Draft:John Robert Sasso
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John Robert "JR" Sasso is an American stage actor, singer, and dancer from Massachusetts. He is known for his appearance as Enoch Snow Jr. in the Boston Lyric Opera’s 2025 production of Carousel, and for his emerging work in musical theatre and dance performance. He is a member of the Nazareth University Class of 2029, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Sasso grew up in the Greater Boston area, where he began his involvement in theatre at a young age. He attended the Landmark School in Beverly, Massachusetts, a college-preparatory high school specializing in students with language-based learning differences. At Landmark, he was active in the performing arts department and participated in several school musical productions, developing foundational skills in acting, voice, and movement.
In addition to his high school education, Sasso trained with the New York University Tisch School of the Arts through their summer intensive at the New Studio on Broadway, a conservatory-style musical theatre program. There, he studied with Broadway-level faculty, refining vocal technique, acting through song, and advanced dance styles.
In 2024, Sasso announced his commitment to Nazareth University in Rochester, New York, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance. He is expected to graduate in 2029. The program is part of the university's School of Music and Theatre Arts, which emphasizes individualized performance training and professional preparation.
Career
[edit]Stage Debut
[edit]Sasso made his professional stage debut in 2025 with the Boston Lyric Opera, performing in the company's 80th anniversary production of Carousel at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston. He portrayed **Enoch Snow Jr.**, a supporting role in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. The production was directed by Anne Bogart, choreographed by Shura Baryshnikov, and featured a reimagined staging emphasizing ensemble storytelling and New England heritage.
The production received critical attention from local publications including *METRMag* and *WBUR Boston*, noting the integration of young regional performers with professional opera and musical theatre veterans. Sasso’s performance was recognized for his clarity, poise, and ensemble strength.
Film and Television
[edit]In 2017, Sasso appeared on *The Steve Katsos Show*, a local Massachusetts television program known for featuring musical performances and interviews with artists. His appearance showcased his early involvement in performance and community arts media.
Style and Influences
[edit]Sasso is recognized as a versatile and dedicated "triple threat" performer, equally skilled in acting, singing, and dance. His vocal range lies in the baritone register, and he is praised for delivering emotionally authentic performances that emphasize believability and connection to the text.
Sasso’s dance training is rooted in classical ballet technique, which informs his strong technical foundation, fluid movement quality, and ability to perform partner work and intricate choreography. His approach to acting is influenced by his training in conservatory-style programs, focusing on truthful storytelling and the concept of "less is more" to create nuanced and compelling characterizations.
His artistic influences include Broadway performers such as Jeremy Jordan, whose vocal agility and emotional expressiveness inspire Sasso’s own singing style. Additionally, he draws inspiration from prominent director-choreographers like Susan Stroman and Casey Nicholaw, appreciating their ability to blend storytelling with dynamic movement and comedic timing.
For choreography, Sasso cites modern dance icon Martha Graham as a primary inspiration, admiring her innovative technique and profound emotional expression that revolutionized American dance.
Sasso’s goal as a performer is to continually grow as a well-rounded artist, integrating strong vocal technique, disciplined dance training, and deep acting work to engage audiences across multiple genres—from classic musicals to contemporary theatre.
Personal Life
[edit]Sasso’s achievements have been shared publicly by his mother, Lisa Sasso, a Boston-based leadership coach and motivational speaker, who frequently posts about his career milestones on social media. He maintains a private but active Instagram presence under the handle @jrsasso.performing, where he documents rehearsal moments, performance clips, and inspirational messages.
He aspires to perform on national tours, in regional and New York City theatre, and eventually become a high school theatre educator and youth arts director, focusing on training the next generation of performers.
Notable Performances
[edit]| Year | Production | Role | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Carousel | Enoch Snow Jr. | Boston Lyric Opera / Emerson Colonial Theatre |
| 2017 | The Steve Katsos Show | Himself | Local Massachusetts Television |
Education
[edit]- Landmark School (Beverly, MA) – High School Diploma (2024)
- NYU Tisch Summer Musical Theatre Program – Certificate (2023)
- Nazareth University – BFA Musical Theatre, Minor in Dance (Class of 2029)
References
[edit]- Boston Lyric Opera – Carousel Cast Announcement
- IMDb – John Robert Sasso
- Lisa Sasso – LinkedIn
- JR Sasso on Instagram
- Nazareth University – Musical Theatre Program
