Aaron Bogad became his dream over 20 years ago and has been making theater, for his job, ever since! He's been involved as a Director, Producer, Writer, Performer, or Designer in over 150 theatrical productions. Aaron has his BFA from NYU/Tisch (Playwrights Horizons Theater School) and his Masters of Theater Studies - Production and Design from Southern Oregon University and the Ashland Theater Center. He’s honored to have worked with Tony nominees, Runaways, and Idiots (American and otherwise). He’s been at this long enough to have worked in smoke filled bars, and lucky enough to have been everywhere from the New York Stage and Film Festival, the Kennedy Center and The Westbeth Theatre Center to far flung cafetoriums in the swamps of Jersey. He founded an educational theatre company (Shakespeare: The Box Set Tour). Partnered with his genius attorney/best friend/wife, Melissa, Aaron founded the independent arts organization, JustArt Theatricals, LLC. His very most favorite productions include ZackoTaco and The Bubba.

Music Director Brian Cox has been involved in nearly every aspect of musical theatre continuously since his childhood. He has been an actor, dancer, director, musician, and conductor in hundreds of productions in the region. His role as a silent, scantily-clad Egyptian warrior in Opera Delaware’s production of Verdi’s “Aida” is considered to be his greatest stage triumph. Mr. Cox attended the music schools at University of Delaware and Temple University, where he studied conducting, composition, and tuba performance. He continues to maintain a busy schedule outside of school as a professional conductor, and as a freelance performer on multiple instruments in a variety of styles. This is Mr. Cox’s 25th year at Salesianum, at which, in addition to his work with the theater, he is also director of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and S.U.P. Marching Band.

Praised for his "big, heroic voice" (LA Weekly) and "powerful emotions," operatic tenor Dane Suarez (he/him) has developed an exciting and varied career. Last season, Dane made his Off-Broadway debut in Kate Tarker's world premiere play Montag at Soho Rep and joined OperaDelaware, The Carolina Philharmonic, Heartbeat Opera, Penn Square Opera, and Maryland Opera for concert and gala performances. He returned to New Jersey Festival Orchestra to sing Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), covered Apollo (Strauss's Daphne) with American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, sang Luigi (Il tabarro) with On Site Opera, sang Turiddu (Cavalleria rusticana) with Lyric Opera of the North, and reprised Don José (Carmen) with Festival Opera. This season, he reprises Il Duca (Rigoletto) with OperaDelaware (debut) and Opera Baltimore, Scalia (Scalia/Ginsburg) with Anchorage Opera (debut), Don José (La tragédie de Carmen) with Newport Classical, Lensky (Eugene Onegin) with Opera Columbus (debut), Canio (Pagliacci) in his return to Opera Birmingham (postponed to 2025), the titular roles in full act excerpts of Werther and Faust with Maryland Opera, and he covers Calaf (Turandot) at OperaDelaware. He also joins The Phoenix Symphony as tenor soloist for both Holiday Pops and Handel's Messiah in Spanish. Career highlights include performances as Manrico (Il trovatore), Rodolfo (La bohème), Pollione (Norma), Tenor Soloist (Verdi's Requiem), Macduff (Macbeth), Idomeneo (Idomeneo), Greenhorn (Moby-Dick), Erik (Der fliegende Holländer), Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly), Ruggero (La rondine), Alfredo (La traviata), Cavaradossi (Tosca), and Henrik (A Little Night Music) with Opera Memphis, Opera in the Heights, West Bay Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Opera Neo, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Opera San José, Pacific Opera Project, New York City Opera, Sarasota Opera, LoftOpera, Washington National Opera, Crested Butte Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Opera North, and Castleton Festival. Mr. Suarez holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Butler University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He currently resides in Wilmington with wife Kerriann Otaño.

Kerriann Otaño was a professional opera singer for a decade performing across the country on stage at The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera San Jose, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera. She transitioned into arts administration in 2019 when she dedicated her career to artist advocacy, bridging the gap to make opera accessible and approachable for everyone. She now serves as the Vice President of Engagement with OperaDelaware, America's 11th oldest opera company. Last summer, Kerriann presented her first TEDTalk at TEDxOld Hickory on artist and audience advocacy that has since been viewed over 23,000 times. She uses her growing social media presence to encourage curiosity, demystify opera, and build community through the arts.

Ms. Maria Lantz, the founder of and the driving force behind Salesianum's dramaturgical program, holds a BA in English Literature and Classical Studies from Smith College and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from UNLV. Under her guidance, SST has transformed into an intellectual hub where students explore history and literature alongside the creative techniques involved in accurately and authentically representing the contexts of their stories. Maria works to ensure that our program exists at the intersection of education and creativity. Her innovative approach leaves a lasting impact, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the arts and academia.

