The world of Mary Poppins was practically perfect in every way – but behind-the-scenes there have been a number of devastating tragedies.

On-screen we were transported into a magical all-singing, all-dancing world with the much-loved British nanny and a various quirky characters.

But behind the innocent adventures of the 1964 classic, the cast were enduring personal struggles and health battles.

None more so than legendary actor Dick Van Dyke, who is thankfully still going strong at the age of 97-years-old and was recently unveiled as the Gnome on The Masked Singer.

From heartache to a suicidal battle with alcohol and a heartbreaking death, here’s a look back at the tragedies that befell the Mary Poppins cast.

Dick Van Dyke – Bert

Everyone loved cheery chimney sweep Bert(Image: Rex)

Played by Van Dyke, Bert was the one-man band, chimney sweep and kite seller with a terrible Cockney accent and a massive crush on Mary.

But during their days on set, Dick was hiding a dark secret – he was in the grips of alcoholism.

He was so desperate to get sober that he entered rehab twice, and when that failed he fell into a suicidal depression.

“We moved to a neighbourhood full of young families with the same age kids and everyone drank heavily, there were big parties every night. I would go to work with terrible hangovers which if you’re dancing is really hard,” he told the Telegraph.

“I was in deep trouble, you get suicidal and think you just can’t go on. I had suicidal feelings, it was just terrible.

“But then suddenly, like a blessing, the drink started not to taste good. I would feel a little dizzy and a little nauseous and I wasn’t getting the click. Today I wouldn’t want a drink for anything.”

After finally winning his 25-year battle, he returned to screens with Diagnosis Murder in 1993.

Dick Van Dyke was unveiled as the Gnome(Image: FOX)

Dick was unmasked as the Gnome of the American version of The Masked Singer this week – after reducing judge Nicole Scherzinger to tears.

He belted out a powerful rendition of When You’re Smiling by Frank Sinatra, then treated the audience to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins.

Nicole then gushed over the Mary Poppins icon as she broke down in tears.

“It was really dark in there. I couldn’t see anything,” Dick joked when asked how he found performing in the Gnome outfit.

“I love you so much, we love you, the whole world loves you so much. It’s an honour to have you on our show.

“I can’t believe you’re here, I’m trying to like play it cool. You look so gorgeous, you look so handsome,” she said.

Julie Andrews – Mary Poppins

Julie Andrews was apparently the opposite of her goodie-goodie character(Image: Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar)

Julie played the practically perfect Mary Poppins, but it was a different story off-camera.

Karen Dotrice, who played her young charge Jane Banks, said the Oscar winner was a foul-mouthed chain smoker behind-the-scenes.

“There was swearing. Julie Andrews was smoking on set. It was a very real 1960s set, I can tell you. They were polite around minors to begin with, but that soon ended,” she told The Sun.

Julie went on to win an Academy Award for her role before being cruelly robbed of the singing voice that had made her a star in a botched operation.

In 1997, she underwent surgery to remove noncancerous nodules from her vocal chords, but when she woke up her ability to sing had gone.

“If it had happened earlier, it would have been really devastating. As it was, it was devastating,” she told People magazine. “For a while, I was in total denial… I thought at the time, my voice was what I am.”

She later sued the two doctors and her case was settled for an undisclosed amount in 2000.

Matthew Garber – Michael Banks

Matthew Garber retired from acting soon after Mary Poppins(Image: Supplied by LMK)

Brit star Matthew played Michael Banks in the 1964 film Mary Poppins – but retired from acting aged 10.

He unknowingly contracted hepatitis while in India in 1976, but by the time his dad managed to get him home in 1977, it had already spread to his pancreas.

Sadly, Matthew died from haemorrhagic necrotising pancreatitis at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London at the age of just 21.

His brother Fergus, who was 13 when Matthew died, denied claims his brother contracted hepatitis by using drugs.

He said it had probably come from eating infected meat.

David Tomlinson – George Banks

David Tomlinson, pictured as Mr Banks, suffered a devastating personal loss(Image: Getty Images)

Tragically, David was widowed aged just 26 when his wife jumped from a hotel with her two sons, just weeks after they had got married.

