My fellow Quad Citizans, I come to you today to ask not what theatre can do for you, but to ask what YOU can do for theatre. I ask you to support Circa ’21 Dinner Theatre’s current production of The Outsider, the 2015 BroadwayWorld of Milwaukee’s Best Play Award, cleverly written by Paul Slade Smith and directed by Circa 21’s founder, Dennis Hitchcock. Now is the time for all good people to come to this show.
This satire is described as “a laugh-out-loud whimsical farce, as if Oscar Wilde has come back from the dead to write an episode of The West Wing” and “It’s not about one party or another, but about the absurdity of [the] political arena.” To mimic George Takei: Oh, my.
The plot revolves around Ned Newly, portrayed by the Quad Cities’ own Brad Hauskins, who has suddenly been thrust into the office of governor of Vermont following a scandal which forces predecessor to resign. Basically, Ned is a nerd. He’s excels at policy and problem solving but is terrified at the thought of public speaking and repeatedly commits gaffes that imperil his image, much to the chagrin of his loyal Chief of Staff, Dave, and Paige, the pollster Dave has hired to track Ned’s popularity. Enter Arthur Vance, former TV talking head. Arthur finds Ned’s appearance of incompetence to be just what could catapult him to the White House but Ned is incapable of rising to the task. So, enter the air-head temp Dave just hired to answer phones, Louise, who is just the malleable candidate Arthur can mold into the new lieutenant governor. And, although the show isn’t really about one party or another I couldn’t help but think of certain recent political candidates and their cronies.
The cast surrounding Hauskins, Elsa Scott Besler as Paige, Bobby Becher as Dave, Kim Bogus as Louise, Cory Boughton as Arthur, Taylor Fryza as TV reporter Rachel, and James Major Burns as her cameraman is superb, the Bootleggers pre-show revved up the audience for the main event and I found the dinner menu for this show tastier than the prior show I attended. Major kudos also to Scenic Designer, Becky Meissen, for a chic, sophisticated set.
So, “read my lips,” if you’re looking for a “square deal” and “no malarkey, man” believe me, “it’s not too late to do the right thing;” “yes, we can” “keep America great,” by seeing this show.
The Outsider continues at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse 1828 – 3 rd Avenue in Rock Island now through October 29th with matinee performances on Wednesdays and evening performances Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
I’m Chris Hicks…and I approved this review…oh, and break a leg.