Sweeney Todd

“Sweeney Todd” Bios and Headshots

Tug Watson (Director) is a second year Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre here at UNCG. Prior to moving to Greensboro, Tug performed in the Broadway productions of Sweeney Todd, The Phantom of the Opera, and Cats. He has toured both domestically and internationally with Chicago, Evita, and Young Frankenstein and at such regional theatres as La Jolla Playhouse, Diversionary Theatre, and The REV. He earned his MFA from San Diego State University and his BFA from Syracuse University. He dedicates this production to all involved and thanks them for their professionalism and bravery. Uncle to Logan, Grant, Hazel, Blake, and Woody- he hopes you enjoy the show.
Cast

Jayson Altieri (Sweeney Todd) is excited to be returning to UNCG’s main stage as Sweeney in Sweeney Todd. He has just come off of Waitress at Theatre Raleigh as Ensemble & Earl U/S. He is Junior Musical Theatre BFA at UNCG & has been in several productions at the university, including Carrie: The Musical as Billy. All the thanks in the world to my family, friends, and faculty for supporting me in murdering the masses. IG: @jaysonaltie

Christian Bartney (Ensemble, U/S Beadle) is an actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer whose work is rooted in purpose, passion, and divine calling. With a heart for storytelling and a body that speaks through movement, Christian brings truth to the stage with every step, note, and breath. Their artistry is not just performance—it’s ministry, and every opportunity to create is a chance to reflect the light of God. Trained in the craft but led by the Spirit, Christian believes that every role, every stage, and every song is part of a greater plan. Their steps are not random—they are ordered by God, and every door opened is a testament to grace. With unwavering faith and a fire for excellence, Christian Bartney gives their all to the work while giving all glory to the One who made it possible. Their mission is simple: to inspire, to uplift, and to remind others—through art—that they are seen, they are loved, and they are here for a reason.

Kaleb Bell (Pirelli) is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Drama Program and is currently a sophomore in the BFA Musical Theatre program at UNC Greensboro. Prior to UNCG, he trained for three years with the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory. Recent credits include Waitress (Swing) with Theatre Raleigh, Violet (Flick) with The Justice Theatre Project, Side Show (Ray/Ens.) at UNCG, and Heathers (Jason “JD” Dean) with the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory. He is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project—enjoy the show! Instagram: @kal3b.b3ll

Grace Boudah (Ensemble, U/S Beggar Woman) is a senior BFA musical theatre major who is absolutely delighted to be performing in her sixth show at UNCG. Graces recent credits include Sue Snell in UNCG’s production of CARRIE, Matron Mamma Morton in Interlakes Theatre’s production of Chicago, and Medda Larkin in Interlakes Theatre’s production of Newsies! Grace would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her along with the theatre staff at UNCG for always pushing her to be the best she can be.

Tom Butler (Judge Turpin) is a Senior in the BFA Acting program. He has appeared on UNCG’s stage as Valere in Moliere’s Tartuffe and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, as well as on screen in their film projects, including I <3 Collaboration and the upcoming film Uncharted Potential. He has recently had the privilege to work locally with both Rhinoleap Productions in their productions of A Few Good Men and Much Ado About Nothing, and Theatre Raleigh in Curse of the Starving Class. He plans to graduate in December, and he’d like to extend his sincere thanks to Tug Watson for the chance to be a part of this project, and all his professors for their guidance and investment in his time at UNCG.

Valentine d’Arabian (Beggar Woman) is a musical theatre performer and dancer, graduating this year with her BFA in Musical Theatre from UNCG. Favorite credits include Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Rock of Ages, Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, and Jerome Kern’s Sally. She recently starred on the two-time Emmy-nominated docuseries How I Got Here and completed the Professional Semester at Broadway Dance Center. Valentine’s dance, choreography, and stage combat experience allows her to bring both reliability and versatility to every role.

Eli Fischer (Ensemble) is a second-year musical theatre major here at UNCG. He is very excited to be involved in one of his all-time favorite shows! Most recently, he was seen performing as Houdini/Tod Browning in Side Show last semester. Some of his favorite past roles include Herbie in Gypsy, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls.

