"Stephen Sondheim's "Assassins" Is Brilliant Madness"
New York 1
April 23, 2004
By Roma Torre

No matter what you may think of the subject – and there are those who will no doubt find a musical about presidential assassins revolting – the production of "Assassins" is superlative. From music to book to technical design to direction and performances this is a flawless collaboration.

Stephen Sondheim's idea for a musical that weaves the true stories of people who wanted to kill presidents is indeed unorthodox. And he may not win any new legions of fans with this one. But there is no denying that the concept is classic Sondheim, ingeniously realized. It is dark and intelligent; and Sondheim's score blending clever lyrics with a crazy quilt of folk tunes and complex melodies is stunning.

If you buy into the idea, John Weidman's book masterfully turns the American Dream upside down suggesting that some people will do anything for a shot at that holy grail of American life: fame. The show does not excuse the heinous acts, but it doesn't entirely condemn the assassins either, offering instead an array of motivations. Whether the assassins were just plain crazy, or politically driven, or insanely desperate types, they represent an underbelly of Americans who make for outrageously theatrical characters.

And director Joe Mantello, clearly inspired by this vision of warped Americana has assembled a most excellent ensemble. Michael Cerveris' playing John Wilkes Booth as a disturbed southerner is a study of civilized madness.

Other standouts include Mario Cantone as failed Nixon assassin Samuel Byck who planned to crash a 747 into the White House. His frighteningly hysterical rant is chilling.

Squeaky Fromme and Sara Jane Moore who separately tried to kill President Ford are featured in a terrific scene that brilliantly captures society's delusions. Mary Catherine Garrison and Becky Ann Baker are superb.

Denis O'Hare, delivers a photo negative variant of his Tony winning role in "Take Me Out," playing Charles Guiteau, a bright but insane man who murders President James Garfield.

And how bizarre to see TV's Doogie Hauser, Neil Patrick Harris, going psycho as Lee Harvey Oswald.

Robert Brill's marvelous giant scaffolding set, designed to look like the underside of a carnival is enhanced by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer's fantastic lighting. And as a demonic sideshow barker Marc Kudisch, with shiny teeth and shaved head perfectly completes the hellish landscape.

This is by no means a show that will be appreciated by everyone. Some will likely bristle at its seeming casual subversiveness. But as theatre, "Assassins" is a consummate package. And even if you don't buy the premise, it's a harrowing reminder of the price we all pay for freedom!

Back to Reviews