Learn more about Capital City Theatre’s new
A journey through the dark side of the American dream, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald and beyond, the stories of our country’s most successful and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways, creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in US history.
With Assassins, Capital City Theatre proudly launches its inaugural Impact Series—a new initiative pairing bold, thought-provoking musicals with deeper community engagement.
Join us for exclusive pre-show lectures and post-show talkbacks, designed to spark dialogue, provide context, and explore the show’s urgent themes: violence, disillusionment, and the promise of The American Dream.
Before the Show: Context & Conversation – Free with your ticket:
• Friday, August 1 at 6:15 PM — Steve Swayne, Dartmouth professor and author of How Sondheim Found His Sound, presents “Making Monsters Melodious,” exploring how Sondheim’s music evokes empathy for history’s most reviled figures.
• Saturday, August 9 at 6:15 PM — Charles Payne, 2025 Swanson Emerging Poet Fellow and award-winning playwright, offers “On Masculinity and The Dark Side of The American Dream,” examining themes of race, identity, and disillusionment in Assassins.
After the Show: Talkbacks & Reflections with cast and creatives will follow performances on August 3, August 7, and August 8, offering audiences the chance to engage directly with the artists behind the production.
Stephen Sondheim routinely made difficult and unpalatable characters relatable through the simple act of giving them music that moves our hearts and addles our minds. Assassins provides the extreme test case: can Sondheim make us sympathize with the women and men who attempted—and, four times, succeeded—in killing American presidents? Steve Swayne, the Jacob H. Strauss 1922 Professor of Music at Dartmouth College and author of the critically acclaimed book How Sondheim Found His Sound, will offer his thoughts about how this musical works to overcome our natural defenses against such revolting material and challenges us to reevaluate how monstrous these individuals actually were.
Currently honored as the 2025 Swanson Emerging Poet Fellow by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, Charles Payne uses his art to challenge barriers and foster understanding across communities. His work, including the acclaimed play Da Classroom Ain’t Enuf, tackles urgent issues with honesty and creativity. In his upcoming talk, On Masculinity & The Dark Side of The American Dream, Payne will unpack how Assassins reveals the fractured promises of American identity and its profound implications for masculinity, race, and BIPOC communities. Through insightful analysis, he’ll explore how the musical challenges entrenched narratives and sparks crucial dialogue about belonging, power, and disillusionment.
Nathan Connor is thrilled to be back working with Capital City Theatre, having last appeared with them in The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill but Came Down a Mountain. Other favorite roles include Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Angus Tuck in Tuck Everlasting, and Lenny in Of Mice and Men. Nathan would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support, especially his "Person For Life" Shanna!
Braden Cummins is so excited to be making his Capital City Theatre debut. He’s a southern Illinois native who’s been on the stage since he was eight years old. Recently he’s had the pleasure of bringing to life many characters like Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show, the Baker in Into the Woods, and Nick Bottom in Something Rotten. He’s now ready to bring THIS role to life and learn from the experience of all the other cast members, crew, and artistic staff at CCT.
Robert A. Goderich is excited to be back with CCT after previously playing Martini in It’s a Wonderful Life, a New Musical, M3 in Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Musical, and being part of the Capital City Carolers since it's inception. A veteran of the Madison stage, you may recognize Robert from numerous roles with Madison Opera, CTM, CCT, Four Seasons Theatre, and more. Some favorite roles have included: The Governor in Candide, John Styxx in Orpheus in the Underworld, Father in The Seven Deadly Sins, Jew #1 in Salome, The Waiter in She Loves Me, Beppe in Il Pagliacci, Pirelli in Sweeney Todd all with Madison Opera; Alex the Lion in Madagascar with CTM, Migaldi in Evita, Nicely Nicley Johnson in Guys N Dolls, Sir Bedevere in Spamalot, John in Miss Saigon, all with Four Seasons Theatre. Many thanks to all friends, family for all of the support! Enjoy the show!
Caroline Hansen (she/her) is super excited to be a part of her first production with Capital City Theatre! Her favorite past shows include The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (CTM) and Heathers: The Musical (University Theatre). Much love to her family, friends, castmates/crew, and Michael for all their love and support.
Benji Heying is overjoyed to return to Madison and perform for Capital City Theatre. He is extremely grateful to navigate this historical and heavy piece of art. Recent Capital City Theatre productions include Shining in Misery: A King-Sized Parody (Danny), the staged reading of It's A Wonderful Life (George Bailey) and Merrily We Roll Along (Frank). Special thanks as always to Ellie, Mom, Dad and everyone who has been in my corner. Huge congratulations to Sam and Megan on your opening night wedding! Benjiheying.com
Andrew Linden is thrilled to be returning for another show with CCT! You may have seen him recently in CCT’s productions of Great Comet (Dolokhov), Tick… Tick… Boom (Jon), and It’s a Wonderful Life (Harry). He would like to thank his friends and family, as well as his amazing partner Tess, who he is lucky to get to share the stage with every night.
Tess Lenzen is elated to be a part of CCT’s production of Assassins! Recent credits include Lizzie in Lizzie (StageQ), Ernie in It’s A Wonderful Life (CCT), and Clarisse/Charon/Mrs. Dodds in The Lightning Thief (CTM). When not performing, Tess works at her favorite place, Be Inspired Salon as the Assistant Manager! Much love to her family, friends, boyfriend Andrew, and her puppy Netti. Enjoy!
