Wildsong Productions opens ASSASSINS this weekend

Wildsong Production, a San Diego nonprofit theater company, presents ASSASSINS. Production began on September 16 and performances ran for two weekends (9/16-9/25).

A multi-Tony Award-winning theatrical tour de force, Assassins combines Sondheim’s signature blend of cleverly stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a sweeping history of our nation’s celebrity culture and the violent means some will employ. to obtain it, embodied by the four Americans. successful and five potential presidential assassins. Bold, original, disturbing and comically alarming, Assassins is perhaps the most controversial musical ever written.

Assassins lays bare the lives of nine individuals who assassinated or attempted to assassinate the President of the United States, in a historical “revusical” that explores the dark side of the American experience. Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, bend the rules of time and space, taking us on a nightmarish roller coaster ride in which assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods meet, interact and inspire each other for deeds heartbreaking on behalf of American Dreaming.

The main cast includes Michael Harrison (Booth), Shaun Lim (Owner), Hunter Brown (Balladeer), Tim Baran (Guiteau), Tyler Jiles and Erik Ramirez (Czolgosz), Sara Blanche and Kaitlyn Summers (Moore), Kailey Agpaoa and Jillian Mayer (Fromme), Kannon Gowen (Zangara), William Corkery (Byck), Matt Sutton (Hinckley). All of them are both powerful singers and wonderful actors. The stellar ensemble consists of Caitlin Helms, Jeff Redondo, Kaylee Page, Matt Sayre, Mia Capone, Mikey Miro, Mykaila Istvanyi and Rachel Mink. This whole piece is used to advance the story, and each member brings customization to their character that’s beautiful to watch unfold, specifically in “Something Just Broke.”

This production is directed by Amanda Blair, who brings this show to life with a gripping vision that touches on the humanity of the killers, while demonstrating how their actions have affected the country. Musical director is Robert Johnson, who helped the vocals be both powerful and precise. Lighting design by Shaun Lim adds the finishing touch that makes this show a masterfully crafted production in every way.

The intimate OB Playhouse is a wonderful venue for this show as it allows audiences to feel every nuanced acting choice and emotional turn. The assassins move throughout the house at different points in the show, showing that these real people were just like everyone else.

Everything about the show is amazing, from the opening number “Everybody’s Got the Right” to the closing “Finale.” Wildsong Productions has made a name for itself by continually delivering professional quality shows after the shows.

This production is truly stellar and audiences won’t want to miss the magic that unfolds on this stage. It will have you on the edge of your seat and laughing until your stomach hurts (like Zangara).

TRIGGER WARNING: This production of Assassins contains depictions of gun violence, momentary use of a racial slur, adult themes and strobe lights.

Assassins is produced by Wildsong Productions and takes place at OB Playhouse from September 16-25! Tickets are available at www.wildsongproductions.com.

Photo credit: Brooke Aliceon