March 20, 2008
Katherine Futterer Fullerton, CA
Wonderful cast! Overall a very strong production. Inventive use of space and fabulous dark humor. A truly non-sequitor theater experience that was delightful. Lamoureux and Kehler were extraordinary
February 27, 2008
John Lane Stanton, CA
For Sondheim fans, this is about the finest production of 'Assassins' you'll see. Done by a supremely talented cast in a small (70 seat) venue with 3 musicians (2 keyboardists, 1 drummer). Original staging.
February 12, 2008
Steven Stanley Alhambra, CA
Never have Oanh Nguyen’s prodigious directorial talents been more evident than in his brilliant re-imagining of Assassins. With a cast reduced from 16 to 9 and a radical reconfiguration of the Chance stage, Nguyen seems to be saying these men and women are at heart no different from any of us. In a tour de force performance, Paul Kehler is a passionate John Wilkes Booth and Bob Simpson is dynamic as always in the role of the Balladeer. Rarely has a set so clearly reflected a collaboration between a director and designer in bringing the former’s vision to life. Those who have never seen a production of Assassins before are in for an exciting discovery. Those who’ve seen other productions are in for an even bigger treat. With its innovations and surprises galore, this is the Assassins by which future productions will be measured. Read my full review at www.LAStageScene.com.
February 10, 2008
Michael M. Landman-Karny Huntington Beach, CA
This is an exceptionally srong ensemble cast in a fasincating revisal of Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece by OC's resident genius director, Oanh Nguyen. By all means this is a production not to be missed.
February 5, 2008
Julie Stern Long Beach, CA
Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece gets a first-rate staging at the Chance theatre. A superb ensemble of actors-singers brings Sondheim's unique vision of American history to life.
One may argue whether it's a critque of celebrity culture, gun culture or the American libertarian ethic, this is one musical that makes you think. Sondheim's astonishing score takes staples of American folk, pop and ceremonial music and turns them inside out. The sly distortions of familiar musical motifs -- whether ''Hail to the Chief'' or a barbershop quartet -- approximate the skewed ways in which these characters hear everyday melodies. Oanh Nguyen, a briliant Vietnamese American director brings an outsider's view to this deranged funhouse. This production is a must-see!
February 3, 2008
Jessie Los Angeles, CA
This stellar ensemble interpretation of Stephen Sondheim's "Assassins" begs to be experienced. The cast is exceptional and the direction is spot on in this gripping musical which tells the untold tales of some of the most hated figures in American history.