Micah Hughes (Ensemble) is in her third year as a BFA Musical Theatre Major at UNCG. She is extremely excited to be participating in her third show with the School of Theater, especially one that fits into her favorite horrific genre. Most recently, Micah played Dorothy Gale in Playground Stage’s Summer Family Musical production of the Wizard of Oz. She would like to thank each and every one of her professors, parents, grandparents, and godmother for their unending support.

Whit Jury (Ensemble, U/S Judge Turpin) is a second year musical theatre BFA at UNCG. He is endlessly grateful to be able to perform alongside his peers in this outstanding production! Whit would love to thank Tug Watson, Laura Stone, and the rest of the cast and crew that helped to shape this show into what it is today! Enjoy the show!

Sabrina Liberatore (u/s Mrs. Lovett/Ensemble)(she/her) is a Senior BFA Musical Theatre major, and she is overjoyed to be working on Sweeney Todd! Previous UNCG credits include Carrie (Ensemble) and Songs for a New World (“Stars and the Moon”). Eternal gratitude to Tug, April, and Dom for helping her become the artist (and human) she always dreamed of being.

Ryan Liebowitz (Beadle Bamford) is a senior BFA Musical Theater major. Some of him favorite past UNCG credits include Songs for a New World, The Lightning Thief (Mr.D/Gabe), and Into The Woods (Steward/Cinderella’s Prince u/s). He would like to thank Tug, Ashlyn, Bryan, and Laura for all of their support throughout this process and cannot wait for everyone to attend the tale! IG- @ryan.liebowitz

Anya Maschmeier (Ensemble/Young Lucy) is beyond thrilled to be performing in her fourth UNCG mainstage musical. She’s from Pittsburgh, PA and is a current junior in the BFA MT program. In addition to theater, she is an avid home chef and professional baker. Anya would like to thank her parents, Shannon and Ed, siblings, friends and UNCG theater professors for their continued support.

Sam McInturff (Ensemble) is ecstatic to join another production here at UNCG! She is a senior BA Drama student with a minor in Media Studies. In her time here, she has been in Night of the Living Dead, Bright Precious Things (an adaptation of The Great Gatsby), and EVERYBODY. She thanks the cast and crew for such an exciting experience!

MacKenzie Moore (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre Major with a minor in Music! She has previously appeared as Tattoo Girl in Side Show and Sally in The Lightning Thief both at UNCG. She has also been a part of many shows at Stagelights Theater Company, some including Spamalot (Lancelot), Something Rotten (Bea), and Crazy For You (Tess)! Also, she loves watching reality TV and juggling in her free time! She is so excited to be a part of this production and is so thankful for the support from her family and friends! Enjoy the show 🙂

Patrick Mullen (Anthony) is incredibly grateful to be returning for his third year at UNCG. This will be his 4th show at UNCG, you may remember him from his time as a goat in Percy Jackson, or as a faceless personification of telekinesis in Carrie. He would like to thank the entire production team, cast, for putting together this beautiful show. @patrickjosephmullen on instagram.

Tatiana Ramirez (Johanna) is a 2nd-year BFA Musical Theatre major from the Bronx, NY. Previous credits include Side Show (Ensemble/Swing), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Edwin Drood), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graaff). She is grateful for the opportunity to bring Johanna to life alongside such a talented cast and creative team. She’d like to give a BIG thank you to her family, friends, professors, and God for endless love and support. Now lean in and enjoy the shave!…Uh, show.

Riley Sharp (Mrs. Lovett) is entering her last semester here at UNCG. Her previous on-campus shows include Carrie (Margaret u/s.), The Lightning Thief (Clarisse), and Songs For A New World. She spent her summer as Princess Brooke at Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. Riley is extremely grateful to get to be a part of such an amazing senior show! She would like to thank her family and her professors for supporting her growth over these past few years. Follow her on instagram: @riley_nichole22R

Preston Smith (Ensemble, U/S Pirelli) is a Third Year MT here at UNCG and is thrilled to be making his swing debut for this absolute BEAST of a show. He is grateful to Tug Watson for trusting him with this challenge and for the opportunity to grow his skills both on and offstage as a performer. Most recent credits include Terry Connor in UNCG’s Side Show, and most recently in the ensemble of Theatre Raleigh’s Waitress! Enjoy the show!

