Jackson, Irving to Star in Gateway's SWEENEY TODD, 8/24-9/11

Casting has been announced for Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," from August 24-Sept. 11 at Bellport's Gateway Playhouse.

Gateway's production features Jamie Jackson in the title role. Jackson has appeared on Broadway in "The 39 Steps" and on the television series "The Flight of the Conchords." In his native Australia, Jackson's roles include Cheever in "The Crucible" and Regan in "King Lear," both at the acclaimed Sydney Theatre Company. He is also an accomplished stand-up comic and writes new musicals with his wife, composer SoHee Young.

Alicia Irving will play Mrs. Lovett. Irving's Broadway credits include the original productions of"The Scarlet Pimpernel," "Side Show" and "Sunset Boulevard," as well as the tenth anniversary company of "Les Misérables."

Veteran actors Bruce Winant and Jodi Stevens will be Judge Turpin and the Beggar Woman/Lucy, respectively. Winant was a part the original Broadway casts of "Ragtime," "Miss Saigon" and "My Favorite Year" and films such as "Ice Age" and "Mighty Aphrodite." Stevens was a member of the original Broadway productions of "Jekyll and Hyde" and "Urban Cowboy" and has been featured in numerous television series, including "As the World Turns" and "Sex and the City."

Dominick Ruggiero will direct, with musical direction by Jeff Hoffman. Ruggerio has directed numerous shows through his 20 year affiliation with the organization, including Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston's "Phantom," "Cabaret" and, most recently, "The Drowsy Chaperone." Hoffman enters "Sweeney Todd" fresh off of this season's "Spamalot" and has worked on many Gateway Productions including "Fosse" and "Beauty and the Beast."

This production marks the first time in Gateway's 62-year history that the "Sweeney Todd" has been staged and marks Gateway's final show this summer. In October, the award-winning "Gateway's Haunted Playhouse of Horrors," will return for its third installment. Scheduling for the haunted house and Gateway's 2011 Winter season will be announced shortly.

The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County seeks to provide theatre of the highest caliber to audiences within the Long Island region and beyond. It continues the tradition established by the Gateway Playhouse over its past 62 years of service and remains Long Island's longest running professional theatre.

For tickets, performance times or other inquiries call (631) 286-1133 or 1-888-4TIXNOW, or visit www.gatewayplayhouse.org