Assassins is a musical play with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman. Assassins was originally produced by Playwrights Horizons, Inc., New York City in 1990. In November 1992, San Diego State University produced the play in the Don Powell Theatre under the direction of Professor Paula Kalustian with musical direction by Dr. Terry O'Donnell. The actor appeared in role of Leon F. Czolgosz. The preparation and performance of the role of Czolgosz was a direct result of the synthesis between reality and realism, between fact and truth. When creating a non-fictional character, an actor must attempt to bridge the gap between fact and fiction, and it is this synthesis which brings forth a truthful performance to the stage. The character of Czolgosz, brought to life on stage in Assassins, is not a re-creation of the historical figure, but rather a glimpse into the inner spirit of the man, freed from the constraints of historical fact and opinion. The actor, using the script and score of Assassins as a place of genesis, incorporated historical fact, biographical research, guidance by Kalustian and O'Donnell, and prior acting and musical knowledge to bring the role of Leon F. Czolgosz to the stage.
