Theatre Review

Ambitious 'Assassins' at Gamm

By DON FOWLER
Posted 3/13/20

Theatre Review By DON FOWLER We have been attending Gamm Theatre's productions since its inception over 30 years ago, and Stephen Sondheim's Tony-winning "e;Assassins"e; is the first musical they have ever tackled. Director Tony Estrella likes challenges,

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Theatre Review

Ambitious 'Assassins' at Gamm

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We have been attending Gamm Theatre’s productions since its inception over 30 years ago, and Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning “Assassins” is the first musical they have ever tackled. Director Tony Estrella likes challenges, and the overwhelming “Assassins” certainly fits the bill.

The action takes place in the large center stage, with the musicians in the middle, the audience on both sides, and two scaffoldings at the ends, with actors extending out into the audience. Strings of lights fill the high ceilings, and balloons and bright objects are everywhere, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

“Assassins” is about assassins, from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, with more than a handful in between. Weird subject for a musical, you say, and you are right. Sondheim explores the question of freedom and our right to the pursuit of happiness. Not happiness in general, but a person’s right and methods of pursuing it. This is expressed, ironically, in the rousing song, “Everybody’s Got the Right,” raising the issue of gun control to a new level.

The emphasis is on the assassins more than their victims, as we learn little known facts (or fictions?) about them and their motivations and similarities.

While the two-act musical is filled with satirical humor, it gets deadly serious at times. It also swings from being madly overwhelming to terribly personal, expressed best in two scenes from Tom Gleadow as Samuel Byck, who attempted to assassinate Nixon.

Alexander Platt also has great moments as John Wilkes Booth, as does Casey Seymour Kim as Sara Jane Moore, who tried to assassinate Gerald Ford. Once again Estrella blends his veteran actors with equally talented new-to-Gamm actors. Lila Kane, music director at PC and URI, works wonders with the large cast and three musicians, blending them into the production.

“Assassins” is at Warwick’s Gamm Theatre through March 29. For reservations call 723-4266.

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