The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater is taking a look at the American dream turned inside-out with Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. It's a musical profile of the historical figures who killed or tried to kill U.S. Presidents.

While the audience may gain some insight into the provocative choices made by the characters in Assassins, they will certainly not sympathize. In fact, the twisted thought processes that lead to such bizarre actions bring a certain amount of dark humor to the play. For instance, when two would-be assassins struggle to be first in line, the Balladeer ironically quips, “Watch it now, no violence!”

While the show can certainly be unsettling, it is also both rule and groundbreaking. Fans of musicals worldwide are enamored with Stephen Sondheim's witty lyrics and challenging compositions. To bring Assassins to the stage means determination and a great deal of talent. Director Joseph Southard has added the talents of a tremendous cast to his own. The featured players are: Corey Leigh of Bear, DE; Claudia Carlsson of Glen Mills, Paul Kerrigan of Phoenixville, Ed Lawler of Plymouth Meeting, Christopher McBride of Havertown, Sean Murray of Philadelphia, Liz Seymour of Wallingford, Mark Thompson of Broomall, Paul Weagraff of Wilmington, DE, and David Wills of Brookhaven.

Assassins runs October 18-21, 25-28 and November 1-3. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and Sunday matinées are at 2pm. The Players Club of Swarthmore is located just minutes from the Blue Route and I-95 at 614 Fairview Avenue in Swarthmore. Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for students (18 and under or college students with ID) and are available at the box office. Tickets may also be purchased in advance by visiting www.pcstheater.org or calling 1-866-811-4111 (ticket sales through TheaterMania). For Info or Group Sales: 610-328-4271.