In a strong bid to provide provocative theatre that’s culturally relevant and contemporary, New Stage Theatreworks will join the 2016 political frenzy by mounting Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins” – a bold, stunning musical with strong commentary on the American Dream and the culture of celebrity, political or otherwise. New Stage Theatreworks, launched in 2015 with two productions, “The Last Five Years” and “Murder Ballad”, was founded to transform and enlighten the Tallahassee region with fresh, artistic and bold theatre.
This new production of “Assassins” is a theatrical and thoroughly original tour-de-force, combining Sondheim’s signature blend of intelligent lyrics and stunning music, performed by 9 historical figures who attempted (or succeeded) in the assassination of a U.S. President. Auditions will be held May 15 and 16 at Theatre Tallahassee at 7:00 p.m., and the show will be performed July 8-17 on the MainStage at Theatre Tallahassee.
“Assassins” will feature 10 primary characters who sing and act, as well as an ensemble.
The cast calls for adult males and females, and one young boy age 7-12. The show will be directed by the Artistic Director of New Stage Theatreworks (and legendary Tallahassee artist) Krystof Kage, who has a long Tallahassee directing resume across multiple theatre companies. “Assassins” being his second directorial outing for NST. Krystof agrees that the timing is perfect for a show with this political context. He notes, “the current election will be reaching fever pitch this summer, and the future narrative is anyone’s guess at this point. Launching a disturbing, funny and challenging show that’s about the assassination of U.S. presidents will not only be a strong commentary on the political landscape and the power of celebrity, but a bold move to put New Stage Theatreworks into the conversation.”
“Assassins” has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by John Weidman. In Sondheim’s usual style of lyrical intricacy and fluid composition, the show’s music varies to reflect the eras depicted. It was launched Off-Broadway in 1990 and revived for Broadway in 2004, winning five Tony Awards. The Tallahassee production will be a canvas for the community’s best singers and actors, and New Stage Theatreworks is proud to mount a show that’s truly the embodiment of its mission.
Auditions for “Assassins” will take place May 15-16 at Theatre Tallahassee 1861 Thomasville Rd Tallahassee, FL at 7:00 p.m.
Follow us on Facebook or see Auditions for Assassins May 15-16 for more information, including audition detail. Tickets for “Assassins” will be available at www.newstagetheatreworks.org/tickets or at the box office during the show’s run.
ASSASSINS
Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by JOHN WEIDMAN
Assassins is based on an idea by Charles Gilbert Jr.
Playwrights Horizons, Inc. – New York City
Produced ASSASSINS Off-Broadway in 1990
ASSASSINS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com