The Los Angeles premiere of The Outsider is presented by International City Theatre. Written by Paul Slade Smith. Directed by Brian Shnipper. Produced by caryn desai [sic].
Ned Newley (Stephen Rockwell) is afraid of public speaking, and his poll numbers are really bad. Even his chief of staff, Dave Riley (Nikhil Pai), thinks that Newley is destined for failure. However, political consultant Arthur Vance (Jonathan Bray) sees something special about Newley that might click with the voters. For that reason, Vance suggests that Newley should run for governor. Not only that, Vance also suggests that the bubbly but inept temp, Louise Peakes (Susan Huckle), should run for lieutenant governor. All she needs is some color-coded cards so she can answer the reporter’s questions.
Playwright Paul Slade Smith sees a trend in current politics, not only in America but in other countries as well, and writes an accurate description of the machinations of the political system to attract popular votes. By looking insecure or even ignorant, the character Newley appears to come to the voters’ level, less intellectual, more average-person type. And, how about Louise Peakes? Clueless and inept, she connects with the public almost instantly. These two characters represent the characteristics that people want from their elected officials nowadays.
The play goes beyond simple comedy. Analyzing what’s seen on stage, a question lingers in the air. What is democracy and who gets to define it? Both characters Newley and Peaks might not be the most prepared candidates to run the government, but what if they are exactly what the people want? In the end, who really runs the government?
The set is one single room, the Governor’s office, but is full of details and it looks stately. The comedy is always there, scene after scene. Susan Huckle steals the show with her hilarious interpretation of a character in a constant state of confusion and cluelessness.
In this election year, The Outsider fits perfectly in the collective consciousness. Its themes and characters feel familiar and are a vivid representation of the trickeries used by the political system to gain popular support for whatever interests the candidates and their respective teams are promoting.
The political animals observed in The Outsider are either oblivious of the current state of things or genuinely interested in satisfying people’s needs. Whatever the case, The message is the same: There will always be someone manipulating the threads of power from the shadows, for better or worse.
The direction by Brian Shnipper is a great example of how to utilize the space to create fluidity, leaving enough room for physicality to give that additional punch to the comedic situations. Even though the whole play happens in one single room, Shnipper makes sure the brilliant cast and the amusing comedy keep the audience entertained.
The Outsider
International City Theatre in the Beverly O’Neill Theatre
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
330 East Seaside Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Performances: June 14 – June 30
• Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.: June 20, June 27
• Fridays at 7:30 p.m.: June 14 (Opening Night), June 21, June 28
• Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.: June 22, June 29
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: June 23, June 30
Tickets: ictlongbeach.org
Written by Paul Slade Smith. Directed by Brian Shnipper. Produced by caryn desai [sic]. Presented by International City Theatre.
Cast: Thomas Anawalt, Jonathan Bray, Susan Huckle, Nikhil Pai, Taylor Popoola, Stephen Rockwell, Natalie Storrs.
Creative team: Set designer John Patrick, lighting designer Crystal R. Shomph, costume designer Claire Fraser, sound designer Dave Mickey, and prop designer Patty Briles. Casting is by Michael Donovan, CSA, and Richie Ferris, CSA. The stage manager is Pat Loeb.
