Assassins
Synopsis
This darkly satirical musical reframes American history through the eyes of those who attempted – successfully or not – to kill US presidents. Structured as a surreal carnival sideshow, the piece weaponises American musical traditions – vaudeville, folk ballads, barbershop quartets, patriotic Sousa-style marches and Bacharach pop – to undercut the myth of the “American Dream,” exposing how frustration, alienation and entitlement can curdle into violence. By giving voice to figures from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Assassins invites audiences not to condone their acts but to confront the unsettling continuity between personal disillusionment and national mythology, turning the musical stage into a mirror for America’s darkest obsessions.
Top Cast
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Patrick Cassidy
Balladeer
Victor Garber
John Wilkes Booth
William Parry Leon
Proprietor
Terrence Mann
Leon Czolgosz
Greg Germann
John Hinckley
Jonathan Hadary
Charles Guiteau
Eddie Korbich
Giuseppe Zangara
Lee Wilkof
Samuel Byck
Annie Golden
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme
Debra Monk
Sara Jane Moore
Jace Alexander
Lee Harvey Oswald
Marcus Olsen
David Herold
Lyn Greene
Emma Goldman
John Jellison
James Blaine
William Parry
President James Garfield / President Gerald Ford
Michael Shulman
Billy Moore
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 18, 1990
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jerry Zaks
- Original Score
- Stephen Sondheim
- Original Title
- Assassins
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jerry Zaks
Stephen Sondheim
Department Leadership Roster
Jerry Zaks
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Assassins.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Assassins
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Assassins about?
This darkly satirical musical reframes American history through the eyes of those who attempted – successfully or not – to kill US presidents. Structured as a surreal carnival sideshow, the piece weaponises American musical traditions – vaudeville, folk ballads, barbershop quartets, patriotic Sousa-style marches and Bacharach pop – to undercut the myth of the “American Dream,” exposing how frustration, alienation and entitlement can curdle into violence. By giving voice to figures from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Assassins invites audiences not to condone their acts but to confront the unsettling continuity between personal disillusionment and national mythology, turning the musical stage into a mirror for America’s darkest obsessions.
Who directed Assassins?
Assassins was directed by Jerry Zaks.
Who stars in Assassins?
The principal cast of Assassins includes Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber, William Parry Leon, Terrence Mann, Greg Germann.
When was Assassins released and how long is it?
Assassins was released in 1990 with a total runtime of 1h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Assassins?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Assassins was composed by Stephen Sondheim.