Ah, the American Dream – work hard, provide and prosper. Right? Not according to Stephen Sondheim, whose satirical musical Assassins highlights a different American dream: to kill the President.
Sondheim’s award-winning show meanders through the stories of several of the men and women who’ve attempted to kill a US President, from John Wilkes Booth (who shot Abraham Lincoln) through to Lee Harvey Oswald (who shot John F. Kennedy). There are five would-be assassins and four successful ones. They are a motley crew, joined by their unanimous desire of guns and change and their collective American dream.
The production had a successful season at the Hayes Theatre last year, and is enjoying a more spacious run at the Sydney Opera House this time around. The space has given the show more room to breathe and be seen, which is fantastic.
David Campbell as Booth is commanding and compelling. He’s the leader of this crew, encouraging and goading each on his or her quest. Campbell’s natural charisma shines through. Kate Cole is hugely entertaining as unlikely assassin Sarah Jane Moore, and got some of the biggest laughs of the night.
However, it was Bobby Fox who really stole the show. His climactic Ballad of Guiteau had him hot-footing all over the stage with tremendous dexterity and energy. Heartbreakingly, just as he was about to receive a well-deserved standing ovation, Fox injured himself and the production came to an abrupt stop. We were informed that Fox had to be taken to hospital, and that associate producer Spencer Bignell would be stepping into the roe script in hand for the remainder of tonight’s performance. The audience rallied behind the cast with thunderous applause and the show went on. Despite being understandably shaken, the entire ensemble stayed on track.
Director Dean Bryant and designer Alicia Clements work seamlessly together to bring to life this grotesque side-show carnival, with exquisite set pieces (think giant lettering, a juke box, old cinema seats and a full size dodgem car) flowing effortlessly in and out of scenes.
Musical Director Andrew Worboys leads his band beautifully, and they make easy work of Sondheim’s spasmodic score. Sound operator Tony Lorenz ensures we hear every note played and word sung, even when things got a little chaotic after Fox’s dramatic exit.
Assassins is a whirlwind, and this production excels and excites with its gorgeous set and stellar cast. And while the show is far from a history lesson, some basic knowledge of the subject/s would be helpful, if only to gain better enjoyment of the intricacies of their stories.
Assassins is playing at the Sydney Opera House until 1 July.
Note: It has been announced that Ryan Gonzales has stepping into the role left vacant by Bobby Fox until further notice.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
