• Theatre

    Assassins

    Assassins Image gallery

    Actors Theatre Center

    September 29-October 13, 2007

    Avg. Event Rating (4.4 Stars): 4.5 out of 5 stars rating Add Review/Comment

    Having enjoyed a recent, very successful Broadway revival, Assassins is not only bold, original, surreal, disturbing, thought-provoking and alarmingly funny but perhaps the most controversial musical ever written. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman bend the rules of time and space, taking us on a nightmarish rollercoaster ride in which assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods meet, interact and in an intense scene, inspire each other to harrowing acts. All in the name of The American Dream. Directed by Jeff M. Hicks with Vocal Direction by Diane Milo.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: $23-$25

      Buy tickets

    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      September 29-October 13, 2007

      Times:
      Preview 9/28: 8pm
      Thurs-Sat: 8pm
      Sun 9/30 & 10/7: 6:30pm

    • Venue Info

      Historic Hoover Theater

      1635 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126

      Full map and directions

    • Parking Info

      The Primary Parking lot for the Historic Hoover Theater is located on the Southeast side of campus at Park Avenue and Sandringham Way. Alternate parking may be found at the lot located on the Southwest side of campus on Naglee Avenue. Parking is free of charge.

    • Accessibility Info
      • Wheelchair Access
    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Image Gallery

      Video | Images

    • Member Reviews
      • Event Name: Assassins
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Impeccable Acting"
        Review posted by: Roger from Sunnyvale, Oct 10, 2007

        This is the most well staged and well performed show I've seen in years for community theatre. When I went to the show, I thought the orchestra complimented nicely...it did not overpower (of course... Expand

        This is the most well staged and well performed show I've seen in years for community theatre. When I went to the show, I thought the orchestra complimented nicely...it did not overpower (of course everyone hears differently). I felt the visuals were excellent with intimate moments and costuming that reflected each time period. I like the use of additional actors as it was intended to be played. When I saw the show elsewhere, the assassins played all the roles and I was VERY confused. A great evening all around. Kudos to Actors Theatre Center for doing something bold and WELL produced!! Collapse

      • Event Name: Assassins
        3 out of 5 stars rating "Good Cast, Overpowering Orchestra"
        Review posted by: Greg from Campbell from Campbell, Oct 09, 2007

        Lots of potential in this Sondheim effort but why try to make it into a large show?The extra ensemble people get in the way. It needs an intimate look. Good acting from Lawrence Arias, Brad... Expand

        Lots of potential in this Sondheim effort but why try to make it into a large show?The extra ensemble people get in the way. It needs an intimate look. Good acting from Lawrence Arias, Brad Handshy,and Anna Williams. However, the thirteen piece orchestra overpowers the singing. Why such a large group? Dialogue and lyrics were missed and they are all too clever. Take an example from the current SWEENY TODD in San Francisco, a large orchestra is not always necessary. Collapse

      • Event Name: Assassins
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Gun Blasts and good acting"
        Review posted by: Name withheld from Santa Clara, Oct 08, 2007

        I wanted to post the names of the top five actors and actresses in this production. I couldn't because they all deserve the praise. The emotion they create on stage made it possible for me to overcome... Expand

        I wanted to post the names of the top five actors and actresses in this production. I couldn't because they all deserve the praise. The emotion they create on stage made it possible for me to overcome the shocking subject matter...but my fragile failing hearing barely survived the loud multiple-gun blast near the end. Costuming was good except one or two actors. Some dialogue too long (twice) but most actors resisted being over-dramatic. I wish the score was lighter at times with greater attention to matching instrumentation style to corresponding time period in each scene/musical number. Collapse

      • Event Name: Assassins
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Great Production"
        Review posted by: RFS from San Jose, CA, Oct 05, 2007

        I have seen several productions of ASSASSINS and can honestly say this is one of the better ones. Outstanding acting and director Jeff Hicks' great use of the Hoover Theatre stage make this show a... Expand

        I have seen several productions of ASSASSINS and can honestly say this is one of the better ones. Outstanding acting and director Jeff Hicks' great use of the Hoover Theatre stage make this show a must see. Stellar performances by Brad Handshy, Ron Lopez, Jr., and Ben Tripousis (a very entertaining Byck.) Check it out. Collapse

      • Event Name: Assassins
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Wonderful Performances in Sondheim's Thought-Provoking Show"
        Review posted by: Diane from San Jose, CA, Oct 03, 2007

        Initially I went to this show not quite knowing what to expect. From the opening scene through the explosive finale, I was transfixed by the superb performances from the entire cast. The Hoover... Expand

        Initially I went to this show not quite knowing what to expect. From the opening scene through the explosive finale, I was transfixed by the superb performances from the entire cast. The Hoover Theater is an intimate setting for this musical, enabling the performers to use both the stage and the area in front of the orchestra pit. The sets were terrific and costumes helped to convey the time in history that each assassin lived. It's hard to believe, but I laughed many times throughout the almost 2 hour show. Although there is no intermission, I found myself not missing the break. If you are interested in seeing a talented cast present an entertaining look at the unlikely subject of Presidential assassins, this show is definitely for you. It should be noted that this is not a show for those who are offended by strong language (yes they do swear in this show). Take the opportunity to see Assassins before it closes on October 13, 2007. Collapse

      • Event Name: Assassins
        "Do it."
        Comment posted by: ThatGirl from midwest somewhere, Sep 26, 2007

        This is worth seeing just for the guy who plays the Proprietor. Support community theater, consume eye candy... two birds/one stone, anyone?

        This is worth seeing just for the guy who plays the Proprietor. Support community theater, consume eye candy... two birds/one stone, anyone?

      View all reviews/comments for this event

      View reviews/comments for past events

  • Featured Sections

  • Featured Video

    View all videos in Video Central