WARNING:

This production contains adult language and sensitive themes

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WARNING: This production contains adult language and sensitive themes ~

 

ASSASSINS

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Directed by George Everts

About the Play

"Assassins" is a provocative musical meticulously crafted by the renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim that delves deeply into the complex lives and varied experiences of individuals who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents throughout the extensive course of American history. Through a compelling blend of dark humour and poignant reflection, the show thoughtfully explores profound themes such as ambition, disillusionment, and the elusive concept of the American Dream, which resonates with many. Each character's intricate backstory reveals their unique motivations and personal struggles, offering audiences a distinctive perspective on the notion of violence as a complicated means of expression or perhaps a desperate plea for fundamental change. The complex score, enhanced by an innovative narrative structure, invites the audience to engage actively with uncomfortable questions about identity, agency, and the intricate socio-political landscape of America, prompting deeper reflection long after the curtain falls.

Music & Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) was a prominent and influential American composer and lyricist who is widely known for his considerable impact on the world of musical theatre. His illustrious career spanned over six remarkable decades and was marked by complex themes, innovative melodies, and exceptionally sophisticated lyrics. Some of his early works include the iconic "West Side Story" and the beloved "Gypsy." Sondheim's original musicals, including the chilling "Sweeney Todd," the enchanting "Into the Woods," and the groundbreaking "Company," completely redefined storytelling in the genre and set new standards for theatrical excellence. Throughout his lifetime, he received numerous prestigious accolades, including multiple Tony Awards as well as a Pulitzer Prize. Sondheim's enduring legacy continues to inspire both artists and audiences in the realm of theatre today, ensuring his profound influence will be felt for generations to come.

 

Book

John Weidman

John Weidman is a highly regarded American playwright and librettist, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the world of musical theatre. He gained considerable fame for notable productions such as "Pacific Overtures," which features music by the legendary Stephen Sondheim, and "Assassins," a compelling work that delves into the complex lives of individuals who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents throughout history. Weidman's writing seamlessly blends intricate storytelling with thought-provoking themes, offering rich insights that resonate with both historical and contemporary relevance. His numerous collaborations with various talented composers and production teams have significantly enhanced the diversity and richness of American theatre, making his work an important fixture in the theatrical landscape.

 

Concept

Charles Gilbert Jr.

Charles Gilbert Jr. was a highly regarded and prominent American writer and composer, celebrated for his influential and groundbreaking work in the multifaceted realms of musical theatre and songwriting. His remarkable creations seamlessly blended poignant and thought-provoking lyrics with captivating and memorable melodies, showcasing a profound and deep understanding of character development and intricate emotional complexity. Throughout his extensive and illustrious career, Gilbert explored a diverse and varied array of themes, ranging from heartfelt love stories to insightful social commentaries, thereby demonstrating his remarkable versatility and boundless creativity. His enduring legacy continues to inspire and motivate new generations of talented performers, innovative composers, and aspiring writers in the ever-evolving landscape of musical theatre, ensuring that his profound impact and contributions will be felt for many years to come.

 

Director

George Everts

George caught the theatre bug at a young age, performing in a high school production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat that was cancelled before reaching opening night (he still doesn't know why). Since then, he has been impossible to keep off a stage. He has fairly recently made the leap to the other side of the audition table, having directed productions of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying", "Grease", "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), "The Addams Family", and "Twisted" over the last few years. Over that time, he has continued to perform. He is thrilled to be back at the Dolphin, bringing a musical which he has so much love and respect for to the stage..

Director’s Notes

Assassins is a fantastic show that we are really excited to be bringing to the stage. Despite its historical roots, and age, it is an incredibly topical show, that asks the question “If you do everything that you’re supposed to, and don’t get what you need… what do you do?” The intention for this show is to lean into the comedic aspects of it, while making sure that the serious subject matter, as well as depictions of real life people, are treated with care, respect, and attention to detail. While this is a difficult show, with complex characters, themes and music that we intend to work very hard to do justice to, the primary intention is that everybody has a good time.

We are searching for a set of strong actors and storytellers, who can bring this group of intriguing characters to life, and have a blast doing it.

 

Music Director

Erin Fagan

Erin Fagan

Born and raised in West Auckland, Erin is a freelance composer, music educator, arranger and pianist. A post-graduate student of Auckland University, Erin achieved First-Class Honours in Composition in 2015 and has since been working as a composer for theatre, musicals, short films, chamber groups, orchestras and more. Having worked as a Musical Director for the NZ premiere of a number of musical theatre shows, Erin has also written, edited and scored several original musicals of his own (‘Love Me Tinder’, ‘Pan is Dead’, ‘Little Jack’). Erin has had works performed by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Wairua Sinfonietta, for which he is currently their inaugural Composer-in-Residence. Alongside this, he has had works commissioned across the country for various musical events, theatrical societies and creative groups, including workshops of his works by the NZ Trio and Auckland Philharmonia. Recently Erin was awarded first prize in the composition round of Poland’s ‘World’s Best Musician’ competition for his Piano Trio, “In Glory Undimmed”.

 

Choreographer

Rebekkah Schoonbeek-Berridge

Rebekkah Schoonbeek-Berridge (Ngāti Maru) is a renowned choreographer, performer, and dance educator. Her choreography spans Theatre (Basement X-Mas, Rock Follies Forever, Night of the Queer), Musicals (We Will Rock You, West Side Story, Be More Chill), Music videos, Live Events (Skycity) and Television (My Life is Murder, Media Works, DWTS). Notably, her work "The Crickets Have Arthritis" earned the 'Stand Out Female Performer Award.'As a performer, Rebekkah has portrayed roles such as Anne Elliot (Persuasion), Annie Wilkes (Misery), and Vanessa (In the Heights). Her dance credits include appearances with Marlon Williams, Stan Walker, and William Waiirua, alongside Live TV performances on X-Factor and Dancing with the Stars. Internationally, she has performed at Canada’s Banff Arts Centre and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

 

Assistant Choreographer

 

Felicity Dowden

Felicity Dowden (she/they) is a queer Pākehā creative based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Contemporary Dance) at Unitec, Felicity brings her background in dance and contemporary musical theatre performance into her work and choreography. Her choreographic work includes The Spongebob Musical Jr and Twisted (Dallow Productions). She has performed in significant showcases such as Reverence/Kia Raupapahia (Foster-Sproull/Elliot), Tipuranga (Rogers/Campbell), and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Opening Ceremony. Felicity’s training includes secondments with New Zealand Dance Company and Body Island. She was awarded multiple accolades during her time at Pakuranga College, including the NZQA Scholarship in Dance and the Arts Person of the Year Award. Felicity is incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Rebekkah and the Assassins team throughout this process. She looks forward to getting involved in more musical theatre next year after graduating.

 

Cast

 

 

Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.