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Everybody's Got The Right To Be Happy...

    This journey began for me in the early 90's when I first heard the original recording of Assassins.  At that time it was just a workshop production and starred Victor Garber as Booth. But it was Sondhiem and it was twisted and I was hooked from the beginning. It took another 14 years for the show to actually open on Broadway where it ended up winning multiple Tony Awards.  

   
     One night I was standing outside of this theatre talking with Jim Larrison, Barney March and his family and we were throwing out shows we'd love to see done here.  I always thought that MTG would be a great space for Assassins but never thought anyone would ever mount a production of it. And the thought of directing it never crossed my mind - I just wanted to be in it. To get to play one of these people. This is a show has never been staged in Mobile before...and there's a reason for that. 

     Let's Face It - It's a Tough Sell.

    Why would anyone want to see a musical about 9 people who killed or tried to kill U.S. Presidents? In this politcal climate? Because it's more than that. This is not just a musical about those 9 people, but it's about all people...it's about the cry of the disenfranchised.  This show does not glorify these people, it's does not glorify violence. It simply tells their stories in a unique way.  Remember, while the majority of us know what these people did was wrong...THEY always thought they were right. Some of them are obiviously crazy, while some you almost (and I mean almost) feel sorry for. I love this show because it's brilliantly written, somewhat historically accurate, funny, chilling, thought provoking, dark and twisted and the music is absolutely beautiful. 

       I am so excited to have this story told to you because you can't make this stuff up. While there are artistic liberties taken, for the most part it's historically accurate. For example, the song Guiteau sings at his execution was actually written by Charles Guiteau the morning of his execution and he read it from the gallows. Be careful, you may learn something before it's over. 

    This show would have never happened without the help of so many people. I have been so lucky to have surrounded myself with not only fantastic people, but some of the most talented people I have ever known and they are the best at what they do. Daniel and Rebekah are the best at what they do. Susan has been my buffer and allowed me to keep focused on the big picture. Connie designed an amazing set and Stephen brought it to life. Aryn tackled the task of designing costumes from so many different time periods that it boggles the mind and each one is beautiful and unique.

    And then there is the cast...We have stage veterans, newbies, directors, people I've acted with and for, and most importantly, these people are my theatre family, they are my friends and they willingly took this journey through history with me and for that I am eternally thankful.  I am a history geek, I'm obsessive about research and at our first meeting I challenged to cast to teach me something about these characters I didn't already know. And they did! I am honored to work with them and excited for you..because they are going to blow your mind. Remember it's not the destination but the joruney that matters.  Thank you for giving us your time and allowing us to take you on this journey.

Gene Murrell 

 This Show Is Dedicated In Loving Memory Of 

Penny Dennis Schilling

Ann Ferguson

Margaret R Lang