Kya Stein (Ensemble, U/S Johanna) soprano, is currently a third -year Vocal Performance major at UNCG. Kya is from Pinehurst, North Carolina, She graduated from high school from the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she studied vocal performance during her senior year. Kya recently performed as Catherine in The Lantern Marriage and appeared as the First Sailor in last year’s production of Dido and Aeneas. Past roles include Kathy from the musical Company with Kernersville Little Theatre, Gretl in The Sound of Music with Just Off-Broadway in New York, and Young Cosette in Les Misérables at both the White Plains Performing Arts Center and the Amelia Earhart Playhouse in Germany. Kya is grateful to be a part of this production and share her passion for performing with you.

Dylan Underwood (Ensemble, U/S Toby) is thrilled to be a part of Sweeney Todd! This is his second year in the BFA Acting program, and his second production at UNCG. He just finished a summer job at the Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock, NY, where he played Doody in Grease, and was in the ensemble for shows like Oklahoma! and Can Can. Enjoy the show! @dylansunderwood

Joey Urgino (Ensemble / Antony Understudy) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major and is honored to be part of Sweeney Todd. UNCG credits include The Lightning Thief (Percy), Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), and Rock of Ages (Drew u/s). He also appeared at Signature Theatre in Soft Power (Performing Swing). As graduation nears, Joey offers his deepest thanks to the influential teachers and mentors—including those who’ve since moved on—who have shaped his training and helped him grow as both an artist and a person. Endless gratitude to his family and friends for their steady love, support, and prayers every step of the way.

Bowie Werran (Toby) is a 2nd year Musical Theatre student here at UNCG. He studied at University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Drama for his senior year. He would like to give a big thank you to his family, friends, and professors for supporting and pushing him to be the best version of himself. He would also like to give a big shoutout to his former theatre teacher, Chuck Stowe, for fostering his love in theatre and for giving his unwavering guidance!
Production Crew

Ashton Bryant (Sound Designer) is thrilled to have worked on Sweeney Todd in the role of sound designer for the first time. She is currently a junior BFA Design and Technical Production major focusing in sound technology with minors in Music and Radio.Her past credits at UNCG include: A1 for Side Show, A2 for The Lightning Thief, and Costume Artisan for Much Ado About Nothing and Tartuffe. This past summer she had the incredible opportunity to work for a young artist program, Seagle Festival in Schroon Lake, New York, as their wig and makeup assistant. During this 10-week program, she helped put together productions of The Pirates of Penzance, Carmen, Mayo Buckner, and Anything Goes. She wants to give a huge thank you to her friends, family, and faculty at UNCG who encourage and inspire her to pursue her passions and be the best version of herself every day!

Jaquan Cooper (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a 4th year BFA Des/Tech student. His previous work includes being a Carpenter for Rock of Ages, Lead Carpenter for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and Into The Woods, and Assistant Scenic Designer on Sideshow. He is excited for everyone to see the set and all the work everyone has put into this process. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

Ari Craig (A2): Ari is thrilled to be A2 for Sweeney Todd! Ari is currently a sophomore at UNCG, majoring in Des/Tech with a concentration in lighting and sound. They have previously been a mic tech for Carrie, Assistant Stage Manager for Bright Precious Things, and Assistant Sound Designer for Everybody. They are so excited to help bring this story to life and hope you enjoy the show!

Poppy Garner is excited for her first production at UNCG! She received her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Communication at Central Methodist University and is thrilled to start her MFA in scenic design at such a reputable institution. Poppy has served as a Production Assistant at Opera in the Ozarks for the 2023-2024 seasons. During her time at Central Methodist University, Poppy received recognition from the university for outstanding work in scenic painting for The Hobbit. She has also received Certificates of Merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 5 for her sound design in Boy, stage management for Into The Woods and scenic design for Stupid **** Bird.