Michael Finocchiaro (Mr. Fin) has been the costume designer for Salesianum School Theater since 2020. In addition to being the man behind the curtain at neckwear/textile atelier, "Britney Stitch", Fin teaches in Salesianum’s Religious Studies department and has degrees in sociology and theology from Saint Louis University and Boston College. With SST he collaborates with direction, dramaturgy, and actors to create costuming that serves the ethical, intellectual, and creative formation of the student participants and the community. With Mr. Fin as the costume designer, rest assured, there will be florals for the spring show.

Miranda Schad (SM consultant) is a recent graduate of Loyola Univeristy Maryland and is absolutely thrilled to be joining Sallies for this production! She has worn many hats over the past 5 years including (but not limited to): House Tech (Cross Roads Comedy Theatre/Baltimore Theatre Project), Stage Manager (Arson 101/ Loyola Univeristy Maryland), Director (LUM), Lighting Designer (Spotlighters Theatre), Scenic Designer (LUM). When she is not running around every theatre in the tri-state area, she is directing a small army of children at the Young People’s Theatre Program. She would like to thank all the adults at the adult table and of course Michael Devereaux!

This is Cameron’s 7th show with SST. He participated in two plays last year, "Winter's Tale" and the student production "Almost, Maine". Cameron has taken a different approach to the musical this year. He has taken up the role of producing the show, this is his first experience in the producing role and he is enjoying it. Cameron would like to thank his family for their loving support. As well as Mr Bogad for allowing him the opportunity to try something new. Ms Lantz for the historical knowledge he has been given as a background to understanding the show better. As well as Mr Fin for his excellent costume design. Finally he would like to thank the rest of his fellow castmates and the crew for being his friends and helping him better himself.

This is Olivia’s 10th SST show! Some featured credits include Regina George in Mean Girls (Padua Theatre), Maid Marian in The Heart of Robin Hood (SST), and Rae in The Unfortunates (SST). Olivia is currently working as a dramaturg and teen night coordinator for New Light Theatre's "Fun Home" as well as directing/dramaturging "Clue for the stage" with Salesianum Student Theatre. Outside of theatre, Olivia volunteers as a peer specialist at Sean's House, a local mental health non-profit in Newark, Delaware. Olivia would like to thank the entire company, her friends, and family.

Meghan is a senior at Padua Academy and is excited to stage manage her second show at SST. She stage managed her first show in the fall, "Emily Bronte Teenage Necromancer". She also acted in SST productions of "Head over Heels" and "The Heart of Robin Hood". She was also in the production of Padua Academy’s winter musical "Mean Girls". She would like to thank her mom, dad, and siblings for supporting her every day. She would also like to thank all of her friends, cast mates for making this such a memorable experience!! She would like you to sit back relax and enjoy the show!!!--

Jack is thrilled to be performing in his sixth SST production. Previous shows include "Ragtime", "The Winter’s Tale", "Head Over Heels" and "Dreamland" at Ursuline Academy. Most recently Jack co-stage managed "Emily Brontë Teenage Necromancer". Jack would like to thank Mr. Bogad, Ms. Lantz, and the Dramaturgical staff. Jack would also like to thank his parents and family for driving to and from rehearsals and working around busy schedules. Jack is a sophomore at Salesianum and is looking forward to doing many more productions to come. Please enjoy the show!

Kevin is excited to be playing in his second musical at Salesianum. He is currently a member of the Salesianum Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Music Ministry, and the DMEA All-State Jazz Band and All-State Senior Band. In addition to playing music, he enjoys playing on the Sallies Ultimate Frisbee team. He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for their support.”

Matthew is very excited to play trumpet in the pit band for Sweeney Todd. Matthew is a freshman at Salesianum. He has performed in the musicals Peter Pan Jr., The Music Man Jr., and Raise Your Voice when he was a student at Holy Family RCS. He also performs for Salesianum’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Music Ministry and has been accepted to the Delaware All-State Junior Band. Matthew would like to thank Mr. Cox, Mr. Bogad, and his friends in the band for making this musical a fun experience for him. Thank you and enjoy!

Lucy is a senior at Padua Academy and planning on majoring in environmental sciences. This is their first Sallies show but they are thrilled to be playing in the pit orchestra. Lucy has spent 5 years in the Salesianum marching band, starting in 8th grade, and is the field marshal for the marching band. Lucy plays oboe for the Delaware Music School Orchestra and for the Salesianum wind ensemble.

Ben is excited for his first performance with the Salesianum Pit Orchestra! He is a junior at Sallies and has been playing the cello since the 4th grade. Ben would like to thank his parents for always being there to encourage him and his teachers for their constant support in the classroom and beyond. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Stepping into the pit orchestra for the first time, Adam, a clarinet player with six years of experience and two years in All-State Band, is pumped to bring his musical vibe to the stage. Huge thanks to his incredible family and friends for being the solid support crew throughout his journey. The music wouldn't be the same without them!

