The Fuse Theatre Ensemble’s latest production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Assassins has left audiences captivated and contemplative.
Set against the backdrop of a barn surrounded by federal troops, the play opens with John Wilkes Booth, the notorious assassin of Abraham Lincoln, as he grapples with his fate.
The atmosphere is charged with red lights and the sound of rising flames, creating an immersive experience for the viewers.
Fuse Theatre, under the direction of Rusty Newton Tennant and Sara King, has once again illustrated the power of storytelling through humanization.
Each character, even those who are among the most infamous in American history, is depicted with depth and complexity.
Sondheim’s darkly comic musical, originally staged in 1990, intertwines the narratives of Booth and eight other assassins or would-be assassins, including notable figures such as Lee Harvey Oswald and John Hinckley Jr.
This narrative provokes thought about the American dream’s role in motivating these acts of violence.
While the show does not condone the actions of its characters, it draws parallels between their motivations and the societal circumstances that have shaped them.
Through the lens of a doctor examining a patient’s pain, the production encourages a deeper understanding of the shared responsibility for such acts.
The portrayal of the Proprietor—a character dressed in shimmering stars and stripes who embodies both seduction and execution—highlights this theme.
In this role, drag queen Quesa D’Mondays brings an additional layer of charisma and nuance, encouraging each assassin while singing the line, “Everybody’s got the right to be happy.”
This sentiment resonates particularly in the current socio-political climate, echoing real-world discussions surrounding the rights of marginalized communities, especially amid recent bans on drag performances.
The musical’s cleverly crafted compositions underscore these ironies.
The show begins with an upbeat patriotic parade, which soon transforms into expressions of anguish, aptly reflecting the disillusionment with the myth of America the Beautiful.
Adding to the mix is the energetic Balladeer, played by Heath Hyun Houghton, who provides a contrasting perspective with folk songs that critique the killers as societal outcasts.
Onstage projections of Sondheim’s insightful lyrics ensure that the audience catches the biting commentary presented throughout the performance.
Fuse Theatre does not shy away from the heavy themes; the show includes ample content warnings addressing themes of murder and misogyny.
With a deft balance, the cast infuses humor into darker moments, such as Sarah Jane Moore’s comedic admission of her poor aim while attempting to assassinate Gerald Ford.
Tennant’s set design keeps the focus on the riveting performances, utilizing minimalist elements combined with vibrant Broadway-style lights.
Moreover, sound effects curated by Ry Malloy enhance the production’s ambiance, with train whistles and the chilling carnival-game ding marking each successful assassination.
Yet, perhaps the most poignant and unsettling aspect of the performance is its portrayal of the assassins’ profound loneliness, despite their heinous actions.
Each character is characterized by their unique grievances and mental health struggles, creating a narrative that compels sympathy rather than outright condemnation.
Dave Cole’s portrayal of John Hinckley Jr., who sought notoriety through violence to impress Jodie Foster, exemplifies this emotional complexity.
Nathan Dunkin’s character, Sam Byck, encapsulates the despair of the unheard, chillingly reflecting on the lengths to which individuals will go when their voices go ignored.
In summation, Fuse Theatre’s rendition of Assassins functions not merely as a performance but as a poignant exploration of disconnection within society.
This production stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of its creators, transforming a challenging musical into a work of art that reverberates with relevance, thereby prompting audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about the fabric of American society.
As such, Assassins is more than an entertaining evening at the theatre; it is a thought-provoking journey into the landscape of the American psyche, revealing the fragile line between the pursuit of happiness and the depths of despair.
image source from：https://www.orartswatch.org/assassins-packing-heat-lighting-a-fuse/