Adam Marino - Capital City Theatre debut! Regional: Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli (11x)), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Barry Mann, Village Theatre), She Loves Me w/Bryce Pinkham (Arpad, Gulf Coast Symphony), Scrooge No More (Scrooge, Busch Gardens Williamsburg), Grease (Doody, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre). Former member of "The Diamonds" (Silhouettes, The Stroll, Little Darlin'). Rochester, NY native. All of my love to my friends, family, and Alex. Instagram: @adammarino. www.adamdavidmarino.com
Ethan Richard is thrilled to be making his Capital City Theatre debut in Assassins. A native Minnesotan, he has filled his time in Madison with a variety of remarkable theatrical endeavors. His most recent musical appearance was as Shrek in 2022’s Shrek: The Musical, co-produced by OUT!Cast Theatre and Madison Theatre Guild. His other notable performances include Teddy in Arsenic and Old Lace, Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps, Professor Plum in Clue, Robert Mohr in The White Rose, and Scooter in Tracers. In addition to his work onstage, Ethan is an accomplished voiceover artist, having appeared in various films, radio commercials, and audio books. When he is not performing, he enjoys reading, watching movies, taking in the great game of baseball, and spending time with his family and friends, to whom he sends a universe of thanks and love.
Lisa Spierer is tickled to be returning to the Capital City Theatre stage for the second time this season! She last appeared in It’s a Wonderful Life as Mrs. Hatch and assorted other ‘old ladies.’ Between shows, she continues her day job at the UW-Madison’s Division of the Arts and does occasional voiceovers for WPR and radio plays with the 9XM Players. Lisa would like to thank her family -biological and chosen- for their support during this run. Special shout to daughter Evie for helping Mama with her callback videos.
Ryan Zaugg is excited to make his debut with Capital City Theatre in Assassins. He has previously had the pleasure of performing in a variety of roles, including Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mordred in Camelot, and Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood for theatre companies throughout the state of Utah. He is grateful for the opportunity to join this talented cast and crew and is eager to share this extraordinary show with the audience. Special thanks to the creative team, fellow cast members, and loved ones for their ongoing support. Ryan hopes you enjoy Assassins as much as he’s enjoyed bringing it to life!
Evelyn Alumbreros is thrilled to work again with Capital City Theatre after being a part of their Find Your Light program in summer of 2021. Evelyn recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre at Emerson College, and is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin. Emerson College credits: Amour (Isabelle); Natasha…Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Mary Cover); Old Jake’s Skirts (Storyteller/Ensemble); Musical Theater Against The Grain’s Daddy Long Legs (Jerusha Abbott); A Chorus Line (Maggie Winslow); Musical Theater Society’s Secret Garden (Martha). Other theatre credits: Rent (Ensemble/Maureen Cover); Into the Woods (Little Red); Something Rotten! (Portia). She would like to thank all of her family and friends for their unconditional support! www.evelyn.alumbreros.com @evelynalumbreros
Nick Chiaverini is excited to be making his CCT debut in Assassins! Nick is a Madison local and has worked with theaters here and around the Midwest. Some of his previous performances include Cinderella: Enchanted Edition, A Christmas Carol, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Peter Pan. Nick would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support.
March Marren (they/them) is thrilled to return to CCT! You might recognize them as the “Wylie” soloist in CCT’s 2021 production of Edges. This is their first time returning to the CCT stage since receiving their BFA in Musical Theatre from Roosevelt University in 2022. Previous credits include 25 in The Wolves (CCPA), Jo Harper/Young Fool/Sheriff Bell in Big River (Mercury Theater), and cover for Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief (CTM). They could not do what they do without the love and support from their friends, family, and fellow artists!
Jake is a director and arts administrator based in Madison, Wisconsin. Recent credits include: The Thin Place (Two Crows Theatre); Anton’s Shorts, Hamlet (American Players Theatre, Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Award nominee); Clyde’s, Clarkston; Skeleton Crew (Forward Theater Company); Heathers: The Musical (University Theatre, UW-Madison); Carrie, The Musical (Capital City Theatre); The Light (PBS-Wisconsin, Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Award win). Upcoming projects: Sanctuary City (Next Act Theatre). Jake currently serves as the lead producer for the Wisconsin Directors Lab (Forward Theater Company). Thanks to Andy and the entire CCT team — it’s always a pleasure! For Jane.
Andrew has worked Off-Broadway, Off West-End, regionally and on tour as a professional director, musical director, conductor, composer and Equity actor. Off-Broadway: Between The Lines (York Theater), Pirates of Penzance (New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players). Tours: Cinderella (with Eartha Kitt), State Fair (with John Davidson), Cabaret (with Andrea McCardle), Kiss of the Spider Woman, Fiddler on the Roof (with Theodore Bikel). Regionally: Masterclass (with Rosemary Prinz), Mikado (Theatre Virginia) and numerous others.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Music degree from UW-Madison and a Master of Arts, in Musical Theatre, from University of London-Goldsmiths. He is also a graduate of the advanced year of the BMI Musical Theatre Writing Workshop in New York City where he wrote But I’m a Cheerleader, the Musical, which was showcased in Trafalgar Square at West End Live in June of 2019 and is currently having its world premiere at the Turbine Theatre in London running until May, 2022.
In Madison, Andrew has performed with the Madison Opera, Madison Savoyards and in Madison Ballet’s The Nutcracker as Herr Drosselmeyer. Andrew is a vocal coach, voice teacher, and Acting through Song coach and has worked at NYU, New York Film Academy, AMDA, Mountview Academy (in London), Hofstra University, as well as privately in New York City and Madison.
