As we enter another election year, ActorsNET sets the scene with “The Outsider” by Paul Slade Smith, a satirical sneak peek behind the scenes of modern American politics, running from Jan. 19 to Feb. 4 at the Heritage Center Theatre in Morrisville.
In the midst of a political scandal, Ned Newley (Nigel Rogers), the ultimate policy wonk, is unexpectedly thrust into the position of Governor. Issue? Ned doesn’t even want to be Governor. He’s terrified of public speaking and his poll numbers are impressively bad.
To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Dave Riley (John Boccanfuso), and the newly hired pollster, Paige Caldwell (Cathy Liebars), Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance (Joseph Torsella) sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for … the worst candidate to ever run for office.
As Arthur attempts to turn Ned into a political superstar, Ned’s new temp, Louise Peakes (Shelli Pentimall Bookler), obliviously brings chaos to the campaign – all of which is caught live on camera by TV reporter, Rachel Parsons (Cat Miller), and her trusty cameraman, A.C. Petersen (Esh Ryans).
“At first glance, ‘The Outsider’ is a laugh-out-loud comedy with situational humor and witty dialogue. However, as you dive deeper into it, you realize how thought-provoking and layered the story really is. There is a message here and it’s not to judge a book by its cover,” said Director Karolina Matyka.
Matyka has been involved with ActorsNET since 2019 and this timely political satire is her directing debut.
The Heritage Center Theatre is located at 635 North Delmorr Ave., Morrisville – near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Feb. 3, in addition to the regularly scheduled evening performance. For tickets and information, visit the web site: www.actorsnetbucks.org.
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