MEET THE 2019 NOMINEES: Assassins

Produced by The Secret Theatre
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim 
Book by John Weidman
Director: Lauren Shields
Musical Director: Morgan Morse

Nominations: Outstanding Director – Lauren Shields; Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role – Evan Teich (see post); and Outstanding Production of a Musical

About the Secret Theatre
The Secret Theatre strives to provide New York City and surrounding communities with inexpensive, but high-caliber performances, to expand the horizons of patrons young and old alike who would normally not venture outside of the main borough. As a venue for assorted live entertainment, particularly classical theatre, as well as new works, comedy, and musicals.

Photos by Jakub Djeko

About Assassins
Nine individuals who have attempted a presidential assassination tell their stories in this revue-style musical of humor, drama, history, and fiction. Assassins is an illustration of very different people who have made extreme choices for varied reasons.

What about directing Assassins was most attractive for you?

Lauren: We all have a shadow side of ourselves that lurks deep in our consciousness. The consequences of the impact on us by our culture and our own individual tragedies can make us do reprehensible things in desperation. Some act on it, while others do not. No one person or set of experiences can be seen as black and white. I wanted to show audiences a deeper side of the humans that are seen as villains to so many of us.




What was it like to work with The Secret Theatre?

Lauren: This company dedicated so much of their time and passion into this project. They spent hours researching and working before they stepped into the rehearsal room. It made the rehearsal process powerful, moving and inspiring. I could not have had a better team.

Make sure to check out The Secret Theatre on Twitter - @secrettheatreny

MEET THE 2019 NOMINEES: Evan Teich

NOMINATED FOR: 2019 Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role

Evan Teich* as "John Wilkes Booth" in The Secret Theatre's Production of ASSASSINS

Evan Teich*

Executive Producer: Richard Mazda
Director: Lauren Shields
Musical Director: Morgan Morse
Stage Manager: Melissa Barry
Set Designer: Steven Bolt
Lighting Designer: Annie Garrett-Larsen
Assist. Direction/Choreography: Christopher Noffke
Costume/Prop Designer: Ashley James

*Denotes Member of Actors' Equity Association

What first attracted you to working on this show?
I'm a big history buff and I love how Sondheim/Weidman have woven the stories of these tragic historical misfits together to highlight a greater overarching narrative about the American dream.

What was your favorite part of working on this production? And why?
I loved how the intimate nature of The Secret Theatre brought out the hauntingly claustrophobic nature of some of ASSASSINS.

What was the most challenging part of working on this production? And why?
Working in a 3/4 thrust is challenging since you're always giving your back to someone. But, as long as you're engaged in the scene and conscious of giving face time to each side of the audience, it works in the end.

Was there anything odd, quirky, innovative, funny or otherwise noteworthy about your experience with this production?
Our Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald, typically cast as male, was played by a woman. This was my second time playing Booth and the gender changeup completely changed the nature and energy of the final climactic scene between Booth and Oswald. It was a refreshing change to a usually male dominated cast.

What is the best thing about working with this company and/or these artists?
The Secret Theatre was wonderfully supportive and generous during this production. The folks there went above and beyond to make us all feel at home.

Did you learn anything or discover anything new while working on this project? If so, what?
There's always a lot to learn working on a history piece, but getting the rare privilege to play a role twice, I got to dive even deeper into the motivations and nuances of Booth. He is a deeply interesting and tragic historical figure who gave up a life of fame and comfort in pursuit of his misguided cause.

What does receiving this nomination mean to you?
This nomination means a tremendous amount. We perform because we love it, but this recognition lets us know that others have loved it too. I can't claim full credit, however, as ASSASSINS is a truly ensemble piece. I shared the stage each night with a truly monumental cast and share this honor with them.

Visit Evan's website here.
Visit Evan's Instagram here.


PRODUCTION PHOTOS FROM THE SECRET THEATRE'S PRODUCTION OF ASSASSINS (Photos: Carrington Spires)