Assassins- Page 3

[Gothampc]

Posted: 4/27/14 at 8:24pm

"How would people feel about an all-female or gender-blind production of Assassins?"

I think the fact that these characters were real people makes that difficult. People still know the images of John Hinckley, Lee Harvey Oswald, Sam Byck, Sarah Jane Moore and Squeaky Fromme.

[Charley Kringas Inc]

Posted: 4/27/14 at 9:26pm

It's the kind of show where if you did something like that, you'd really have to put a lot of thought behind it because the characters are so specific (I mean, anyone can do an all-woman Forum or Hamlet or something). Particularly gender-blind; if you're going to make your audience ask why Squeaky Fromme is being played by a man, you'd better have an answer that's better than "just because". Casting like that would mean introducing all sorts of subtexts and possibly confusing the audience, who bring a lot of baggage with them to the show. All-woman would be interesting, though, and possibly a lot of fun. Women rising and taking what they want, demanding, becoming infamous, it could be a real sharp bent.

[dented146]

Posted: 4/27/14 at 9:48pm

Perhaps I saw a poor regional production, but I did not think much of the show. I wasn't impressed by the music or the structure of the show. I admit that I felt a moment of discomfort when a gun was pointed at my face but that is about all I remember of the show.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 4/27/14 at 10:52pm

"I have to say though, I am definitely in the camp that Oswald and Balladeer be seperate characters. I think it's extremely gimmicky when it's doubled, and doesn't really make sense to me. I also think the Proprietor's role is confusing as well, but that's besides the point."

I didn't see the Broadway revival, but in my mind's eye it works because NPH has some Lee Harvey Oswald characteristics about him. But I agree it shouldn't become the norm.

dented, I'm sorry you saw such a poor production. As I said above, I've seen two student-directed college productions and both worked quite well. The characters are broad enough and different enough that young and/or non-professional actors usually do a good job of making them distinct.

I hope you'll give the show another try when a better production comes along. As I've been saying, it's not perfect, it's not entirely successful, but it's still a thoughtful and moving evening. AND you really can hum the tunes!

[missthemountains]

Posted: 5/2/14 at 1:27am

Question, did anyone see the reunion concert back in 2012? And if so, if there's a way I can see it please PM me.

[keggss23]

Posted: 12/1/14 at 10:11pm

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I recently saw a wonderful video of Sondheim himself walking through the Assassins score. It is really fascinating and thought you might be interested in checking it out.


http://youtu.be/SUvqniHrW90
Composing Assassins

Updated On: 12/1/14 at 10:11 PM