Mary Lindsay Hiddingh’s first husband had been killed in action, leaving her to raise her two boys, Michael, eight, and John, six, alone.

Reportedly despondent over not being able to bring her children to the UK to be with David, Mary and the children plunged 15 floors on December 2, 1943, leaving him devastated.

He later married actress Audrey Freeman in May 1953 and they stayed together for 47 years until his death from a stroke aged 83.

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The ‘Vanderpump Rules’ star and the fitness coach took a ride on a San Francisco cable car and held hands while walking around the city

,” Madix wrote in her Instagram caption, jokingly referencing to the art piece.

Related: Ariana Madix Cuddles Up to New Boyfriend Daniel Wai During Chicago Getaway

Ariana Madix’s Beau Daniel Wai Joins ‘Vanderpump Guidelines’ Solid Journey to San Francisco Whereas Filming Season 11 appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The thing about shooting a movie set in 1970’s San Francisco in 2023 is that those two time periods aren’t actually the same. The world is changing! The crew had their hands full when Fairyland, a film based on Alysia Abbott’s memoir of the same name about growing up with a gay father during the height of the AIDS epidemic in San Fran, decided to shoot on location. “San Francisco in the ’70s was the coolest thing to see in a movie,” said director Andrew Durham at the film’s Sundance premiere. “The production team did an incredible job finding these locations,” added Scoot McNairy, who plays Steve Abbott in the film. Above is the team discussing how they completed their time machine, along with:

➽ How Durham’s real life inspired his directorial debut by adapting this memoir
➽ How they made the film for the illiterate community
➽The weird trick Adam Lambert uses to make his ice cream taste better

The post ‘Fairyland’ Solid Talks Seventies San Francisco at Sundance 2023 appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Porchlight Music Theater begins its ninth season of Chicago’s “lost” musical series with Porchlight Revisiting The Apple Tree, book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, book and music by Jerry Bock, with additional material by James Coopersmith.

Each of the three musical stories in The Apple Tree is directed by a different person, Frankie Leo Bennett (The Diary of Adam and Eve), Jamal Howard (The Lady or the Tiger?) and Laura Savage (Passionella), with musical direction from David Fiorello. Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree will be on Wednesday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. only at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn , presented for three performances street.

Porchlight Revisits subscriptions with three performance discounts are available and single tickets to Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree are $52 at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling the Porchlight Music Theater box office at 773.777.9884.

Now in its ninth season, Porchlight Revisits celebrates the rarely seen musical gems of Broadway, Off-Broadway and beyond and is the ticket to go behind the scenes with an introduction to the luminaries who created the greatest musicals of all time, and an opportunity to discover a new “old” favorite in a big show. Chicago’s finest musical theater talent dusts off these treasures and, for a limited edition, transports audiences into the world of musical theater artistry from the past. In addition to productions from days gone by, each Porchlight Revisis includes the Behind the Show Backstory, an entertaining and informative multimedia presentation created and hosted by Artistic Director Michael Weber that introduces the evening’s production, including the show’s creative history, juicy backstage stories and much more.

The 2022-2023 Porchlight Revisits season begins with The Apple Tree from the songwriting team behind Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me. Nominated for Best Musical by Tony, this witty, melodic and charming piece is made up of three musical miniatures : The Journal of Adam and Eve, a whimsical, touching twist on the story of the world’s first couple, adapted from Mark Twain’s short stories; The Lady or the Tiger?, a 1960s rock ‘n’ roll fable set in a mythical kingdom and exploring the fickleness of love and passionella, based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella tale about a chimney sweep who dreams of it to be a “glamorous movie star”.

Additional Porchlight Revisits in the 2023-2023 season include Porchlight Revisits I am a Camera, Wednesday 8 February at 7:30pm and Thursday 9 February at 1:30pm, an addition to Porchlight’s Mainstage Cabaret, this special event production one Rare opportunity to experience the remarkable 1951 play that became the inspiration for the musical Cabaret and Porchlight Revisites Two by Two, Wednesday 24 May at 7:30pm and Thursday 25 May at 1:30pm and 7:00pm: 30pm Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Peter Stone based on The Flowering Peach by Clifford Odets. Porchlight Revisites Two by Two tells the story of Noah, the Flood and their aftermath with touches of modern themes including the environment and generational differences.

