Monte Cristo, A New Musical

 Monte Cristo
A New Musical
The York Theatre
Theatre at St. Jean’s
March 20, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

The York Theatre production of Monte Cristo, A New Musical is a whimsical take on the Alexandre Dumas classic novel.  Peter Kellogg’s book keeps the action moving, finding humorous moments in this dark tale.  His lyrics dive into the emotional depth of the characters.  The music, by Stephen Weiner, sets the treacherous political environment of the period.  His duets are passionately composed, creating sweeping moments for the characters to explore.  Director Peter Flynn finds the rhythm and timing that aptly serves the style of this new musical.  The stellar cast is captivating. 

When Edmund (played by Adam Jacobs) finally returns from a long sea voyage, he asks Mercedes (played by Sierra Boggess) to marry him.  She accepts, sending Fernand (played by Daniel Yearwood) into a jealous frenzy.  Danglars (played by James Judy) takes advantage of this and convinces Fernand to deliver a forged letter accusing Edmund of treason.  At first, Villefort (played by Norm Lewis) finds Edmund not guilty, then changes his decision when he realizes this could put his father in danger of political prosecution.  Edmund is arrested and thrown into prison, where he meets Abbe (played by Danny Rutigliano), another political prisoner.  Abbe educates Edmund in the classics, and teaches him to fence and defend himself.  After eighteen years, Edmund escapes and returns to Mercedes, only to find she is married to Fernand.  He sets out on a year-long quest to seek revenge against those who imprisoned him and destroyed his life. 

Sierra Boggess & Adam Jacobs
Photo courtesy of The York Theatare

Adam Jacobs and Sierra Boggess shine as Edmund and Mercedes.  Their voices soar in their duets,
creating passionate moments that propel the action of the story.  Danny Rutigliano and Karen Ziemba deliver stunning comic relief as Caderousse and Carconte, the Inn Keeper and his wife.  It is in their Inn that the plan to frame Edmund is conceived and carried out.  Caderousse is recruited by Edmond to assist him in his plan of revenge.  

Norm Lewis
Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

Norm Lewis truthfully portrays Villefort’s guilt over his action against Edmund.  The scene where he confesses to Edmund and reveals the co-conspirators is gripping and sincere.  His regret is genuine, where Fernand and Danglars never face the consequences of their actions.  Daniel Yearwood plays Fernand as proud and arrogant, until Mercedes leaves him.  He falls quickly after that.  James Judy portrays Danglars as pompous and cowardly.    

Danny Rutigliano & Karen Ziemba
Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

There are also excellent performances by Stephanie Jae Park, Eliseo Roman, Kate Fitzgerald, and Jadon Lopez.

Anne Mundell’s scenic design transforms the moderate space at St. Jean’s into numerous locations, some vast and expansive, others confined and dangerous.  The lighting, by Alan C. Edwards, creates depth and mystery that draws the audience into mood of the story. 

The York Theatre production of Monte Cristo, A New Musical is playing at Theatre at St. Jean’s (150 E. 76 St.) through April 5. 

Domenick Danza

Sweeney Todd

 Sweeney Todd
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
September 14, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Sweeney Todd

The Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd is phenomenal.  Director Thomas Kail creates a truly eerie atmosphere for the telling of this tale.  Steven Hoggett’s choreography tilts everything off center and pushes the tension right up to the edge.  This production leaves you in awe of Stephen Sondheim’s score.  His ability to create tender moments, while building the action at a terrifying pace is brilliantly done.  The cast is intense.  They lock you in from the moment the show starts , and do not let you go for one second.

Sweeney Todd (played by understudy Nicholas Christopher) has returned to London after spending time in prison.  On the journey back, he befriends a young sailor, Anthony (played by Daniel Yearwood).  Sweeney starts to tell Anthony about his past, but stops as the memories overwhelms him.  When Sweeney enters Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop on Fleet Steet, Mrs. Lovett (played by Annaleigh Ashford) recognizes him as Benjamin Barker, the barber who had his shop above her store.  He confesses to her that he has returned to London to seek revenge on Judge Turpin (played by Jamie Jackson) for the harm he caused his wife.  Mrs. Lovett partners with Sweeney on his journey of revenge, not knowing what lies ahead, but very willing and able to lead the way. 

Annaleigh Ashford as Mr. Lovett
Photo courtesy of Sweeney Todd

Annaleigh Ashford makes the role of Mrs. Lovett her own.  She makes full use of her comic ability to mask the character’s manipulative and sinister core.  She exudes a demonic charm, developing a unique dichotomy for the character.  Nicholas Christopher is commanding as Sweeney Todd.  He is vocally powerful and dramatically captivating.  You root for him no matter how malicious his actions, and feel genuine satisfaction when he succeeds in avenging his wife.

Photo courtesy of Sweeney Todd

Gaten Matarazzo is excellent as Tobias, the assistant to Pirelli who becomes Mrs. Lovett’s helper when her business start to boom.  He and Ms. Ashford develop a very strong relationship.  “Not While I’m Around” is a truthful bonding moment between the characters.  Understudy Jeanna de Waal is spooky and ghostlike as the Beggar Woman.  She emerges from the darkness with her hair covering her face, yet your eyes go right to her when she starts to sing.  Daniel Yearwood and Maria Bilbao have a genuine connection as Anthony and Johanna, Sweeney’s daughter and ward of Judge Turpin.  Ms. Bilbao plays Johanna’s entrapment with palpable nervousness.  As the relationship between her and Anthony builds, this nervousness transforms into an eager yearning.         

This production is a MUST SEE, no matter who is in the lead roles.  The cast is a passionate and skillful ensemble, all committed to creating and delivering a spine-chilling and impactful experience.  Sweeney Todd is playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.  Go see it!    

Domenick Danza