PUTNEY, Vt. – The Wild Goose Players will bring one of American musical theater’s most provocative and darkly humorous masterpieces to the stage this November with a new production of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s “Assassins.” The limited-run production will be hosted at Next Stage Arts in Putney, Vt., offering seven performances across two weekends.
“Assassins” is a multi-Tony-Award-winning musical that bends time and space to bring a rogue’s gallery of history’s most notorious figures together. From John Wilkes Booth to Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, the musical explores the motives, delusions, and twisted American dreams of nine individuals who attempted – or succeeded in – assassinating a president of the United States. Driven by a brilliant, carnivalesque score by the legendary Stephen Sondheim, the production combines a terrifyingly sharp script with powerful music to look beneath the surface of American history.
Brought to life by the acclaimed local performers of the Wild Goose Players, this production promises a striking, intimate look at a masterwork of contemporary musical theater.
“We are excited to bring ‘Assassins’ to the Putney community at Next Stage Arts,” said David Stern. “Sondheim’s work is fiercely smart, challenging, and profoundly theatrical. It is a piece that provokes deep thought while delivering unforgettable musical performances, making it a perfect fit for our company and our audience.”
The production, directed by Morganna Ekkens, features local favorites, including Isaiah LaPierre-Palmer, of Keene, as John Wilkes Booth; Shayna Bredbeck, of Bellows Falls, as Sara Jane Moore; and Liam Johnson, of Brattleboro, as the Balladeer. Musical direction is led by Carol Cronce, with scenic and lighting design by David Stern.
Evening performances will be held on Nov. 6, Nov. 7, Nov. 12, Nov. 13, and Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances will be held on Nov. 8 and Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney, Vt. Tickets are discounted for seniors and students, and can be purchased in advance online at www.wildgooseplayers.com or at the box office prior to showtime. Due to the intimate layout of the venue and high anticipation for this production, booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
This production contains mature themes and historical depictions of violence, making it best suited for older adolescents and adult audiences.