The cast of Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree includes Jonah Cochin (Adam/Ensemble); Maddison Denault (Princess Barbara/ensemble); Susan Hofflander (Snake/ensemble); Shea Hopkins (Flip/The Prince/Ensemble); Ruchir Khazanchi (Captain Sanjar/Ensemble); Michael Mejia (balladeist/ensemble); Leah Morrow (Ella/Passionella/Ensemble); Emma Rosenthal (narrator/ensemble) and Ciarra Stroud (Eva/ensemble).

The Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree creative team includes Frankie Leo Bennett (director, The Diary of Adam and Eve), Jamal Howard (director/choreographer, The Lady or the Tiger?) and Laura Savage (director, choreographer, Passionella); David Fiorello (Music Director), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer); Rachel West (lighting designer), Matthew R. Chase (sound designer); Alden Vasquez (stage manager); Emily Marrazzo (assistant stage manager); Kevin Vilchez (assistant stage manager); Majel Cuza (Production Manager) and Michael Weber (Artistic Director).

The post Solid and Inventive Group Introduced For Porchlight Music Theatre’s THE APPLE TREE appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Previews begin tonight, February 26, for the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony and Grammy-nominated multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) and Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George).

Directed by Thomas Kail, and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Hugh Wheeler, from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, Sweeney Todd will officially open on March 26, 2023, at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Meet the cast bringing this show to life on stage below!

JOSH GROBAN

SWEENEY TODD

Tony, Emmy, and four-time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Josh Groban possesses one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music. Moreover, he continues to captivate fans everywhere as both a powerhouse vocalist and dynamic Renaissance man. He has sold over 35 million albums worldwide, headlined legendary venues on multiple continents, and entertained audiences with acclaimed film and television appearances. His catalog spans a series of chart-topping blockbuster albums, including Josh Groban (5x platinum); Closer (6x platinum); Noël (6x platinum); Awake (2x platinum); Illumination; All That Echoes (gold); Stages (gold); his first UK #1 album, Bridges; and his most recent release, Harmony. Along the way, he has packed arenas throughout North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Extending his repertoire, Groban made his Broadway debut in 2016 with a starring role in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. He garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Musical. He has expanded his presence with appearances on “Glee,” “The Simpsons,” “The Office,” “CSI: NY,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and “The Crazy Ones,” as well as in the feature films Coffee Town, Muppets Most Wanted, and Crazy, Stupid, Love. In addition, he starred in the Netflix series “The Good Cop” in 2018.

Groban maintains his position as the consummate American showman in 2022 and beyond. This year, he returned to the hallowed stage of Radio City Music Hall for his Great Big Radio City Show residency and launched a nationwide live tour. He remains an active arts-education philanthropist and advocate, and his Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.

ANNALEIGH ASHFORD

MRS. LOVETT

Tony Award-winning actor Annaleigh Ashford has spent her career collaborating with acclaimed directors and actors across stage, film, and television, and she continues that award-winning work with several upcoming projects. She can currently be seen starring opposite Kumail Nanjiani in the Hulu limited series “Welcome to Chippendales” from creator Robert Siegel. Ashford is currently in production on Searchlight Pictures’ horror-thriller Dust, starring opposite Sarah Paulson and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The film will stream on Disney’s DTC platforms as a Hulu Original.

Ashford most recently starred as Paula Jones in the Ryan Murphy FX series “American Crime Story: Impeachment,” based on the national crisis that swept up Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, and Linda Tripp as principal characters in the country’s first impeachment proceedings in over a century. She starred in two seasons of the hit CBS comedy “B Positive.” Created by Marco Pennette and Chuck Lorre, the series also starred legendary actors Linda Lavin, Hector Elizondo, and Ben Vereen.

No stranger to Broadway, Ashford won the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her portrayal of “Essie” in You Can’t Take It With You. Her additional Broadway credits include Sunday in the Park With George, Wicked, and Legally Blonde. She originated the role of “Lauren” in Kinky Boots, a performance for which she received another Tony Award nomination. Born and raised in Denver, Ashford now splits her time between Los Angeles and New York.

