Director's Note
🩸 Something Wicked (and Beautiful) This Way Comes
I’ll be honest with you: I have loved every single NESA production we’ve put on stage. But there is a specific kind of magic happening in the PAC right now. I have never been more excited for a musical than I am for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
As many of you know, I’ve always been drawn to the "macabre balanced with beauty," and Sweeney is the absolute epitome of that aesthetic.
The Ambience of Fleet Street
Expect to be transported. We are leaning into the haunting, atmospheric chill of Victorian London—think low-hanging fog, the sharp whistle of steam, and the flickering glow of gaslight. It is a world of shadows and grit, where Sondheim’s lush, soaring scores clash against a dark, industrial reality. It’s unsettling, it’s gorgeous, and it’s unlike anything else in musical theater.
A Cautionary Tale
Beyond the spectacle, I love the message of this show. It’s a powerful cautionary tale: indignation—however righteous it may feel—and the pursuit of revenge only end up consuming the person harboring it.
IYKYK. (And if you don’t know what I’m talking about yet... you need to see the finale.)
Student Excellence on Display
What makes this production truly breath-taking is that it is entirely student-driven. We have world-class talent across every single department:
- The Performers: Mind-blowing vocals, intricate choreography, and haunting acting.
- The Tech: A massive "Holy wow!" to our set designers (seriously, the set!!), sound and light designers, and prop masters.
- The Backbone: Our incredible stage managers, costume designers, instrumentalists, and stagehands.
The students at NESA are easily the best in the world. I consider myself lucky to work with them on a daily basis, and seeing their hard work culminate in this masterpiece is a privilege.
Secure Your Seats
If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, do not wait. This show will sell out! (Reminder this show is not for small children)
👉 Get Tickets Here: nesa.booktix.com
Opening Night Special: To lean into the "macabre beauty" of the show, we invite you to join us in your best Victorian-era attire for opening night! Let’s make the audience look as atmospheric as the stage.
See you at the barber shop, -Marisol Askey
Tue
Wed
Feb 18
- St Mary's University in Cafeteria All Lunches
- Sweeny Todd Decorating Party!!! Want to join? Sign up with the link!
Fr
Sat
Sun
Coming Soon
Coming soon
- February 27- March 1 Sweeny Todd!
- Mar 3 pARTners Meeting
- Mar 5 Electric Ensemble Concert
- Mar 28 pARTners Thrifting Fundraiser
- April 1 pARTners Meeting (no fooling!)
- April 2 Film Concert
- April 3 In Full Bloom Art Show Opens at the Legacy Historic Art Gallery
- April 10-12 Footnotes
- April 17-19 Creative Writing Play Offs!
- April 18 NESA Auditions
- April 18 Prom
- April 30, May 1-3 Grease
- May 8 Multiples Art Show and SALE!
- May 15 Senior Instrumental Music Concert
- May 16 800 LB Film Festival
- May 21 NESA Banquet
- May 24 (THIS IS A SUNDAY) Graduation
- June 5 Senior Perspectives Art Show @Tethered in Blue Star
pARTners News
pARTners
NESA has the BEST parents around!!!! Our pARTners do so much for our students, teachers and parents. Currently they are in need of volunteers for the current show Sweeny Todd. If you want to join us for a little bit of work and a whole lot of fun and camaraderie, please sign up using the link above. If you have zero time, but still want to contribute, there is also an Amazon Wishlist at the same link.