Assassins
Thu, 27 Apr 2000, 02:41 amWalter Plinge6 posts in thread
Assassins
Thu, 27 Apr 2000, 02:41 amI saw Assassins final dress rehearsal tonight so I thought I'd tell you all about it. Firstly, Jason Seperic was pretty accurate in his self evaluation (See "Half Price Tickets" in the Gossip section). He played Booth with strength and focus and sang wonderfully. (You've come a long way Charlie Brown!) David Meadows may be a rotten critic, according to some, but if you see him in this show you would have to agree that he is an exceptional actor. His first monologue, as the delightfully insane Byck, was a highlight for me. (Now I've got those two trouble-makers out of the way!)
The singing in Assassins is fabulous. I mention this above anything else because, for me, the singing is the most important part of a musical. There were some, minor, problems but I have never seen an amateur production of a Sondheim which didn't have some. The musicians (Yeh! Real live muso's- it is still possible!) also did an amazing job with such difficult dots. (I have to applaud Deb Shilkin who was not only part of the ensemble but also played the flute,beautifully,when she wasn't on stage! Deb, you're mint!) Special mention to Nick Christo whose voice and characterisation in Unworthy Of Your Love (as crazed Jodie Foster stalker, John Hinckley) was divine.
When the singing is hot the acting sometimes suffers. NUP! Not with this show. The acting ranged from good to super. Greg Jones is stunning as Leon Czolgosz and Clayton Zwanenburg was so not Melvin P Thorpe (the role he played in Best Little Whorehouse which I directed in '98). I find that many actors, who are considered to be good actors, are very much the same in each of their roles but there was no sign of Melvin in Giuseppe Zangara. Maybe this is what makes a good actor a great actor? I get excited when I see it anyway! I also loved the performance of James McNeill (apologies if the surname is wrong but I didn't have a programme) as Guiteau. He was 'there' from open to close with heaps of energy and those wild but striking eyes. I won't say anything about Hellie McFarlane because I'm far too biased and think she's the bees knees but go and see her and the show for yourself.
Don't go to see Assassins for the set or the lighting. They are nothing exceptional. The costumes are great but not the usual Terry McAuley works of art (only because none of the Asssassins got around in feathers and sequins) so don't go to see them. Finally, this is a show with lots of guns going off and other such sound effects which, as we should all know, often fail or lack the impact that they need to be truly effective. Go to see this show with an understanding that amateur shows often lack in the technical department because we lack the thousands of dollars it costs to get it right every time.
Most importantly, go to see this show because it is a sensational piece of Musical Theatre which has been very well directed by Alex McLennan and has a fine cast of exceptionally talented singer/actors.
(Of course, this is all just my opinion).
Happy theatre going,
Gill
The singing in Assassins is fabulous. I mention this above anything else because, for me, the singing is the most important part of a musical. There were some, minor, problems but I have never seen an amateur production of a Sondheim which didn't have some. The musicians (Yeh! Real live muso's- it is still possible!) also did an amazing job with such difficult dots. (I have to applaud Deb Shilkin who was not only part of the ensemble but also played the flute,beautifully,when she wasn't on stage! Deb, you're mint!) Special mention to Nick Christo whose voice and characterisation in Unworthy Of Your Love (as crazed Jodie Foster stalker, John Hinckley) was divine.
When the singing is hot the acting sometimes suffers. NUP! Not with this show. The acting ranged from good to super. Greg Jones is stunning as Leon Czolgosz and Clayton Zwanenburg was so not Melvin P Thorpe (the role he played in Best Little Whorehouse which I directed in '98). I find that many actors, who are considered to be good actors, are very much the same in each of their roles but there was no sign of Melvin in Giuseppe Zangara. Maybe this is what makes a good actor a great actor? I get excited when I see it anyway! I also loved the performance of James McNeill (apologies if the surname is wrong but I didn't have a programme) as Guiteau. He was 'there' from open to close with heaps of energy and those wild but striking eyes. I won't say anything about Hellie McFarlane because I'm far too biased and think she's the bees knees but go and see her and the show for yourself.
Don't go to see Assassins for the set or the lighting. They are nothing exceptional. The costumes are great but not the usual Terry McAuley works of art (only because none of the Asssassins got around in feathers and sequins) so don't go to see them. Finally, this is a show with lots of guns going off and other such sound effects which, as we should all know, often fail or lack the impact that they need to be truly effective. Go to see this show with an understanding that amateur shows often lack in the technical department because we lack the thousands of dollars it costs to get it right every time.
