Assassins - Roleystone

Say what you will about Paul Treasure (and many people have, on this very website...), when it comes to designing concepts I believe he is in very exclusive company as one of the premier 'thinking' directors of Perth community theatre; and in Assassins, currently playing at Roleystone theatre, we are treated to not only a fabulous concept, but one that is very well-executed. Resetting the show's 'action' from a sinister carnival to a smoky jazz lounge, Treasure truly puts his own stamp on the show without sacrificing its integrity or intentions. Treasure does away with any 'chorus' and has all roles played, to great effect, by the cast of ten performers. Actors double, sometimes triple, roles, and the result becomes a disturbing alternate reality where this group of villains gather to compare, comment on, observe and take part in one another's stories of presidential assassination. They both idolize and ruthlessly mock one another. All the while, the proceedings are presided over by The Proprietor, in Treasure's vision a seductive temptress leading the assassins into a world of sin, and the jaded Balladeer, cynically commenting on the futility and madness of the actions they believe to be just and noble. Its an intriguing setup, and from it grows an evening of drama, comedy and grand entertainment. This show is a very demanding one in terms of acting and singing, and Paul Treasure has managed to assemble a talented ensemble stronger than many would find in an average community musical. Tim How (the Balladeer) and David Wallace (Giuseppe Zangara) displayed great vocal strength in what are perhaps the two most musically challenging roles of the piece. Emma Stevenson as Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme gave a standout performance, especially considering this is her first speaking role on the community theatre stage. She demonstrated considerable ability as a natural actress, as well as great comic flair, and topnotch vocals. Her 'Squeaky' was a disturbing combination of girlish innocence and hellish intensity; she could be sweet and subdued one minute, then howling furious Manson family slogans the next; and every moment was a pleasure to watch. Owen Measday gave a captivating performance, and certainly deserves a mention for ably navigating from bitterness and rage as Leon Czolgosz, to pure lighthearted musical comedy in his two cameo roles; a zany bystander in "How I Saved Roosevelt" and a bawling child distracting fellow assassin Sara Jane Moore as she tries to shoot Gerald Ford. His vocals, too, were polished and pleasant to the ear. Lindsay Oelsnik, who played Sara Jane Moore, is fast becoming the Meryl Streep of Perth community musical theatre. Endlessly versatile and consistently brilliant, here she reveled in the chance to play comedy and pulled off yet another scene-stealing performance. I am in awe of this woman. The musical direction by Sarah Cosstick was superb, particularly evident throughout the strong ensemble singing. Matt Austin led an impressive band, and although there was one or two points were soloists struggled to sing over the live music, the fact that there was live music alone made me incredibly thankful. The show would not have had the same effect without these musicians and the full musical sound they produced...the musical adornment provided by trumpets and drums is becoming all too scarce in community musical theatre, which is an awful shame. The band were onstage in full light for the entirety of the show, yet they didn't distract from the action...a particular mention goes to trumpet player Jacob Latter who maintained incredible focus and professionalism in a very conspicuous onstage position. I highly recommend for all to see this show. It is a great production of a show that does not lend itself to consistent revival by community groups, so I suggest that theatregoers take this opportunity to view it. Some of the language and situations presented are not to everybody's taste, but for those who love to think, and love history, and love well-produced theatre, this is the show for you.