Jayde Grant (Wardrobe Supervisor) is an upcoming graduate of UNCG pursuing a BFA in Design/Technology with a focus in Costumes, Hair, and Makeup. Jayde is ecstatic to be working with this wonderful cast and crew. Recent works include School Girls; Or the African Mean Girls Play (Hair & Makeup Designer [Kennedy Center Award Winner for Outstanding Hair/Makeup Design]) and Sideshow (Costume Designer). Jayde would like to thank the Costume/Hair&Makeup personnel for their support on this production! <3

Ashlyn Hall (Choreographer) is an educator and dance artist currently pursuing an MFA in Choreography at UNCG. She has spent the last decade teaching dance in diverse settings, from non-profit organizations to public and private K-8 schools. She has also performed at festivals like Nashville Fringe, Chattanooga Fringe, Kindling Arts, and Nashville Ballet’s ‘Emergence’. In 2015, Ashlyn joined the dance faculty at her alma mater, Belmont University, where she worked closely with incoming musical theatre students to develop their ballet technique. Sweeney is Ashlyn’s second musical choreographed at UNCG, following Side Show in Spring ’25. Many thanks to Tug, Bryan, and the SM team especially, and cheers to collaborating between the Schools of Dance and Theatre!

Grey Jonas (Assistant Stage Manager) Grey Jonas is pursuing a degree in Design and Technical Production with a concentration in Stage Management and a minor in Graphic Design. Previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Side Show and Lighting Board Operator for Carrie. They are excited to serve as the Assistant Stage Manager for Sweeney Todd and are grateful to the production team, mentors, and peers for their continued support.

Crystal Kachevas (Associate Director) holds an MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ and a BM in Vocal Performance from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. She is currently working towards her DMA in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she serves as a graduate teaching associate for the voice area. An avid teacher, Crystal was previously the Instructor of Voice and Opera at Arkansas State University where she directed Viardot’s Cendrillon and the world premiere of Dr. Murl Sickbert’s realization and adaptation of Mozart’s incomplete L’oca del Cairo. She continues to hone her passion for stage directing and theatre in collaboration with the UNCG Opera Theatre, UNCG Theatre, and Greensboro Opera. On the operatic stage, Crystal’s most recent roles include Madame Lidoine in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, Madame Herz in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor, the Dew Fairy in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel, Lord Birkenhead in the American premiere of Elena Langer’s Rhondda Rips It Up!, and La Fée in Massenet’s Cendrillon.

Kaylee La Pean (Hair and Makeup Designer) Kaylee is so excited for everyone to see her design debut! After working with wigs for four UNCG shows, her favorite being Carrie, she is now stepping into the role of designer. Testing her knowledge of the craft, while utilizing her skills as a stage manager, Sweeney Todd has been a delightful challenge. She credits Jehann Gilman for her mentorship, her family for endless support and tech-week food money, and God for giving her strength and patience.

Sonia Levin-Metcalfe (Assistant Costume Designer) is currently pursuing a BFA in Design and Technical Production with a concentration in Costume Design. Sonia’s credits at UNCG include Tartuffe, Much Ado About Nothing, and Side Show. Sonia has also worked in the costume shop as an undergraduate assistant and spent the past two summers working at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre.

Bryan McAdams (Music Director) is a music director, keyboardist, pop/rock producer, composer, vocal coach and professor. His professional credits include Rock Of Ages Las Vegas (OriginalMusic Director/Keyboardist), The Rock Of Ages National Tour (Music Director/Keyboardist),Tenors Of Rock at Harrah’s on the Las Vegas strip (Original Music Director/Keyboardist), theBroadway National Tours of Grease(AssociateConductor/Keys) and Billy Elliot, three separate International Tours of Grease and most recently the NYC National Tour Workshop of Nikki Sixx’s The Heroin Diaries (Original Music Director/Keys). He has performed in 49 states as well as in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway,Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Lebanon and Canada.Additionally Bryan has music directed over 30 off-Broadway, regional, and university productions and has had his original music premiered at Lincoln Center (NYC), Harvard, DixonPlace (NYC), and The Theatre Building (Chicago). He has music directed rock bands in iconic NYC venues such as CBGB and worked as a session keyboardist and independent producer in Midtown Manhattan.He has produced songs that received radio play. He is a classically-trained pianist and received his degree from The Berklee College Of Music in Boston where he studied songwriting, composition and piano, and additionally studied drama at The Boston Conservatory. He just Md’d Million Dollar Quartet at Shenandoah Summer Theatre, and thrilled to be joining the faculty Of UNCG. www.bryanmcadams.com IG @bryanmcadamsmusic