JORDAN FISHER

ANTHONY HOPE

Jordan is an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and gamer whose work has spanned TV and music, Broadway and film. Jordan can be seen in Netflix’s Work It and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before sequel; The CW’s “The Flash”; and most recently, Netflix’s Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between; plus HBO’s “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience.” He is an avid gamer and even commentated for the 2019 Fortnite World Cup.

Jordan’s additional accomplishments include being the first African American to portray the title character of “Evan” in Dear Evan Hansen and “Mark” in Fox’s Emmy-nominated “Rent: Live,” as well as being named a breakout star by MTV and People magazine for Fox’s Emmy-winning broadcast “Grease Live!” He won ABC’s 25th season of “Dancing With the Stars” and collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, performing a duet with him for Disney’s Moana soundtrack, as well as joining the cast of Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical, Hamilton.

GATEN MATARAZZO

TOBIAS RAGG

Gaten has been seen on the New York stage this season in the Encores! production of Parade as “Frankie Epps” and in the final Broadway cast of Dear Evan Hansen as “Jared Kleinman.” Matarazzo is best known for starring as “Dustin Henderson” in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things.” The show won for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 2017 SAG Awards.

Gaten hails from New Jersey and started performing at the age of eight. A natural born performer, he began his career on Broadway starring in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Benji) and Les Misérables (Gavroche), and he played “Jack” in the Hollywood Bowl revival of Into the Woods. Gaten can also be seen starring in the new film Honor Society on Paramount+.

RUTHIE ANN MILES

BEGGAR WOMAN

On stage, Ruthie Ann Miles has appeared in The King and I as Lady Thiang (Tony Award; Grammy and Olivier Award nominations; Lincoln Center Theater); Sunday in the Park With George (both Encores! NY City Center and the Broadway transfer); Sondheim on Sondheim (Boston Pops); Sondheim on Sondheim (Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl); as well as concerts with the San Francisco Symphony and the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra (Seoul, Korea). She’s the OG Imelda Marcos in Alex Timbers’ Here Lies Love, written by David Byrne with DJ Fatboy Slim (Lucille Lortel and Theatre World Awards, The Public Theater). She also played Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (playing onstage accordion, flute and piano).

On television, Ruthie is best known as Sherri Kansky on WB’s “All Rise” (CBS and OWN) or as Young Hee in FX’s “The Americans” (Emmy nomination). You can hear her voice in Netflix’s Over the Moon (Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations); The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane (Audie Award finalist, Simon Schuster); and If I Had Your Face (Penguin). Upcoming limited engagement of The Light in the Piazza at Encores! NY City Center, from June 21-25.

MARIA BILBAO

JOHANNA

A native of Miami, Maria Bilbao performed at Miami Childrens Theater and Miami Stage Company before moving to New York to study at AMDA. She recently appeared in Anna in the Tropics at Bay Street Theater Festival and in productions at Bucks County Playhouse, Portland Center Stage, Westchester Broadway, Aurora Theatre, and Transcendence Theatre Company.

JAMIE JACKSON

JUDGE TURPIN

This is Jamie Jackson’s fourth production of Sweeney Todd. He played the title character at Gateway Playhouse; the Bird-seller at Lincoln Center, accompanied by the New York Philharmonic; and Judge Turpin in Barrow Street’s bake-house version, accompanied by piano, violin, and clarinet. Originally from Australia, Jamie trained as an actor at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney and then as a bookwriter/lyricist at NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

Broadway and Off-Broadway productions include Wicked, Dr. Zhivago, The Last Ship, Soul Doctor, and The 39 Steps. Film and TV work includes The Greatest Showman with Hugh Jackman, The Loudest Voice with Russell Crowe, and guest-starring roles on “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Get Down,” “Chicago Fire,” “Quantico,” “Person of Interest,” “Elementary,” “Blindspot,” “The Family,” “Unforgettable,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Madam Secretary,” “Smash,” “Flight of the Conchords,” and the pilot of “The Blacklist” with James Spader.

