Assassins

Assassins (1991), a musical play by John Weidman (book), Stephen Sondheim (music, lyrics). [ Playwrights Horizons, 25 perf.] Various historic people who have killed or attempted to assassinate U. S. presidents gather in this sometimes surreal, often funny, but chilling concept musical that exposes the dark side of the American dream. Notable songs: Ballad of Booth; Another National Anthem; Unworthy of Your Love. This bold and uncomfortable musical quickly sold out its limited engagement, but plans to transfer it to Broadway were aborted when the Gulf War and a wave of patriotism discouraged the Off‐Broadway company from risking it. Assassins has seen many regional productions since, and it was revived on Broadway with success in 2004.