P. Blake Moran (Associate Music Director) is honored to be doing one of his all-time favorite shows. He has worked professionally nationwide as an accompanist, actor, and music director. Select professional theaters include Theatre Aspen (Aspen, CO), Timber Lake Playhouse (Mt. Carroll, IL), and Theatre Raleigh (Raleigh, NC). Favorite music directing credits include Ragtime, Mamma Mia!, Matilda, and Alice By Heart, among many others. Select performance credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (“Quasimodo”), Into the Woods (“Jack”), and Ride the Cyclone (“Ricky”). As always, Blake thanks his family and UNCG for their continued love and support.

Aaron Parelli (Production Electrician) Aaron is a first-year graduate student working towards his Masters in lighting design. He received his BFA in Theater with a concentration in Lighting and technology from Texas State University in 2019. Since then, he has done numerous shows around the country before choosing to pursue his masters. Before choosing to join us, he spent 2 and half years as the Master Electrician for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, Florida. This is his first production here at UNCG and is excited to be starting this new chapter here.

R. Clare Parker (Costume Designer) is a freelance theatrical costume designer, costume technologist, craftsperson, and The Professor of Costume Design at UNCG. Some of her recent designs include Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B at The Warehouse Theatre; Much Ado About Nothing at UNCG; The Lehman Trilogy at The Warehouse Theatre; The Passion of Antígona Pérez at UNCG; Silent Sky at Wake Forest University; and The Jungle Book at Peppercorn Theater. Clare has had the privilege of supporting costume designers such as Gregg Barnes: Aladdin-US Tour, Susan Hilferty: Wicked-Broadway; Anita Yavich: Aida-The Washington National Opera; and Eric Teague: The Threepenny Opera-The Atlanta Opera & La Bohéme 2023 remount- The Glimmerglass Festival. Clare is passionate about creating resource-based sustainable practices in the costuming industry. She is committed to furthering equal access to the theater industry through education and practice. Clare specializes in music and movement based theater forms and outdoor found-space theater. In her free time Clare enjoys gardening, fiber arts, and reading science fiction. Clare received her BFA in Costume Design and Technology from Southern Oregon University and her MFA in Costume Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Amarah Pearson (Wardrobe Supervisor) is a third-year student studying Arts Administration and Technical Theatre! Her previous credits include Side Show (Assistant Sound Designer) and Carrie (A2) here at UNC Greensboro, as well as The Lightning Thief (Stage Manager) and Once Upon a Mattress (Sound Designer) at North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre. She currently serves as the President of UNCG’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega. Amarah would like to thank the talented wardrobe team and her co-wardrobe supervisor, the cast and crew, her mom, and you, beloved audience member, for supporting live theatre!

Tiana Pressley (Production Sound Engineer) | Tiana has worked in the past mainly as an Electrician, working on UNCG productions, The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical, and Everybody. With her aspirations of working behind and in the scenes of entertainment, and her background in sound design for Knightdale High School’s Silent Sky and UNCG’s Theatrics’ Red & Alice, she took on the role of Production Sound Engineer for UNCG’s Production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber this semester. She is excited to expand her skill set in sound and be a part of a successful show.

Victoria Spencer (A2) is thrilled to be working on another UNCG production! Previous shows she’s worked on have included Carrie as the Sound Effect Operator and the New Play Festival as the Assistant Stage Manager. A sophomore, Victoria is in the Stage Management program and is very grateful to be working with her friends again here at UNCG.

Laura Stone (Production Stage Manager) is a fourth year currently pursuing a BFA Drama, Design and Technical Production major concentrating in Stage Management. Her previous credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Production Stage Manager), Everybody (Wardrobe Supervisor), Tartuffe (Assistant Stage Manager), Into the Woods (Assistant Stage Manager), and Roe (Assistant Stage Manager). Laura also worked as the Production Stage Manager on UNCG Theatre’s Junior MT showcases Godspell and Songs for a New World. Laura would like to thank her amazing designers, production team and cast for making this show process bloody fun and memorable. And a special thanks to the people who listened to her yap about the show day and night!