Spring Theatre Production Assassins

The University of Dubuque's Department of Fine and Performing Arts will perform Assassins, music and lyrics by lyricist-composer Stephen Sondheim and book by librettist John Weidman, at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 21-22, 2025, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.

A multiple Tony Award-winning theatrical tour-de-force, Assassins combines Sondheim's signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation's culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it, embodied by nine people who assassinated or tried to assassinate the president of the United States over a period of two centuries.

Assassins is a one-act historical "revusical" that explores the dark side of the American experience and gives voice to the nine characters' hopes, fears, and furies by exposing the twisted thoughts that make them such intriguing figures. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Sondheim and Weidman bend the rules of time and space, taking audience members on a nightmarish roller coaster ride in which assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods meet, interact, and inspire each other with dark humor to harrowing acts in the name of the American Dream.

Assassins will be directed by Joe Klinebriel, MFA, professor of theatre at UD. The production's music director will be Kristen Eby, MM, head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, director of choral activities, and associate professor of music.

"Assassins, originally written and produced in 1990, continues to stand as a pertinent and thought-provoking piece of art," Klinebriel said. "It provides an important platform upon which society's ills can be examined and invites conversations about a variety of themes which include disillusionment, alienation, counterculture, the healthy and unhealthy desire for belonging, misguided sacrifice in the name of political justice, media image and attention, and how the constant need for attention can negatively affect both. When we consider the challenges and struggles we are currently facing in our American culture, this musical proves to be more relevant than ever and will undoubtedly teach invaluable lessons and prompt important discussions for both our audiences and our student performers."

Eby added, "The show provides an interesting mix of music as it takes us through various American eras. There are early folk styles, barbershop, marches, a beautiful 1970s-style ballad, and Sondheim's imaginative harmonies and rhythms."

Assassins is based on an idea by Charles Gilbert Jr. Playwrights Horizon Inc. in New York City produced the play Off-Broadway in 1990.

Disclaimer: This show contains mature language, themes, and simulated gun violence. Due to the subject matter, this musical is not recommended for children.

Tickets for Assassins may be purchased by visiting the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by calling 563.585.7469; or by visiting www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter. The box office is open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

Assassins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. https://www.mtishows.com/

This production of Assassins is licensed by MTI.