There’s another national anthem, folks
Enci | Jul 26, 2012 | Comments 0 |
There’s another national anthem, folks.
Just in time for election season, Coeurage Theatre Company presents a bold production of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, the polarizing musical about men and women who have attempted to assassinate United States presidents throughout American history.
Originally produced in 1991, the show only grows more relevant as the country progresses toward an uncertain future. From the events of September 11th, which delayed the piece’s scheduled Broadway debut, to the wars sparked by the failed assassination attempts on George H.W. Bush by Saddam Hussein and on Bill Clinton by Osama bin Laden, Assassins continues to hold a staggering topicality.
Some critics have accused the musical of humanizing the assassins portrayed in the show, but director Julianne Donelle was careful not to glorify their actions: “Assassins is told through the eyes of the ‘bad guy.’ But just because we hear their stories doesn’t mean we empathize with the horrific crimes they commit. A great way to prevent is to understand.”
Donelle has harbored a passion to direct the musical since appearing in a production several years ago: “It is surprisingly funny and tragic at the same time. There is no composer and lyricist who takes more risks than Sondheim. His spirit of adventure always inspires me to be more creative and innovative as an artist.”
Donelle has expanded the roles of the ensemble, making them active participants in the telling of the story. She’s also changed the gender of their leader, the Proprietor. Making the enterprising character a woman enhances the female presence of the testosterone-filled cast, and adds a dimension of sexuality to her manipulation of the characters.
Assassins is the fourth production in Coeurage Theatre Company’s third season, following hit productions of Balm in Gilead, Romeo and Juliet, and Is He Dead?
For interviews, photos, press tickets, or more info, please contact Sammi Smith at sammi@coeurage.org or (949) 232-4368.
What: Assassins
Who: Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Directed by Julianne Donelle
Starring: Jonas Barranca, Jesse Bradley, Gedaly Guberek, Mark Jacobson, Aimee Karlin, Jason Peter Kennedy, Graham Kurtz, Gary Lamb, Jeremy Lelliott, Nicole Monet, Kim Reed, Nick Rocz, Christopher Roque, Christine Sinacore, Sammi Smith, Ryan Wagner
Music Director & Arrangements: Gregory Nabours
Scenic Design: Brooke Baldwin
Lighting Design: Michelle Stann
Sound Design: Bryan Williams
Costume Design: Kara McLeod
When: Thursday, August 2, 9:00pm (PREVIEW)
Friday, August 3, 8:00pm (OPENING NIGHT/GALA)
Saturday, August 4, 8:00pm
Sunday, August 5, 7:00pm
Friday, August 10, 8:00pm
Saturday, August 11, 8:00pm
Sunday, August 12, 7:00pm
Friday, August 17, 8:00pm
Saturday, August 18, 8:00pm
Sunday, August 19, 7:00pm
Friday, August 24, 8:00pm
Saturday, August 25, 8:00pm
Sunday, August 26, 7:00pm
Friday, August 31, 8:00pm
Saturday, September 1, 8:00pm
Sunday, September 2, 7:00pm
Friday, September 7, 8:00pm
Saturday, September 8, 8:00pm
Sunday, September 9, 7:00pm
Where: Actors Circle Theatre
7313 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
How: Tickets available at http://buy.coeurage.org/
Filed Under: Press Release
