Seneca Ray Evans Theater in Salamanca
Cattaraugus County Living Arts Looking for Area Residents
By Sharon Turano
Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association members hope area residents’ calendars will include stops to the Ray Evans Seneca Theater this spring and summer.
Auditions for the CCLAA production of “Assassins” will be held at 7pm March 8 and 9, with the show to be performed in May at the Salamanca Theater.
“Assassins is a five-time Tony award winning musical, with music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim. It is based on the book written by John Wiedman with concept by Charles Gilbert Jr.
The story is based on nine historical figures who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents. The musical will feature appearances by local actors portraying John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr. and more and discusses possible reasons for their attempts, such as feelings of political injustice or wanting to sacrifice for the greater good. Commonalities among the would-be Assassins are also explored.
The show ran on Broadway in 2004, was planned to appear in 2001 but was postponed after Sept. 11 attacks and opened in 2004.
“The show continues CCLAA’s tradition of bringing arts to the area,” said Sharon Turano, CCLAA spokeswoman. She said the group also continues bringing various topics to the Ray Evans Seneca Theater stage, where “Next to Normal,” a show about mental illness was recently performed and whose cast and crew won several awards for the Salamanca performance.
Assassins is meant for adult audiences, with the arts association also assembling The Hunchback of Notre Dame for their summer musical which is suitable for the entire family.
Assassins will be performed May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at the theater, 10 Main St., Salamanca.
Those wanting to volunteer or donate to CCLAA are asked to call Linda Freaney at 945-1996.