"Sweeney Todd" Wins 2 Kenny Awards; Amanda Kuo Named Best Supporting Actor
"Sweeney Todd" was nominated for the Kenny Award in the following categories, and was selected as one of the top 5 of all Western New York High Schools to perform on stage at the Kenny Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 21.
- Outstanding Costume Design
- Outstanding Hair and Make-Up
- Best Choral Performance
- Best Orchestral Performance
- Best Dramatic Performance with "Ballad of Sweeney Todd"
- Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Female Presenting Role: Olivia Hoppe-Spink '22 as "Beggar Woman"
- Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Male Presenting Role: Amanda Kuo '22 as "Adolfo Pirelli"
- Outstanding Performance by a Lead Female Presenting Role: Rebekah Grande '23 as "Mrs. Lovett"
- Outstanding Performance by a Lead Male Presenting Role: Connor Hesch '24 as "Sweeney Todd"
- Outstanding Musical Production: Amherst "Sweeney Todd"
“This Stephen Sondheim piece is one that I have always wanted to do,” said Justin Pomietlarz, director of choral activities and operetta director. “It is complex in its characters, music, and orchestration, yet tells a witty and poignant story about the complexities of human nature - love, revenge, anger, and compassion.”
Though much of the piece is quite funny, the second act gets very dark as the principal character, Sweeney Todd, goes on a killing spree to seek revenge on the local Judge Turpin who at some previous point banished Todd from London and took in his daughter to raise as his own.
“It was chosen because there are a strong group of actor-singers who can handle the complexities of this score,” said Pomietlarz. “It's also not frequently done by high schools as it poses many challenges musically and theatrically. However, we are blessed with a fantastic design team who can tackle these issues with creativity and artistry. It's challenging, yet exciting music, and the kids are having a lot of fun.”
The Operetta poster was designed by ACHS sophomores Sage Sabatino and Chloe Camping with assistance from graphic designer Katherine Kuo who combined the work of both students.