ASSASSINS Comes to Long Beach Playhouse

On October 12, the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre closes its 2018 season with Stephen Sondheim's musical Assassins. The play asks the question, "What's the outcome when The American Dream of success, celebrity, and free speech becomes warped in a madman's mind?" In this thought-provoking musical, musical genius Stephen Sondheim and playwright John Weidman bend time and space to allow the nation's nine successful and would-be assassins to meet, interact, and inspire each other to try to make their mark in the American history books. Using his signature blend of insightful lyrics and unforgettable music, Sondheim sheds a light on the American phenomenon that is the presidential assassin.

"The play opens at a carnival shooting gallery with a revolving wheel on which various Presidents are depicted," said Madison Mooney, Executive Director for the Long Beach Playhouse. "Historical accuracy isn't the point and the assassins and would-be assassins interact in a kaleidoscopic non-linear timeline. I agree with the LA Times observation that the show is 'sidesplitting and sobering in equal measure'."

Most people know the names of infamous assassins like John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald. In Assassins the more obscure like Samuel Byck and Charles Guiteau mingle with those whose names are firmly etched in the collective consciousness of America.

"There's a tendency to consider assassins as sociopathic monsters," said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse and director for this show. "Sondheim asks us to consider the culture of America in our evaluations of the assassins. The myth of the American dream inspires some to greatness but others pursue the darker side of the dream - they find the loophole to the traditional dream."

The costumes and music help define the era in which the assassin historically existed. The set hosts the historical mash-up and is equal parts patriotic Americana and pure carnival. Stephen Olear is the musical director and the show boasts a six-piece band with trombones, flutes, sax, keyboards and drums. Halley Hardy is the choreographer. Assassins isn't typically a choreographed show and Hardy's touch is a light but meaningful addition to the production. Costume Shop Manager Donna Fritsche and her team of volunteers are building memorable costumes for the actors. Her talents for design and storytelling will be on full display.

The 16-member cast includes assassins, presidents, balladeers, an ensemble and Emma Goldman among others. The cast is a nice mix of actors making their Playhouse debut and those who've previously acted in the theatre's shows. Making their debuts are: Derek Rubiano, Kevin Wood, Sean McCallon, John Vann, Amanda Webb and Jessica Oliver. Those returning are: Brian Pirnat, Jeseka Luna, Kyra Kiener, Taryne Moyse, Nick Bradfield, Noah Wagner, Hunter Ryti, Mark Eggert, William Ardelean, and Serena Bottiani-Henderson.

This play seems particularly important at this moment in time. Between the churn of the news cycle, the daily destruction of political norms and the tribalism and dysfunction that presently defines America this is a show needed to be put on a stage and one audiences will want to take in.

The show opens October 12 and runs through November 17.

Ticket Pricing:

Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $24.00, Seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.

To request an interview with the director, cast members or reserve your media tickets to this performance, please send an email to: pr@lbplayhouse.org.

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pmon scheduled matinees.

Promotional Design: Daisy Ramirez

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