Assassins
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: John Weidman
Direction: Fred Abrahamse
Musical Supervision: Stefan Lombard
Set & Lighting Design: Fred Abrahamse
Costume Design: Marcel Meyer
Sound Design: Dave Cathcart
Cast: Nicholas Andrews, David Bennie, Megan Carelse, David Dennis, Andre Jacobs, Richard Lothian, Marcel Meyer, Tammi Meyer, Alistair Moulton-Black, Pierre Neethligh, Riaan Norval, Anthea Thompson, Alex Tops, Andre-Jacques van der Merwe, Candice van Litsenborgh
Photography: Fiona MacPherson & Pat Bromilow-Downing
Venue & Dates: NewSpace Theatre, 44 Long Street [November – December 2008]
About: The South African premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s multi award winning musical masterpiece that looks at the lives of 9 men and women who each attempted and, in several cases, succeeded in assassinating the President of the United States.
What the Press Said:
“Director Fred Abrahamse has drawn rich characterisations from his stellar cast of killers…taken as a whole, Assassins enthrals and entertains” THE CAPE TIMES
“Fred Abrahamse’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical is challenging, rewarding and ceaselessly entertaining. Pulsing in its jet-black heart is fearless satire, riotous humour, and rich political subtext. The costuming is sumptuous, and the lighting is deft. The gunshots and other effects are tastefully executed. Assassins hits the mark. Bang!” THE CAPE ARGUS
“A searingly subversive work…there is much to celebrate here: the genius of Sondheim’s lyrics and the admirable production values. Director Fred Abrahamse has pulled out all the stops for this one… add to this, great performances from Andre Jacobs, David Dennis, Anthea Thompson, Marcel Meyer and Tammy Meyer, and Assassins is not to be missed…we are indeed fortunate to have a Sondheim musical of this calibre on our doorstep” MAIL & GUARDIAN
“Director Fred Abrahamse and his exceedingly gifted ensemble have delivered something that is stunning in its execution and breadth, almost flawless, but that is also deeply accessible.” THE NEXT 48 HOURS
“Abrahamse and his team haven’t taken any short-cuts. The acting ensemble is top-class and don’t miss a single detail. All the challenging technical requirements are brilliantly handled. Everything is highly professional: city theatre at its best” DIE BURGER
FLEUR DU CAP THEATRE AWARDS
Best Performance in a Musical – Andre Jacobs as Sam Byck [win]
Best Set Design – Fred Abrahamse [win]
Best Prop Design – Fred Abrahamse [nomination]
Best Lighting Design – Fred Abrahamse [nomination]
Best Costume Design – Marcel Meyer [nomination]
Best Director – Fred Abrahamse [nomination]
In 2013 Peter Tromp, leading critic of THE NEXT 48 HOURS lists ASSASSINS as one of the best productions of the decade 2003 – 2013 in celebration of his 10th anniversary as critic.