By Karen Meister

Opening night of the melodrama “Sweeney Todd: The Musical Thriller” at Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre was a huge success and very well received by the audience, who had nothing but positive comments for the show, which premiered to a packed house on Friday, July 31.

The performance, which ran at Algonquin Arts through Aug. 9, was as professional as any Broadway play, due to the energy and talent of all involved with this incredible production. The cast, orchestra and entire staff of the New Jersey Youth Theater [NJYT], in collaboration with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center [NJPAC] were top-notch, with each contributing strongly to the total live stage experience.

“Sweeney Todd” is not new to the stage. The Tony Award-winning musical thriller, “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” with a book by Hugh Wheeler, and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is based on the 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond.

The character of Sweeney Todd became a London legend, which told of a revengeful barber who kills his customers and, with his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, grinds his victims’ remains into juicy meat pies! It all sounds quite gory, but, believe it or not, there is a lighter side to the story, with actual humor and satirical nuances.

NJYT is composed of local young talent from various parts of the metro area, with actors and musicians between the ages of 15 and 25.

This production starred West New York native Kevin Melendez, who is marvelous as Sweeney Todd, and Jaclyn Ingoglia, of North Caldwell, who is just as fantastic as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd’s accomplice in crime.

Both Mr. Melendez and Ms. Ingoglia acted and sang with such clarity and ease that audience members could easily lose themselves in their characters.

Other roles — such as Lucy, the beggar woman, played by Lori Tishfield; Eryn LeCroy as Johanna; Stephen Mirr as Anthony the sailor; and Carey Gsell as Tobias — and the entire ensemble added a wealth of talent to this performance.

The Algonquin’s production of “Sweeney Todd” was directed by Cynthia Meryl, who does a wonderful job of bringing the major components together, accomplishing a first-rate musical thriller.

The sets, designed by Mark Nayden, were creative and remarkably serviced the flow from one scene to another. The production’s costumes, designed by Aaron Mastin, and makeup, which the actors did themselves, under the direction of Ms. Meryl, Mr. Melendez and Ms. Ingoglia, were so authentic for the 19th-century Fleet Street, London setting, bringing the audience back 100 years in history.

Special mention needs to be made of the phenomenal lighting and sound design, which provided the necessary characteristics for the very effective mood of each scene. Lighting designer Alexander Fogel and sound director Michael Sinclair did a fantastic job in these areas.

Last, but far from least, was the extremely talented orchestra, under the direction of Ilene Greenbaum. The musical score was delightful to the ears and performed with classic professionalism. Sherry Alban is noted for her role as assistant music director and choreographer.

It was heartwarming to see so many young people striving to follow their dreams and diligently working for a common goal. Whether it be a path to their lifelong vocation or avocation, they were getting a first-hand experience in theater, by learning and applying their knowledge for the future.

I must commend all those involved in this project for their dedication, hard work, and energy to succeed in providing an outstanding form of quality entertainment. It is obvious from the applause and standing ovation that “Sweeney Todd” was a hit in Manasquan!