Most importantly, go to see this show because it is a sensational piece of Musical Theatre which has been very well directed by Alex McLennan and has a fine cast of exceptionally talented singer/actors.
(Of course, this is all just my opinion).
Happy theatre going,
Gill
Walter PlingeThu, 27 Apr 2000, 02:41 am
I saw Assassins final dress rehearsal tonight so I thought I'd tell you all about it. Firstly, Jason Seperic was pretty accurate in his self evaluation (See "Half Price Tickets" in the Gossip section). He played Booth with strength and focus and sang wonderfully. (You've come a long way Charlie Brown!) David Meadows may be a rotten critic, according to some, but if you see him in this show you would have to agree that he is an exceptional actor. His first monologue, as the delightfully insane Byck, was a highlight for me. (Now I've got those two trouble-makers out of the way!)
The singing in Assassins is fabulous. I mention this above anything else because, for me, the singing is the most important part of a musical. There were some, minor, problems but I have never seen an amateur production of a Sondheim which didn't have some. The musicians (Yeh! Real live muso's- it is still possible!) also did an amazing job with such difficult dots. (I have to applaud Deb Shilkin who was not only part of the ensemble but also played the flute,beautifully,when she wasn't on stage! Deb, you're mint!) Special mention to Nick Christo whose voice and characterisation in Unworthy Of Your Love (as crazed Jodie Foster stalker, John Hinckley) was divine.
When the singing is hot the acting sometimes suffers. NUP! Not with this show. The acting ranged from good to super. Greg Jones is stunning as Leon Czolgosz and Clayton Zwanenburg was so not Melvin P Thorpe (the role he played in Best Little Whorehouse which I directed in '98). I find that many actors, who are considered to be good actors, are very much the same in each of their roles but there was no sign of Melvin in Giuseppe Zangara. Maybe this is what makes a good actor a great actor? I get excited when I see it anyway! I also loved the performance of James McNeill (apologies if the surname is wrong but I didn't have a programme) as Guiteau. He was 'there' from open to close with heaps of energy and those wild but striking eyes. I won't say anything about Hellie McFarlane because I'm far too biased and think she's the bees knees but go and see her and the show for yourself.
Don't go to see Assassins for the set or the lighting. They are nothing exceptional. The costumes are great but not the usual Terry McAuley works of art (only because none of the Asssassins got around in feathers and sequins) so don't go to see them. Finally, this is a show with lots of guns going off and other such sound effects which, as we should all know, often fail or lack the impact that they need to be truly effective. Go to see this show with an understanding that amateur shows often lack in the technical department because we lack the thousands of dollars it costs to get it right every time.
Most importantly, go to see this show because it is a sensational piece of Musical Theatre which has been very well directed by Alex McLennan and has a fine cast of exceptionally talented singer/actors.
(Of course, this is all just my opinion).
Happy theatre going,
Gill
The singing in Assassins is fabulous. I mention this above anything else because, for me, the singing is the most important part of a musical. There were some, minor, problems but I have never seen an amateur production of a Sondheim which didn't have some. The musicians (Yeh! Real live muso's- it is still possible!) also did an amazing job with such difficult dots. (I have to applaud Deb Shilkin who was not only part of the ensemble but also played the flute,beautifully,when she wasn't on stage! Deb, you're mint!) Special mention to Nick Christo whose voice and characterisation in Unworthy Of Your Love (as crazed Jodie Foster stalker, John Hinckley) was divine.
When the singing is hot the acting sometimes suffers. NUP! Not with this show. The acting ranged from good to super. Greg Jones is stunning as Leon Czolgosz and Clayton Zwanenburg was so not Melvin P Thorpe (the role he played in Best Little Whorehouse which I directed in '98). I find that many actors, who are considered to be good actors, are very much the same in each of their roles but there was no sign of Melvin in Giuseppe Zangara. Maybe this is what makes a good actor a great actor? I get excited when I see it anyway! I also loved the performance of James McNeill (apologies if the surname is wrong but I didn't have a programme) as Guiteau. He was 'there' from open to close with heaps of energy and those wild but striking eyes. I won't say anything about Hellie McFarlane because I'm far too biased and think she's the bees knees but go and see her and the show for yourself.
Don't go to see Assassins for the set or the lighting. They are nothing exceptional. The costumes are great but not the usual Terry McAuley works of art (only because none of the Asssassins got around in feathers and sequins) so don't go to see them. Finally, this is a show with lots of guns going off and other such sound effects which, as we should all know, often fail or lack the impact that they need to be truly effective. Go to see this show with an understanding that amateur shows often lack in the technical department because we lack the thousands of dollars it costs to get it right every time.
