MILTON, DE — Wilmington native James Verderamo has returned to Delaware for his professional theater debut in his home state, taking on the title role in Milton Theatre’s production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” after a journey that included 10 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force and the start of a second career as a professional actor.
The role brings Verderamo back to the state where he first discovered performing, more than a decade after his career and military service took him away from the area. The Stephen Sondheim musical thriller is now running at Milton Theatre, with performances continuing through Sunday, Oct. 11.
“It’s such an honor to be returning to my home state of Delaware for the first time as a theatre professional — and for it to be as the iconic role of Sweeney Todd makes it even more of a dream,” Verderamo said. “Along with most bass-baritones in the industry, it’s a role that I’ve always aspired to perform one day. To be able to make my debut as the character so close to home is amazing.”
From Wilmington to the Air Force
Verderamo grew up in Wilmington, performing in school productions at Red Lion before appearing with the Wilmington Drama League, Milburn Stone Theatre and the University of Delaware’s Harrington Theatre Arts Company…