With his wife and collaborator, SoHee Youn, he’s written several musicals including I Spy a Spy, produced Off-Broadway at St. Clement’s Theatre in 2019. Their one-man musical, Love: A Multiple Choice Question, was produced at the NY Fringe Festival; at the York Theatre; and in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Jamie and SoHee are currently writing and composing the original musical Thunderbolt, based on the life of Australian outlaw Fred Ward and his First Nations wife, Mary Ann Bugg. jamiejackson.com

JOHN RAPSON

BEADLE BAMFORD

A Michigan native, John grew up loving theater and obsessed with all things scary. When he first discovered Sweeney Todd, it felt like coming home. It still does. Broadway/Off-Broadway: Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd (Barrow Street), Between the Lines. He originated the role of the D’Ysquith Family in the first national tour of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. Selected Regional: Grand Horizons (Ben, Asolo Rep), The Tale of Despereaux (Roscuro, Berkeley Rep) Oklahoma! (Jud, Broadway Sacramento), The Play That Goes Wrong (Robert, St. Louis Rep), The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho, Goodspeed), and Disney on Classic (Soloist with the Orchestra Japan). His theatrical adaptation of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, called The Hollow, premiered last fall at Amphibian Stage. TV/Film: “The Blacklist,” “A Christmas Carol.” John is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Endless love and thanks to Kristen, my family, CGF, and the extraordinary Sweeney team. Thank you, Stephen Sondheim.

NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER

PIRELLI & STANDBY FOR SWEENEY TODD

Born in Bermuda and raised in Boston, Nicholas recently moved to L.A. to star as Aaron Burr in Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre. For the past 12 years, he has been a staple of the New York Broadway community performing musicals, plays, and Shakespeare. He studied at the Juilliard School and The Boston Conservatory, where he cultivated his unique range as both an actor and a singer. His professional debut was starring alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda as Benny in In the Heights in Puerto Rico. Select theater credits include Hamilton, Miss Saigon, Motown: The Musical, Lazarus (with David Bowie), Shakespeare in the Park, Hurt Village (Katori Hall), and Rent. TV credits include “All Rise” (CBS), “United States of Al” (CBS), and “Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll” (FX).

JEANNA DE WAAL

STANDBY FOR MRS. LOVETT & BEGGAR WOMAN

Jeanna most recently originated and received a Drama Desk nomination for the title role in Diana: The Musical on Broadway and Netflix. On Broadway, de Waal starred in Kinky Boots (Lauren) and American Idiot (Heather). She originated the role of “Dawn” in Waitress, by Sara Bareilles, and the role of “Mary Barrie” in Finding Neverland, both directed by Diane Paulus at American Repertory Theater.

Off-Broadway, de Waal co-starred in the two-hander play Orwell in America (59E59 Theater) and played Chris Hargensen in MCC Theatre’s reimagined production of Broadway’s Carrie. She made her West End debut in the Queen musical We Will Rock You. Other notable credits include the National Tour of Wicked (Glinda) and The Rocky Horror Show (Janet) at The Old Globe. She is the founder of Broadway Weekends, which hosts annual theater summer camps for adults, led by Broadway artists.

GALYANA CASTILLO

ENSEMBLE

Broadway debut! Broadway/National Tour: Waitress (Swing, u/s Becky). Regional: Something Rotten (Bea, Pioneer Theatre), Once on This Island (Asaka, Pioneer Theatre), Rock of Ages (Justice, Theatre Aspen), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal, Fulton Theatre), Seussical the Musical (Sour Kangaroo, Stages St. Louis), La Cage aux Folles (Francis, Pioneer Theatre), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (Billie Holiday, The Prizery), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell Carter, Forestburgh Playhouse), Chicago (Matron “Mama” Morton, Forestburgh Playhouse), Show Boat (Queenie, Shenandoah Summer Theatre), Big River (Alice, Sharon Playhouse). Love to my wonderful and supportive wife and family!

