Edgy Musical ‘Assassins’ Premieres in Santa Barbara, Blends Dark History with Local Young Talent
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.—An edgy musical exploring some of the darkest chapters of American history is hitting the stage Friday night in Santa Barbara.
Local non-profit Out of the Box Theater Company is bringing audiences into a thought-provoking production of Assassins—a show that dives into the lives of nine men and women who either killed, or attempted to kill, a President of the United States.
The musical takes a bold look at the darker side of the American Dream, combining history with powerful storytelling and music.
“I do a lot of yelling,” said actor Jim Sirianni, who plays Samuel Byck. “He uses colorful language throughout the show.”
Other cast members say the production gave them a deeper understanding of the people behind the headlines.
“I’ve learned a lot about these individual assassins—what their motives were and how they went through life,” said Nik Valinski, who plays Leon Czolgosz.
But the production isn’t just focused on the past—it’s also bringing together a new generation of performers.
The cast includes local students, including elementary and high schoolers, who say the experience has been both fun and eye-opening.
“It’s a very fun character,” said Theodore Henning, a young actor in the show.
Henning added that performing has allowed him to express a side of himself he doesn’t usually show.
“I get to show this side of me… I don’t really show to anyone except maybe my mom,” he said.
The young performers also say the musical covers a side of American history they haven’t learned in school.
“More than I would ever learn in school,” Henning said. “This is not something you really learn… it has to do with killing people.”
Artistic Director Samantha Eve says the show ultimately raises deeper questions about the American Dream and human behavior.
“I think a lot of it is really about the promise of the American dream… that everyone has the right to be successful and happy,” Eve said. “But when that promise isn't fulfilled… how does that drive us as a human race towards violence?”
The production offers a powerful—and at times uncomfortable—look at history, ambition, and the cost of feeling unheard.
Assassins premieres Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Center Stage Theater. There will be four performances, with the final show scheduled for April 19.
