Assassins

Roleystone Theatre presents Assassins, a strong production, that is well produced with a strong cast and live orchestra. 

Playing on a beautifully designed and constructed set with Greco Roman columns reminiscent of Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial or the White House. A live band, capably directed by Musical Director Kristin Maesalu are visible throughout most of the show. It’s a good-looking show, with costumes designed by Cherie Alvaro both attractive and appropriate to the many eras covered in the show. Director Christopher Alvaro’s first venture into lighting design is successful with a very supportive lighting design.

Peter (Pear) Carr nicely sets the production in motion with an upbeat portrayal of The Proprietor, in sideshow style inviting people to shoot a president (he ably plays a number of roles through the show. He passes the baton to Matthew Walford playing The Balladeer - an excellent emotive performance that ties the show together.

Excellent work from the other assassins. Mark Thompson brings an actor’s flare to actor/assassin John Wilkes Booth, owning the stage. In stark contrast is Ethan Battle’s almost apologetic Leon Czologosz, an underplayed performance that is quietly honest and engaging. Rp Van Der Westhuizen gives a supremely energetic performance as Charles Guiteau, narcissistic and manic, very well portrayed, while Lachlan Curtis is convincingly introverted and awkward as John Hinkley Jr.

Barefoot Madeleine Shaw as Lynette ‘Squeaky” Fromme, Manson groupie and hippie, working well alongside Sonja Reynolds as housewife Sara Jane Moore, provide some much-needed levity - dark as it is, in strong performances. Marshall Brown is convincing (with some well-spoken Italian) as Giuseppe Zangara, while Paul Treasure expertly delves into the darkness of Samuel Byck. The assassins are a strong team, bouncing off each other with the feel of a family - albeit one that is deeply disturbed.

Erin Craddock is lovely as Emma Goldman, and joins the strong ensemble - with Pear Carr, Lilly-Anne Burns, Sarah Thillagaratnam, Rhea Dowden and Imelda Alembick. Harvey Alembick makes an impressive stage debut as Moore’s son Billy, relishing playing a brat, and joining the ensemble.

Tatum Stafford’s choreography is quirky and fun and very well executed throughout.

On opening night, some malfunctioning microphones and a stubborn sound desk meant that sound balance was not at optimum levels, but I am sure that this will be rectified during the run.

The themes of assassination and the presence of guns in multitude mean that this show is not for everyone, but if you don’t mind a dark musical and appreciate a well performed Sondheim, Assassins is not to be missed.

Kimberley Shaw