Review: Hayes Theatre's Smash Hit ASSASSINS Returns For An Amazing Encore Season Under The Sydney Opera House Sails.

Tuesday 12 June 2018, 7pm, The Playhouse Sydney Opera House

Following a successful 2017 season at Hayes Theatre, Dean Bryant's (Director) brilliantly crafted production of Stephen Sondheim (Music and Lyrics) and John Weidman's (Book) ASSASSINS has opened for an encore season at the Sydney Opera House. The wonderful vision that captivated audiences retains its energy and connection in the larger Playhouse space and the three new cast members slip seamlessly into the tight production.

BroadwayWorld Sydney's review of the 2017 season can be found at:

/sydney/article/BWW-REVIEW-In-A-World-Disgruntled-With-Its-Leaders-Sondheims-ASSASSINS-Is-The-Perfectly-Timed-Peak-Into-The-Past-20170921

Whilst the 2018 production is almost identical to the Hayes season, there are minor changes due to the size of the Playhouse stage and configuration of the theatre along with three new cast members bought on due to the originating performers having other commitments. Alicia Clements' fabulous set that conjures memories of touring carnivals and amusement parks benefits from the broader stage which enables detail that was once presented on Hayes Theatre's side walls to be more visible like the shooting gallery Proprietor's wall of weapons and the bank of antique theatre seats where the bent over Zangara sits groaning and wailing. Nearly every detail is transferred, from the mirrored stage which reflects the Assassin's warped world and Ross Graham's lighting, to the strings of fairy lights and Sarah Jane Moore and Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme's playground swings. Minor changes related to the space, such as the entrance to side stage due to the lack of a centre aisle and the inclusion of an art easel to house the targets utilises the broader space effectively.

The performances are excellent, if not better than before. Whilst David Campbell was magnificent before, he brings an even greater gravitas to a commanding portrayal of John Wilkes Booth, giving the leader of the motley group a delicious danger and charisma as he captivates the audience. He connects with the audience with a piercing gaze that projects the 19th Century performer and confederate sympathizer's passion and persuasive ability. Maxwell Simon, as The Balladeer has also strengthened to present an even clearer expression of the young man sceptical of Booth and his contemporaries' methods as he gives an insight into the seven successful and not so successful assassinations whilst also passing judgment on the 8 men and women that emerge from history before expressing the most controversial killer of an American president who's real motive and guilt remains the subject of questions and conspiracy theories. Anthony Gooley steps into the role of the Hijacker in a Santa Suit with the requisite maniacal temperament whilst Luigi Lucente gives Giuseppe Zangara a tortured expression as the Italian immigrant suffering from chronic abdominal pain. Madeleine Jones presents the anarchist political activist and writer Emma Goldman with the confidence and resilience of an early feminist and independent woman and later presenting the voice of the innocent citizens affected by possibly the most controversial assassination, that of John F Kennedy in 1963.

The musicality of the work is clear and strong ensuring that Sondheim's amazingly detailed lyrics are easily understood, all supported by Andrew Worboys' six piece band. Andrew Hallsorth's choreography is well rendered to create a tight production filled with creative staging and smooth transitions. Opening night did however see Bobby Fox take a shocking fall at the end of a dazzling performance of Charles Guiteau's Going To The Lordy and The Ballad of Guiteau. After a pause in the show and an impromptu interval whilst Fox's condition as assessed, the show continued with Associate Producer Spencer Bignell stepping in, script in hand, to fill the role of Guiteau for the remainder of the show. BroadwayWorld has been informed that Bobby Fox has sustained a foot injury and Ryan Gonzalez has stepped in to cover the role of Charles Guiteau until Fox recovers. BroadwayWorld Sydney's Senior Editor commends the cast and crew on their ability to ensure the performance continued and wishes Bobby Fox a rapid recovery whilst also knowing that the role of Guiteau is in good hands with Gonzalez until Fox is ready to return.

Controversial, thought provoking and captivating, with Sondheim's trademark wit and wonderful music, this production of ASSASSINS is a definite must see and well worth seeing a second time (or more) in the bigger venue. If you missed out last year, do not miss it this year.

ASSASSINS

Playhouse Sydney Opera House

7 June - 1 July 2018