JONATHAN CHRISTOPHER

ENSEMBLE

Overjoyed to make his Broadway debut in his favorite musical, alongside his brother Nicholas! His eclectic and varied path includes musicals, operas, and concerts in New York and around the world. Special highlights: Hamilton (Philip Company; Ensemble/Burr and u/s Washington); The Black Clown (Lincoln Center); Octet (Signature Theatre); Candide (Maximillian, Clarence Brown Theatre); Ragtime (Coalhouse, Great Plains Theatre); Rent (Collins, Aruba National Theatre); Mozart and Salieri (Salieri, London Time Zone Theatre). From singing gospel in Italy to opera in Germany, Jonathan is keenly establishing himself as a solo artist, receiving the Johnny Mercer Award at the 2021 American Traditions Competition. He’s performed with the Cincinnati, Hilton Head, and Asheville Symphonies; Naples Philharmonic; Toronto’s Amplified Opera; and Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts. MM, McGill University; BM, University of Michigan. He performs for his family in Bermuda and Boston, and the many teachers who have enlightened him along his journey.

DWAYNE COOPER

ENSEMBLE

Florence, South Carolina, native! Broadway/National Tours/Regional: Hairspray, Motown, NY revival of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Seussical the Musical, Show Boat, Jesus Christ Superstar. Founding member of The Doo Wop Project (PBS); Principal Singer aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. TV/Film: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (Milan Season 4), “Gossip Girl,” Call Me Miss Cleo. Special shout-out to my partner Stas, my mother Bobby, both of our families, my friends, and my supporters for their unwavering support of me as an artist who wears many hats (and wigs, haha). I love you all so much.

KYRIE COURTER

ENSEMBLE

Kyrie is a performer and content creator based in New York City who was most recently seen in the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. Her credits include Ragtime (Bay Street Theater); School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (Goodman Theatre); Next to Normal (Writers Theatre, Jeff nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role); Marie Christine (BoHo Theatre, Jeff nomination for Performer in a Principal Role); Legally Blonde (Paramount Theatre); Seussical the Musical and The Color Purple (Drury Lane Theatre, Black Theater Alliance Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical); Company (Venus Cabaret Theater); BLKS (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); Thaddeus and Slocum (Lookingglass Theatre Company); Dreamgirls (Porchlight Music Theatre). She sends love, light, and good vibes to everyone in the audience. Enjoy the show!

TAELER CYRUS

ENSEMBLE

Taeler is from Los Angeles and graduated with honors from The Ailey School/Fordham University with a BFA in Dance. She began her concert dance career performing with Ailey II, River North Dance Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. On Broadway, she was an original cast member in the Tony Award-winning productions of After Midnight, An American in Paris, and the latest revival of Hello, Dolly! Most recently, she joined the cast of Wicked. Other musical theater credits include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Paper Mill Playhouse, Oklahoma! at Sacramento Music Circus, and New York City Center’s Encores! productions of Call Me Madam and High Button Shoes. Her commercial credits include performances with Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Mariah Carey, in addition to television appearances on the Tony Awards, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Saturday Night Live,” “MTV’s Video Music Awards,” and “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

TIMOTHY HUGHES

ENSEMBLE

Hughes was deemed a “breakout star” by the Los Angeles Times for his work in the Broadway musical Hadestown, which won the 2019 Tony for Best Musical. Prior to Hadestown, he originated the role of Pabbie in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway after making his debut in Chaplin: The Musical. He has toured with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and performed at regional theaters across the country. Favorites include Goodspeed Opera, The MUNY, Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Repertory, Musical Theatre Wichita, and LA Opera. On screen, he is best known for his work as the Strongman in the movie-musical The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman. He has appeared on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” and will appear in Season 2 of “And Just Like That.” Hughes graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and is the founder of the performing arts program Performer’s Puzzle.

PAUL-JORDAN JANSEN

ENSEMBLE

Broadway debut! Jordan is a Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actor, educator, and producer who has performed regionally across the country for over a decade. Favorite regional credits: Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz at Paramount Theatre; The Last Ship (Regional Premiere), Once on This Island, The Count of Monte Cristo (US Premiere) at Pioneer Theatre Company; The Prince of Egypt (World Premiere) at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. He is a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University.

