BWW Interviews: Chatting with ASSASSINS Director Adam Brazier

BWW is thrilled to be speaking with Adam Brazier about the extremely successful re-mount of Stephen Sondheim's ASSASSINS he is currently directing at The Theatre Centre.  A smash-hit last year, the show is back for a limited run this month and BWW has just learned that Mr. Brazier himself will be stepping into the role of Proprietor for the shows on the 13th and 14th. 

This production was critically praised and warmly received by the public last year, and this time around the reviews are just as good.  ASSASSINS showcases the best of what Toronto theatre has to offer, and is a production that cements the city's place as a world-class theatre town.  We spoke with Adam about the re-mount, Sondheim and the dark nature of the show:

We are very excited that you are putting on Assassins again! Congratulations! Could you tell us why you decided to remount the show so soon after its initial run?

After the tremendous success of last years production and having to turn so many people away at the door it seemed like the right call. Plus it gave us the opportunity to further explore!

 

This particular show is very dark, as well as obviously very American in its subject matter. What made you choose it for Toronto?

 

Although this show is very much American, we as Canadians have our own reaction as outsiders to these events. I think it is more interesting to see a show about the American Dream from artists with an objective perspective.

 

There have been a few casting changes for the remount, has this been challenging for you as a director?

 

It's a gift. Repetition is the death of theatre. This forces us to evolve and grow. Although there is a larger learning curve for them their contribution to the evolution of this production is massive and truly a blessing.

 

Sondheim's shows are notoriously difficult to direct as well as act in, have you had much experience working on his material before? Have you found it to be true that his music is more difficult than most?

 

I have performed in Passion (Chicago Shakespeare) Into The Woods (Broadway) and Anyone can Whistle (Talk is Free Theatre). I find his music very easy to learn and a joy to perform. He does all the work for you. It's much like Shakespeare, if you wrestle the words and rhythm you will have negated all his efforts. Learn the text. Learn the music. Learn the rhythm and enjoy the ride. He has done the work for you.

 

We are thrilled that Toronto audiences are getting more exposure to Sondheim's following a year that saw him visit the city and celebrate his 80th birthday - is there one Sondheim role/character you have always hoped to tackle?

I have always wanted to play George in "Sunday" but I think Sweeney would be the most fun. I love the darkness and stillness in that character. Sadly, i'm a tenor and would never be able to pull it off well enough... so I'll direct it instead!

Any takers???

Do you think the messages/themes at the core of Assassins are as relevant today as when they were first written? And do you think they can resonate with Canadians in the same way as Americans?

 

Yes. Very. Sadly very relevant and very current. But that's why it remains important. It's our job to ask these questions and try to understand these people.

 

For people unfamiliar with the work, or a bit "gun-shy" by the subject matter, what would you say to encourage them to come out and see the production?

 

Grow a pair.*laughs*

When and Where?

ASSASSINS

The Theatre Centre

Performance Schedule:

January 6th-23rd, 2011

Monday - Sunday 8PM (no Tuesday performances)

Matinee Performances at 2PM on Saturday and Sunday

TICKETS: $39.55 + $2 facility fee (previews 6 & 7 Jan $28.25 + $2 facility fee)

TO BOOK: in advance from ARTS BOX OFFICE 416.504.7529 / www.artsboxoffice.ca

 

 

 

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