PRODUCTIONS
Assassins
Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by JOHN WEIDMAN
Based on an idea by CHARLES GILBERT, JR.
Directed by TERRENCE J. NOLEN
On the F. Otto Haas Stage
September 13 - October 21, 2007
Synopsis
Part vaudeville extravaganza, part exposé and wholly electrifying, Assassins reveals uneasy truths about the American Dream. Winner of five Tony® Awards, it investigates the personalities behind nine individuals who attempted to assassinate a President of the United States. Hugely resonant in today's celebrity-obsessed society, the story is peopled with desperate characters intent on making their mark. Don't miss this unforgettable musical exploring the thoughts, motives and madness of want-to-be killers. This all-star cast of actors collectively brings thirty-six Barrymore nominations, nine Barrymore wins, and three F. Otto Haas Emerging Artist Award winners to the Arden stage.
"The Arden is the pre-eminent producer of my work in Philadelphia." –Stephen Sondheim
Assassins contains explicit language, sexual references and violence.
Critical Acclaim–
"A toe-tapping, horrifying knockout... eye-popping... splendid... passionate... gets the Arden's 20th anniversary season off to an excellent start."
–Philadelphia Inquirer [
Review]
"The sheer brilliance of the Arden Theatre Company's breathtaking production of Stephen Sondheim's
Assassins has nothing to do with luck. It has to do with skill and the sheer thrill of watching all the facets of a theater work coalesce into something approaching artistic perfection."
–Reading Eagle [
Review]
"They're a fascinating bunch... a cast that could only be described as the Philadelphia theatre community equivalent of the Dream Team... a riveting and entertaining evening. The Arden has started its 20th anniversary season on a very high note. Bravo."
–Chestnut Hill Local
"The Arden has put together a spectacular entertainment under the direction of Terrence J. Nolen for this, the 20th anniversary, of one of Philadelphia's – and the country's – best theatres."
–CurtainUp [
Review]
"The cast is most impressive... there's enough creative energy here to illuminate a city!"
–KYW Newsradio [
Review]
"Nolen has scored another bullseye. His new production ranks with is 2005 version of another Sondheim show,
Sweeney Todd, in its level of invention, energy and audacity. Sondheim's score is staggering in scope, its lyrical depth, and its melodic invention."
–Talkin' Broadway [
Review]
"Terrence Nolen's production at the Arden achieves the near impossible: a good balance between spookiness, humor and a serious look at the American Dream."
–Broad Street Review [
Review]
"The Arden embraces yet another Sondheim that is destined to grab attention at the Barrymores... an outstanding ensemble of some of Philadelphia's finest actors."
–BroadwayWorld.com [
Review]
"I simply can't get the music out of my head. It may not be hummable, but goddamn if it isn't memorable. That's a sure sign of a great production."
–Phillyist.com [
Review]
"A thought provoking, entertaining and scary show... the Arden cast is outstanding, combining terrific acting with singing."
–Press Focus [
Review
]
"Outstanding performers... makes us look beyond the famous events... intense... a lot of humor... a killer show"
–On The Move [
Review]
Behind the Scenes–
BroadwayWorld.com interviews Terrence J. Nolen in
Philly Behind The Curtain. [
Article]