ALICIA KAORI

ENSEMBLE

Alicia Kaori likes all pie but prefers a fruit pie, when possible. Credits include The King and I (Broadway and National Tour), The Sound of Music (Paramount Theatre Aurora), “NCIS: Hawai’i” (CBS), and “Mozart in the Jungle” (Amazon). Thanks to The Mine. aliciakaori.com

MICHAEL KUHN

ENSEMBLE

Thrilled to make his Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd! Michael was recently seen Off-Broadway as Basel in ¡Figaro! 90210. Other notable credits include the world premiere of Stonewall with New York City Opera, Man of La Mancha with Central City Opera, A Little Night Music with the Princeton Festival, and Sweeney Todd with Opera Omaha. Recent opera credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Des Moines Metro Opera, The Abduction From the Seraglio with Opera Omaha, Gianni Schicchi with On Site Opera, and Before Night Falls with Florida Grand Opera. In NYC, he has appeared as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, the Kaufman Music Center, and with the New York Choral Society. When not performing, Michael loves spending time with his adorable pit bull puppy, Cole. michaelkuhntenor.com

RAYMOND J. LEE

ENSEMBLE

Excited to be back on Broadway-this time as a resident of Fleet Street! Raymond has been in the Broadway companies of Aladdin (Iago), Anything Goes (John), Groundhog Day (Ralph), Honeymoon in Vegas, and Mamma Mia! Other NY stage credits include Soft Power (The Public), Mack & Mabel (Encores!), The Wild Party (Encores!), and Two Gentlemen of Verona (The Public). Regional credits include the world premieres of Trading Places (Alliance), Once Upon a One More Time (STC), and Christmas in Connecticut (Goodspeed), where he originated the role of Dudley Beecham. Film/TV credits include Marriage Story, Fire Island, The Greatest Showman, “Law & Order,” “The First Lady,” “Succession,” “Billions,” “Red Oaks,” and “Smash.” He has voiced numerous projects for Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and Netflix, as well as several audiobooks. Thanks to Nicolosi, STG, and to the entire Sweeney team. Love to Robbi & Ella. Go U Northwestern! raymondjlee.com

MEGAN ORT

ENSEMBLE

Megan Ort first performed Sweeney Todd at Methacton High School in her hometown Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Favorite credits include Cats (Broadway Revival), The Phantom of the Opera (u/s Christine Daaé, World Tour), Evita (Revival, First National), and her actor/musician performances as Reza in Once (Theatre Raleigh) and a dancer/violist in Soul Doctor. She serves as the Associate Director of The Yellow Wallpaper, a new play conceived and directed by her sister, Caitlin Ort. Most recently, she earned an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Analysis from Columbia University, and specializes in clean energy and environmental justice. Proud Ithaca College graduate! Love to Megan’s family, friends, teachers, and Anthony. MeganOrt.com

PATRICIA PHILLIPS

ENSEMBLE

Patricia has altered the history of American Broadway theater as the first woman of color to portray the Tony Award-winning role of Carlotta in the longest-running show on Broadway, The Phantom of the Opera. She is also the only woman of color to appear in Kinky Boots on Broadway. Having trained at Carnegie Mellon University, she has a wide range of credits including the Emmy Award-winning “Live at Lincoln Center” production of Sweeney Todd, the US premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera, Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème (OBC), The Secret Garden (OBC), and The Sound of Music (OBC Revival). Some of her television credits include “Billy on the Street,” “Shades of Blue,” the Tony Awards, and “The Sopranos.” She has taught at Carnegie Mellon, Penn State, and NYU Tisch New Studio on Broadway. Patricia will forever consider her son, DIF, her finest production of all time.

MIA PINERO

ENSEMBLE

A Cuban-Polish performer from Racine, Wisconsin, Mia recently originated the role of Jo in the world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano at the Alley Theatre. Pre-pandemic, she made her Broadway debut as Maria while understudying in Ivo Van Hove’s revival of West Side Story. Regionally, she has performed at the Guthrie Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, and PlayMakers Repertory Company. Her concert credits include venues such as Lincoln Center, The Times Center, and Feinstein’s/54 Below, where she made her solo concert debut in “Growing Up: An Album Release Celebration in Concert!” On camera, she played Angelica in “Law & Order: SVU” and was featured in a CitiBank commercial where she got to eat BBQ chicken wings (a favorite). In 2022, Mia co-produced and released her solo debut album, Growing Up, which is available on all streaming platforms.

