BATH — Stephen Sondheim’s multiple Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece “Assassins” is coming to the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath for two weekends, Oct. 12-21.

This dark musical comedy is being produced by Studio Theatre of Bath, one of midcoast Maine’s oldest active community theater groups, co-founded in 1979 by Priscilla and J. Pat Montgomery.

“Assassins” combines Sondheim’s (“Into The Woods,” “Sweeney Todd,” “West Side Story”) signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation’s culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it, embodied by America’s four successful and five would-be presidential assassins. Bold, original, disturbing and alarmingly funny, “Assassins” is perhaps one of the most controversial musicals ever written.

This historical “revusical” explores the dark side of the American experience, but also highlights the true strength of our nation, and how our country unites in the wake of tragedy to heal & move forward.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door, or at studiotheatreofbath.com. The production is directed by John Willey, with music direction by Courtney Babbidge. While there is no graphic on-stage violence, this show does contain adult language & content, and is not recommended for children. 

Production shot from the upcoming musical “Assassins.” (Photo courtesy of Studio Theatre of Bath)