Most importantly, go to see this show because it is a sensational piece of Musical Theatre which has been very well directed by Alex McLennan and has a fine cast of exceptionally talented singer/actors.
(Of course, this is all just my opinion).
Happy theatre going,
Gill
jassepThu, 27 Apr 2000, 05:31 pm
RE: Assassins
Dear Gill,
Gillian Binks wrote:
-------------------------------
I saw Assassins final dress rehearsal tonight so I thought I'd tell you all about it. Firstly, Jason Seperic was pretty accurate in his self evaluation (See "Half Price Tickets" in the Gossip section). He played Booth with strength and focus and sang wonderfully. (You've come a long way Charlie Brown!)... ...trouble-maker... ...
*Trouble-maker*!!!! I'll have you know that I'm a good, clean, respectable type of lad what's not got no probs wiv' nobody...like...(sniff). Charlie *who*? Just kidding...
Seriously, thanks for the confidence boost (and, yes, the pills are working now)... hope you get a chance to see it without the 'warts'. And that goes for everyone else out there in ITA land, too. If you've ever been involved with a show you believed 110% in, and know the power that sort of commitment can have with an audience, then you'll understand how we all feel about this production...
Regards
Jason
Gillian Binks wrote:
-------------------------------
I saw Assassins final dress rehearsal tonight so I thought I'd tell you all about it. Firstly, Jason Seperic was pretty accurate in his self evaluation (See "Half Price Tickets" in the Gossip section). He played Booth with strength and focus and sang wonderfully. (You've come a long way Charlie Brown!)...
*Trouble-maker*!!!! I'll have you know that I'm a good, clean, respectable type of lad what's not got no probs wiv' nobody...like...(sniff). Charlie *who*? Just kidding...
Seriously, thanks for the confidence boost (and, yes, the pills are working now)... hope you get a chance to see it without the 'warts'. And that goes for everyone else out there in ITA land, too. If you've ever been involved with a show you believed 110% in, and know the power that sort of commitment can have with an audience, then you'll understand how we all feel about this production...
Regards
Jason
Walter PlingeSat, 29 Apr 2000, 05:51 pm
RE: Assassins
I was at the opening night and I must say I was very impressed! I have never seen such uniformity of talent in an amateur production. Both singing and acting were supberb - there wasn't one weak link! Congratulations to all involved especially my mate, Jason, who gave a very strong and heartfelt performance as Booth. David Meadows was also impressive and verrrry scary as Sam Byck and young Nick Christo has a voice to die for! Is it just my imagination or does a lot of community theatre seem more engaging than the professional productions on offer these days?
Walter PlingeSun, 30 Apr 2000, 02:40 pm
RE: Assassins
I too saw Assassins on the opening night and must agree with much of the praise so far handed out. In an amature theatre world where when it comes to musicals Rogers and Hamerstine rule it was soooo refreshing to see a musical with a powerful story line as well as nice tunes. As everyone has said the singing was great and the band was spot on- no impromptue arcapellago nights in this show(like there was the night I saw the hot macado). )One of the things I hate most about musicals is that often they seem to feel the need to have every song danced to and as more often than not at least 1/2 the cast are incapable of the afore mentioned act this can be somewhat painful! Assassins did not fall into this trap, the choreography was simple sleek and sophisticated. Almost every inch of the stage was used and to good effect, though perhaps because of this somtimes the lighting left the cast in the dark. This truly was a musical that had it all great music, great voices, humour (the two female assassins were a particularily funny duo), powerful acting (my heart really went out to the coke bottle making assassin, who's name has escaped me.) and a fantastic story line really......... just go see it.
Walter PlingeWed, 10 May 2000, 01:42 pm
RE: Assassins
Saw the show last Saturday night and was most impressed. What a collection of talent! Helen and David in particular have HUGE presence and Brad has great potential for musical comedy (though not in these roles). Well done all.
By the way, my companion wants Deb's pink shoes when she's finished with them.
By the way, my companion wants Deb's pink shoes when she's finished with them.
Walter PlingeThu, 11 May 2000, 12:54 pm
RE: Assassins
Just a quick note of congratulation to all involved with the show. I really enjoyed seeing it last night.
A dynamic and talented cast, principals to ensemble, with strong performances and focused characterisation.
Musically very sound. Vocally solid and well supported by the tight but small ensemble.
Well done to all
David
A dynamic and talented cast, principals to ensemble, with strong performances and focused characterisation.
Musically very sound. Vocally solid and well supported by the tight but small ensemble.
Well done to all
David