SAMANTHA POLLINO

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Samantha was most recently seen in the world premiere of Only Gold at MCC Theater. Broadway: Hamilton, Head Over Heels (OBC), Hot Feet (OBC, Emma). Tour: Hamilton (Original Chicago Cast, Philip Tour), Nickelodeon’s LazyTown. TV/Film: “Fosse/Verdon,” “Girls5eva.” Regional: 5th Avenue Theatre, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Cincinnati Pops. Graduate of the University of Cincinnati (CCM) and the Baltimore School for the Arts. Love to my parents, Alex, Henderson Hogan, Lac, Tommy, and the entire team at Sweeney. For Frankie and Eevee.

LEXI RABADI

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Grateful to be making her Broadway debut with this incomparable team and cast! Off-Broadway: Hannah Senesh in Hannah Senesh, a one-woman play with music (Folksbiene). Regional highlights: Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Laura in The Glass Menagerie (Fulton Theatre), Portia in Something Rotten! (Pioneer Theatre), Belle in A Christmas Carol (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Heartfelt thank-yous to the team at Wolf Talent Group and to Telsey. Above all, Lexi is blessed with transcendent love from family and friends-this is for them, because of them. “Stay humble. Make something.”

NATHAN SALSTONE

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Nathan originated the role of “Andrew Lynch” in the world premiere of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s Knoxville (Asolo Rep, Original Cast Album). Credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Broadway OBC), Hadestown (First National Tour), What We Talk About… (The Old Globe, World Premiere), Rags (Goodspeed). BFA, Carnegie Mellon University. Thanks to Nicolosi & Co., & the Tesley office.

KRISTIE DALE SANDERS

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Broadway: Oklahoma!, Cabaret, Evita, Next Fall, The Phantom of the Opera, Urinetown, The Sound of Music. National Tours: Phantom, Labor of Love. Off-Broadway: Dream of the Burning Boy; Johnny Guitar; A Class Act; Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh. Favorite regional credits include Beauty and the Beast, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, King Lear, Trust, Cover of Life, Intimate Apparel, Three Penny Opera, Private Lives, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anna Karenina, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Exit the King. She has co-created/performed several cabarets throughout the US, performed at Carnegie Hall in My Favorite Broadway Diva, and been a soloist for New Haven Symphony’s Broadway Pops Series. She has toured Japan and the US with Labor of Love; performed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics; performed “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” across Europe; and danced throughout Sweden and Canada. TV: “All My Children,” “The Wire.” EarthPowerStones.com KristieDaleSanders.com

STEPHEN TEWKSBURY

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Thrilled to tell the tale. Broadway: Miss Saigon (Ensemble, Chris cover), The Phantom of the Opera (Firmin, Andre), Kinky Boots (Ensemble, Don, George, Mr. Price cover). National Tours: Les Misérables (Javert, Enjolras), The Phantom of the Opera (Phantom). Regional: Sweeney Todd (Sweeney, Geva Theatre); Oliver (Bill Sykes, North Carolina Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Beast, Ogunquit Playhouse); Phantom Spectacular (Venetian Hotel and Casino). Stephen recently performed in the Entertainment Funds one-night concert of Chess, directed by Michael Mayer. Love to his wife, actor Trista Moldovan; his aspiring film-directing son studying at Brooklyn College, Matthew; and Matt McGonagle; for their continued love and support. In loving memory of his mother, Nancy.

DANIEL TORRES

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Recently, Daniel was in the hit Broadway revival of The Music Man, playing Ewart Dunlop in the Barbershop Quartet. Other Broadway credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Barry Mann), Evita (Che alternate for Ricky Martin), The Pirate Queen, The Woman in White, and two seasons of A Christmas Carol (Scrooge at 18) at Madison Square Garden. Off-Broadway: Altar Boyz (Juan). National Tour: Wicked. Proud native of Puerto Rico.