The Arden's 2007/08 season showcases stories of celebrity, appetites, salvation, heritage and community. We invite the public to share their stories as we celebrate 20 years in the Philadelphia region as a premiere venue for both experiencing and sharing meaningful narratives.

The Arden's mission is to tell great stories and Assassins weaves the intriguing tale of some of the most infamous characters from American history. Winner of five Tony Awards, it investigates the personalities behind nine individuals who attempted to assassinate a President of the United States. Assassins is part vaudeville extravaganza, part exposé and wholly electrifying, with an incredible score that reveals uneasy truths about the American Dream. Hugely resonant in today's celebrity-obsessed society, the story is peopled with desperate characters intent on making their indelible mark. This socially and politically charged story has grown in relevance since its 1991 premiere. Here in Philadelphia, we live in a wonderful American city riddled almost daily with gun violence. On a national level, we exist in one of the most socially and politically polarized societies in history. Globally, we've witnessed the power of the American Presidency to change the course of life both domestically and for the entire international community.

The power of Assassins lies in its exploration of the human condition. Society celebrates its national heroes. However more thoughtful self-reflection is required when contemplating our cultural identity by an examination of our society's most damaged individuals. Americans are proud that anyone in the United States can grow up to become President. Likewise, anyone can grow up and kill a President.

The Arden's producing artistic director, Terrence J. Nolen, is a renowned interpreter of Sondheim and "the preeminent producer of my work in Philadelphia" according to Sondheim himself! Assassins will mark the tenth Sondheim musical directed by Nolen who commented, "I am continually drawn to Sondheim because he pushes the boundaries of the American musical art form. The work of Sondheim opened my eyes to all that musical theatre can do. It touches my soul. I return to Sondheim's stories because their audacity never cease to surprise and inspire me."

An all-star cast of actors including Jeffrey Coon, Ben Dibble, Scott Greer, Mary Martello, Christopher Patrick Mullen, Jay Pierce and James Sugg join forces and collectively bring 39 Barrymore nominations, nine Barrymore wins, and three F. Otto Haas Emerging Artist Award winners to the Arden's Haas stage. In fact, Jeff, Mary, Ben, Scott and James have collectively appeared in over 20 Sondheim roles, 16 of those here at the Arden.

Assassins was made possible in part by a grant from the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, a program of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by The University of the Arts.

Assassins' final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, September 12 at 8pm is open to the public as a Pay-What-You-Can performance, with all proceeds applied to the 1976 Foundation Fund challenge grant. Doors open at 7pm and all seats are general admission with a Pay What You Can price, first come, first served.

Assassins' previews run Thursday, September 13 through September 18. Opening night is set for 7pm Wednesday, September 19. Assassins then plays through Sunday, October 21, 2007. (a one week extension already due to demand!)

Subscription tickets are on sale, with five and three - show packages available. Subscriptions range in price from $69 - $195 depending on performances chosen. Discounts are available for students and seniors. All subscribers enjoy the best choice of seats, convenient ticket exchange policies and discounts at Arden's restaurant and parking lot partners. -- www.ardentheatre.org