthony Hope and to put a new perspective on this classic show and classic part!

Malia has been so excited to live in the wonderfully haunting world of Sweeny Todd for the past few months. Some favorite past roles at Cornish include Caterpillar in Alice By Heart and Hipolitio in Amelie. Huge thanks to this incredible team and all the hard work they’ve done to bring this story to life, as well as her family for their constant support.

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This is Teddy’s third time working on Sweeney Todd and second time in the Ensemble. In addition, this is his first public facing performance at Cornish College of the Arts (he previously worked as an understudy in Amélie). Teddy would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Stepdad, and siblings for their continued support – and you, for attending this wild interpretation of Sondheim and Wheeler’s masterpiece. Enjoy!

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Chloe could not be more excited to be working on Sweeney Todd! This is her second time doing the show and is so happy to be able to help bring it to life. She would like to thank her family for always being her support system and the amazing cast who made working in this show so special.

Leah Lusk is eager to perform as Sweeney Todd’s Johanna. She recently performed as Jennifer Coolidge in Escape to Margaritaville, and Mopsa/Katharina in The Winter’s Tale. She thanks Cornish staff, friends, Samuel, and her family for believing in her, and she hopes her art will inspire empathy in your life.

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Campbell Mace-Meador is thrilled to be making her Cornish mainstage debut! Campbell is a 2nd year Musical Theatre major from San Antonio, Texas. Previous Cornish credits include New Works 5×5, The Lore Project, and the First Year Musical Theatre Showcase last spring. So much gratitude for the cast and crew. She’d like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support!

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Raleigh McQuarters was not born but raised in Northern California. His magnetic personality and keen interest in characterization drew him to Acting like a bird to flight. Low income has never stopped him, with Christ at his side he plans to pursue his ambitions of becoming a Movie Star & Director against all odds.

Josh is very excited to be in this production as their mainstage debut! You may have seen them in 5x5s – Playing Pretend (Carter), Winter’s Tale (Musician), and The Lore Project. Love to M & D + sibs #millerfam4lyfe

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Hadley Nelson is a fourth-year Musical Theatre major from Dallas, Oregon. She’s recently been seen in Cornish’s productions of The Winter’s Tale as Dorcus and Mastergate as Merry Chase. Some of her other favorite roles include Charlotte Dennon in the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s production of Elf: The Musical, and Veronica Sawyer in Linfield University’s production of Heathers. She is delighted to share the tale of Sweeney Todd as part of this fantastic cast.

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Grayson Nendel is very excited to be part of his first main stage production at Cornish! You may recognize him from last year’s ten minute play, ‘Boy and the Grenade’, where he played ‘Boy’. He wants to thank his family and friends for getting him where he is today and he hopes you enjoy the show!

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Carter is very excited to make his main stage show debut at Cornish! He has previously performed at Cornish in Dinner Party, as a musician in The Winter’s Tale, and the First-Year Musical Theater showcase. He would like to show his appreciation to his family, his friends, and especially Becca.

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Darby (4th year, Musical Theatre) is excited and honored to take part in his final show at Cornish. Past credits include “Fun Home,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Chess,” “Amelie,” and most recently “Alice by Heart.” Darby is deeply humbled to share this role’s challenge and vulnerability with an audience, and is forever grateful to all of the teachers, friends, and family that have always trusted and supported him.

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Dillon is a third-year Musical Theatre major. At Cornish, he has previously appeared in “Gray Matter” and understudied “Amelie”. He is excited to be a part of this show and to bring a new sound to this phenomenal score.

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Abi is a 3rd year Musical Theater student.

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Catherine is a San Diego native and is in her final year at Cornish. Past credits at Cornish include: Mock Turtle/Knave of Hearts (Alice by Heart), Ensemble (Head Over Heels). She would like to thank the artistic team for all their work and her family for their love and support.

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Natalie is so excited to be a part of her first main stage production at Cornish! She is so grateful to the wonderful cast and crew of this show for being so supportive and always coming into the room with a curious mind and open heart. She hopes you enjoy the show!

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Maisy is so excited to be a part of Sweeney Todd at Cornish College of The Arts. Previously at CCA she has been a part of Mastergate (Butler) and Alice By Heart (Queen of Diamonds). She is currently a Junior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, Quincy, Will, MJ, Sophie, Tenille, and Maddie for their endless love and support. Enjoy the show!

Richard Gray is the current Program Director for MT at Cornish. He has also directed Cornish productions of Amélie, Chess, Head Over Heels, Pippin, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Theory of Relativity, Company, Lift, Nine, Quilters, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Grand Hotel. As a composer, Richard was named one of 5 finalists in both 2005 and 2006 for the Fred Ebb Award honoring new musical theater writers. His musicals include Dick Whittington, The Flea and The Professor (Barrymore Award – Best Musical), Lyle the Crocodile, Cold Turkey, Time Again in Oz and The Long Game. Next up: playing “Claude” in Come From Away at the Seattle Rep.

