The 2015 fall musical, Assassins, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, focuses on the serio-comedic aspects of tragedies that have affected our country and its history on a national level.

The premise of the show begins with iconic assassins who have killed, or at least attempted to kill, the presidents of the United States throughout history. Ranging from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, the story captivates the viewer with clever music as well as a sophisticated and witty writing style.

“Assassins is a great choice for this year because it takes a closer look at the circumstances in which some of America’s most famous murderers became disillusioned.  In light of recent current events, it’s important to take a close look at how people become marginalized and violent, and this play focuses on the minds of these historical characters,” senior Seth Eaton, assistant director, said.

Conversation has sparked in the community about the historical, psychological and controversial aspects of this musical and its themes.

“I love the way Stephen Sondheim holds a mirror up to our society as he tries to uncover a deeper meaning to these horrific American crimes,” Tannis Hanson, director and theater teacher, said. “I feel this show provides us as a community a vehicle to talk about some of the recent, and not so recent, tragedies around the country…The truth is these tragic ‘characters’ do exist in and around our world. And it can be argued in the play, that it is, in fact, our world that created these killers.”

The musical uses innovative and artistic choices to convey this story from multiple perspectives that force the audience, particularly the students at Sage Hill, to think about how they can tell stories that will resonate with people, and therefore affect change, she said.

“The creative liberties Sondheim takes when he interweaves these historical characters together in the same time and space, breaks the model of traditional linear storytelling. To me, this is such a great example for our students and community of out-of-the box thinking and storytelling,” Hanson said.

The story carries tremendous relevance with our society today, shedding light on current events and issues that cause discussion among our younger generations.

“With the Presidential Election right around the corner it seemed like a great opportunity to bring the show to our stage as it allows us as educators and artists to ask many different questions about our government, its officials, and the people they lead,” Hanson said.

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