ASSASSINS to Open Lyric Theatre's 2017 Season with a Bang

Lyric Theatre will open its 2017 season next month at the Plaza Theatre with the powerful Tony Award-winning musical ASSASSINS.

This ground-breaking musical by Stephen Sondheim is a portrayal of the men and women who attempted - successfully or not - to assassinate United States presidents. The story explores the decisions behind what drove each one of them to commit horrific crimes.

"ASSASSINS does not glorify the killing of a president, but it does explore how extreme anger and violence does not benefit the individual or the country as a whole," said Michael Baron, Lyric's producing artistic director, who is also directing this show. "Written by Sondheim 27 years ago, I think the story is even more interesting and powerful today."

Originally presented in a carnival-type setting, Baron has rethought its location to redirect the amusement focus of the piece. The production will center around the waiting room of a government-type office, a place which most Americans can identify with as being one that causes frustration, confusion and even anger.

ASSASSINS features Lyric favorites Mateja Govich as John Wilkes Booth, Lyn Cramer as Sara Jane Moore, Matthew Alvin Brown as Lee Harvey Oswald/Balladeer and Vince Leseney as The Proprietor. The cast also includes Justin Larman as Charles Guiteau, Greg White as Leon Czologosz, Ryan Blagg as Guiseppe Zangara, D. Lance Marsh as Samuel Byck, Natalya Ferch as Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, and Mark Jammal as John Hinkley.

The creative team includes music direction by David Dabbon, lighting design by Art Whaley and set design by Dawn Drake. The production will feature costume design by Jeffrey Meek and sound design by Anthony Risi.

As Lyric strives to promote conversation through artistic expression, patrons are invited to stay for a talk-back session with Baron and Lyric artistic staff following each performance. The production opens Feb. 8 and runs through Feb. 26 at the Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The production contains adult content and mild violence. Tickets start at $32 and are available at www.LyricTheatreOKC.com or by calling 405-524-9312.

Founded in 1963, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is the state's leading professional theatre company. Lyric produces classic and contemporary musicals and plays created by artists from Oklahoma and around the nation. Shows are presented at two Oklahoma City venues -- the intimate, 279-seat Plaza Theatre and the grand, 2,477-seat Civic Center Music Hall. Lyric is a nonprofit member theatre of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and Allied Arts. For more information, visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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