Stella Mulik is a 10th grade instrumental music major at Cab Calloway School of the Arts. She studies flute and piccolo under Adrienne Harding at the University of Delaware. This is her second show performing in the pit, with her last show being Cab's 2023 production of Hairspray. She is so excited to have this opportunity and would like to thank Mr. Cox and the directors for their hard work making this show happen!

Benjamin Garrett is a senior at Salesianum and plays trombone for the pit orchestra in this production of Sweeney Todd. Ben has been playing the trombone for almost a decade now, and he loves to listen to songs and try to play along with them. Ben would like to thank his parents for helping encourage his pursuit of music, as well as the rest of the pit orchestra for making this production possible.

Micah Smith is a 9th grader at Padua academy. This is her first show performing in the pit, and if so excited to be given this opportunity, and would like to thank all of the people for working hard and making this show happen.

Colin is thrilled to make his Salesianum theater debut. He would like to thank his family, friends, and music teachers that have pushed him in his music journey. He hopes everyone enjoys this amazing show.

Brianna Miller is a junior at Padua Academy and this is her first show with Salesianum. While not playing mallet percussion in the pit orchestra, she is playing in Salesianum’s marching band. Brianna has been involved in music since second grade. She is really excited for the show and hopes you all enjoy it!

Dylan Manarang has been a self-taught violinist for roughly 8 years and a guitarist for about 5. He is the senior drum major of the SUP Marching Band, President of Guitar Club, and tutors guitar and music theory to students at Nativity Preparatory Academy. He is also part of nearly every ensemble at Salesianum, whilst also being apart of his own alt-rock band, MESH (performing at Salsthon this year!) Dylan participated in the production “Head Over Heels” last year as an Electric Guitarist and is excited to join the Pit Orchestra this year as 1st Violin!

Nora Desmond is a 10th grade strings major at Cab Calloway School of the Arts. She studies viola under Maria Rusu at The Music School of Delaware. This is her first show and is so excited to have this opportunity. She would like to thank Mr. Cox and the directors for their hard work making this show happen.

Ava Wrzesien is a sophomore at Padua Academy and a part of the deck crew. She's delighted to work on her first show at Salesianum and is glad she helped bring the sets to life! In the past, she worked on other shows as a part of the crew, including: "Oliver Twist Jr.", where she was the stage manager, "Matilda", and "Mean Girls High School Version". Ava would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging and supporting her. She hopes you all enjoy the show!!

As a Padua junior, this Audrey’s sixth SST production and ninth high school show. Most recently, she stage-managed for Padua Theatre’s “Mean Girls” and led the sound team in “Emily Bronte: Teenage Necromancer.” Audrey would like to express her gratitude to all crew members for their creativity and hard work, as well as to production leadership for their dedication and guidance. She is excited to bring the world of Sweeney Todd to life!

Victoria Mather is a junior at Padua Academy, and this is the second production she has worked on with SST. She is a construction and deck crew member. She would like to thank her best friend for introducing her to SST.

Elena is thrilled to be in her first show at Salesianum and even more excited to be a part of such an amazing crew. Elena would like to thank all the people who made this show possible. Elena would also like to thank her family for their endless support. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Bridget is a sophomore at Padua and this is her 3rd show with SST. She worked on set construction and painting. She is part of the crew for the show. Bridget thanks her family (Meghan), friends (Moira), and deck captain/ paint captain Ellie D. For being such and inspiration to her. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Moira is a sophomore at Padua and this is her third sallies production. She worked on set design, painting, and construction. She wants to thank Ellie for being an amazing mentor and inspiration to her during her time with SST.

Alexis is excited to be doing her second show at Salesianum. She is a part of the lighting team. She would like to thank her family and the other crew members. Alexis hopes you enjoy the show!

Carl is a growing theater devotee, debuting on Sweeney Todd’s crew. He’s thrilled to work on deck for the shows, eager to contribute on and off the stage.

Back for his first, and sadly last musical of the Sals program, he’s behind the scenes helping to ensure your viewing experience is the least breakable as possible. Now with more hair!

Kyle is the captain of the lighting team and this is his sixth show. His pride and joy on this show was the foot lights, which haven’t been used in a very long time. He would like to thank his parents for supporting him and for his friend Luke that helped design some of the lights.

Norah Boyd is a sophomore currently attending Padua Academy. She has participated in stage crew for three productions including Sweeney Todd. Norah helps with constructing, painting and moving set pieces. She is thrilled to once again participate in Salesianum stage crew, and thanks her great friends — Moira, Kate, and Bridget for making this experience so great!

Chase is very excited to be doing his third show with SST. Chase’s favorite piece of work from this show is the operating chimney that accompanies the oven. Chase would like to thank his family for transportation, and all of his fellow crew members.

This is Ellie’s fifth show at Salesianum. She would like to congratulate her fantastic and hardworking crew for pulling together an incredible set, and thank Mr. Losten and Mr. Inglis for their unwavering support and guidance.