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Ben is ecstatic to be dialect coaching this production of Sweeney Todd! He recently just coached the senior thesis production of Paula Vogel’s “Baltimore Waltz” (French, German, and Austrian). He would like to thank Kate Myre for her excellent guidance and helpful direction throughout the process. This has been an wonderful experience, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

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Taylor is a Performance Production BFA 3 student at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University. Previously they studied at The Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago, where she assistant costume designed All’s Well That Ends Well (Dir. Nicole Ricciardi) and others. Her work focuses on under-represented groups such as the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. Professionally, Taylor has worked with the PNB, Seattle Rep, The Weekend, Hoizer, The Marías and other concert artists.

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Originally from the Bay Area, California, Ruby spent 9 years on the stage, and now is adding the design world onto her plate. She has spent the last 3 years at Cornish honing her craft, and is excited to share her first solo design project with you today. Her previous design credits include Head Over Heels (CCA Sp 2023, Asst. Cost. Designer), A View From The Bridge (CCA Wi 2023, Wardrobe/Crew-Semble), Amelie (CCA Wi 2024, Asst. Cost. Designer), Alice By Heart (CCA Sp 2025, Co-Costume Designer).

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Ashlyn is thrilled to be working on her third show here at Cornish Collage of the Arts! She was previously an assistant stage manager for “Amelie” and stage manager for “The Winter’s Tale” last school year. Before becoming a student at Cornish, she frequently worked on productions at Shoreline Community College and spent time as a photographer at Walt Disney World. When she is not in rehearsals, Ashlyn loves to draw, craft and watch movies. She wants to thank her family for all their support!

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Raine Jackson is a 3rd year Performance Production Major, focusing on Stage Management at Cornish. They’ve worked on other Cornish theater shows, such as Amelie in Fall 2024 and Chess in Spring 2024. They also have worked outside of Cornish as an intern for a Seattle Theater Group project, and as an Assistant Stage Manager for Spring 2025 Cornish Dance Theater! They’d like to give a shout-out to their friends, family, and their cats, Bobbi and Bean.

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Kyra is delighted to be choreographing her first full musical! She previously performed at Cornish in Amelié, Cornish Dance Theater, New Voices, and more. When she’s not in classes, Kyra is teaching at School of Rock, rehearsing for her latest project, or transposing sheet music for no good reason.

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Linkin Moore has taken on the role of Scenic Designer with great enthusiasm! As a junior at Cornish, this is the first time his designs have hit the big stage. Linkin has been involved in many shows, including The Addams Family, Little Shop of Horrors, Amelie, The Winter’s Tale, and Alice by Heart. He is grateful to his professors for pushing him to always strive for more. Linkin is most thankful to his Mom and Dad, who inspired him to follow his dreams even if they took him 2,000 miles away.

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Evan Mosher is a Seattle-based audio engineer, sound designer, musician, and performer who’s happily returning to collaborate with Cornish after designing sound for Amélie in 2024. His sound designs have also frequently been heard at Seattle Public Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare, ArtsWest, Book-it Repertory, WET, On the Boards, Whitman College, and at Cafe Nordo where he was company member for 10 years. He is also a member of the art-pop band “Awesome” with whom he’s played for over two decades.

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My name is Lillian Nellis, I’m a creative storyteller, and I focus on props and costumes. I have an education in theatrical design from Cornish College of the Arts, where I’ll be graduation from after fall of 2025. My goal is to work with specialty costumes and props (Like sci-fi and fantasy) for film and television.

I use a variety of techniques for my creations, from more traditional, sewing, leatherwork, and metalworking, to more modern 3D printing and 3D modeling.

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Originally from California, Jess transferred to Cornish as a musical theater major in the fall of 2024. She had the privilege to work with Rich as an actor in Amelie and it has been a delight to be his assistant director in Sweeney Todd. Her production credits at Cornish include Amelie (Gina) and Alice By Heart (Alice). She will be graduating with her BFA in the spring of 2026. Many thanks to the production team, cast, and faculty for their support since day one. Here’s to the year of pie!

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Em Phalen is a second-year Performance Production Stage Management student here at Cornish College Of The Arts and thrilled to be back for another show! They have previously worked as an Assistant Stage Manager for last year’s Spring Musical, “Alice By Heart.” They’ve also worked backstage and as a stage manager at the Colorado Springs FAC and Air Academy HS. Outside of theater, they’re a lover of collage, zines, and all things art history. A big thank you to their family for all their support!

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Daniel, a Seattle based pianist, woodwind player, musical director, educator, and arranger is a multifaceted musical artist with over 20 years of experience in the performing arts.

His experience includes over a decade as the resident Music Director for ACT In Athens, Georgia. In Seattle he has enjoyed working with companies such as the 5th Avenue Theatre, Magpie Ensemble, Latitude, and the Renton Civic Theatre.

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Em Weihofen is in their fourth year here at Cornish College of the Arts. At Cornish, they previously were the Assistant Lighting Designer for The Winter’s Tale (2025) and Chess (2024) and the Assistant Stage Manager for Aloha, Say The Pretty Girls (2024). They would like to thank Thorn for the constant support she gave during the process, and their Mom, Brother, and Aunt Sarah for taking the time to see the show!!