In 2026, the United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year, there will be numerous opportunities to learn about the nation’s history—and to kick off the year, Revolution Stage Company is presenting a thought-provoking, dark and very entertaining history lesson with the musical Assassins.
Stephen Sondheim is the composer/lyricist, and John Weidman wrote the book for the show that won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The characters are based on real people who attempted, successfully or unsuccessfully, to assassinate a United States president. These nine men and women have their stories told with the help of a “Balladeer” who connects the characters with sung narration.
To lighten the seriousness of the subject matter, the setting is a carnival with a shooting gallery. The characters interact with each other—even though they were obviously not alive at the same time—to show the commonalities they share.
Director Gary Powers has brought together a wonderfully talented cast of performers, under the musical direction of Kurt Kelley. Sondheim music is never easy, but individual and group numbers were polished and done well.
L.T. Cousineau (Proprietor) strongly introduces the recurring theme song, “Everybody’s Got the Right.” Eight assassin characters join him in song as he gives them each handguns. His voice is used effectively throughout the show in group numbers. Imani De Leon (Balladeer) uses her lovely singing voice and impeccable diction to relay the events in the story. She graces the stage with presence but never steals focus.
Anthony Nannini (John Wilkes Booth) gives a transcendent performance! He inhabits the Booth character completely and is the thread that unites the others. He is also credited with the show’s choreography. Nicely done.
Marcello Tulipano plays Giuseppe Zangara, who attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, but instead killed the mayor of Chicago. He gives a nicely nuanced performance of someone suffering from physical pain and overall disenchantment.
Donald Kelley (Leon Czolgosz, who killed William McKinley in 1901) portrays an angry anarchist very convincingly. His strong singing voice is well displayed in “The Gun Song.”
Fuz Edwards (Charles Guiteau, who killed James Garfield in 1881) is a delight to watch as he exudes energy in his endless self-promotions about his numerous careers. His song, “The Ballad of Guiteau,” was especially enjoyed by the audience.
Michael Hamlin (Samuel Byck, who attempted to hijack a plane in 1974, with the goal of flying it into the White House and killing Richard Nixon) is convincing as an unhinged man who makes rambling audio tapes to send to select famous people.
Nicole Kennedy (Squeaky Fromme, who tried to shoot Gerald Ford in 1975) shines in her delivery as an adoring follower of Charles Manson. She also sparkled in the duet “Unworthy of Your Love.”
Heather Joy (Sara Jane Moore, who also tried to shoot Ford in 1975) brings great energy and heart to a character who is the quintessential mess. The scenes between Kennedy and Joy were played superbly!
Alfredo Bazua (John Hinckley, who wounded Ronald Reagan in 1981) portrays an unhappy, disenchanted loner quite well. His aforementioned duet with Kennedy, “Unworthy of Your Love,” was poignant.
C. James Slaybaugh (Lee Harvey Oswald and David Herold, John Wilkes Booth’s accomplice) creates a chilling, very disturbed Oswald. Watching him facially and physically transform into a killer was very impressive
Abby Kapadia (Emma Goldman, a defender of Czolgosz) gives her character great conviction. Her short scene in which Czolgosz expresses his love for her was touching. She also added her strong singing voice to ensemble numbers. April Tran (Mrs. Lincoln) was busy as part of the ensemble, adding her vocal talents.
Powers keeps the show moving nicely. It can be challenging to tie these scenes together, and he’s done that masterfully. An outstanding feature of this production is the projections of still images and archival video footage used to reinforce what is being spoken or sung onstage. Video design is credited to Nathan Cox. Ben Core’s lighting is effective, while Joyanne Tracy’s set design is simple but serves the show well. Rebecca McWilliams’ costumes nicely fit the timeframes in which the characters lived.
Revolution Stage’s Assassins is worthy way to kick off the semiquincentennial!
Assassins will be performed at 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; and 8 p.m., Saturday, from Friday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, Jan. 31, at Revolution Stage Company, at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $33. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.