Review: ASSASSINS at Dare 2 Defy Productions

Brush off your American History knowledge to take this musical visit with some of America's most infamous assassins and would be assassins.

ASSASSINS, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, opened Off-Broadway in 1990 and made its way to Broadway in 2004, when it won five Tony Awards, The subject matter has always been seen as controversial as it delves into the minds and motives of the featured murderers/attempted murderers. While I appreciate the music and lyrics from Sondheim, it remains one of my least favorite musicals. I feel like I am supposed to be getting some greater meaning from the show but am somehow left one step behind the others and I just don't get it. I leave feeling more confused than satisfied. Despite that feeling, I still enjoy the performances given and there are some fine performances in this production.

Under the strong music direction of Judy Mansky, some performances in particular stand out. Brandon Maldonado as John Wilkes Booth is amazing. His stunning voice and commanding presence makes everyone sit up and take notice. Philip Drennan is a delightfully crazy Charles Guiteau. Samantha Stark and Jeannine Geise (Squeaky Fromme and Sara Jane Moore) have hysterical chemistry and their scenes lend much needed comic relief. The orchestra, conducted by Mansky, is also to be commended.

One problem that I had with the production( that I normally never have) is that the sound during last Saturday's performance was extremely loud. There were times, particularly when all cast members were singing, that the sound was so loud that it was painful to the ears. While it is lovely to hear a company in full voice, it was too much in the small space at the PNC Annex.

Three performances remain to see ASSASSINS, Friday at 8 PM and Saturday at 2 PM and at 8 PM, at the PNC Arts Annex on the corner of Second and Ludlow in Dayton. Get a ticket to go and see what you think of the show. Tickets are available online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3630. In the event of inclement weather, please consult Ticket Center Stage for information on their weather policies.

Photo Credit: Dare 2 Defy Productions

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