By Shirley Lorraine –
Santa Paula Theater Center’s 2026 season features plays that beg for discussion in the realm of :what if……” . This offering of The Outsider by Paul Slade Smith encourages the audience to enjoy a glimpse of politics from behind the scenes posing ideas of what could be taking place. Being in office isn’t necessarily true to what the public perceives.
This play explores areas that could possibly take place as a governor is ousted from office due to his philandering ways and his second in command has to reluctantly step into the spotlight. The unfortunate candidate is Lieutenant Governor Ned Newly, a man who cringes in front of a crowd, who appears “simple” and gives the impression he knows nothing about the political world into which he’s been thrown.
But nothing is ever as it seems, is it? As a team of experts led by political consultant Arthur Vance arrive to remake the man into their version of what a public figure should project, they discover what Chief of Staff Dave Riley already knows – there is more depth to Newly than is evident.
Newly does his best to mold himself to the consultant’s image, although ultimately allowing his knowledge and expertise to shine through, to the consultant’s chagrin.
The witty satire has a good share of laugh moments in that it is played as a high farce. Some of the acting is a bit overdone and most of it worked for me. A spectacularly ditzy temp named Louise Peakes, who actually has no skills, is brought in as a secretary. However, with little staff left behind, the crew needs assistance and so she stays on. Her delightful character provides quite a few laughs as well as some surprises.
The cast, assembled by Director Kimberly Demmary, is a strong one, clearly up to the task. From physical hijinks to subtle reactions, each character is well defined from their first entrance. Strong performances are given by Bink Goncharoff as the hapless Ned Newly, Kimberly Prendergast as temp Louise Peakes, and Jeff Ham as consultant Arthur Vance. Alphonse Philippe Mouzon gives the role of Dave Riley, chief of Staff, a bounty of energy throughout.
Secondary characters Shannon McNalley as Paige Caldwell, Nikki Stark as news reporter Rachel Parsons, and T.M. McShane as cameraman A.C. Peterson each add to the storyline in fine fashion.
Whether you agree or disagree with any current political roles, there is a great deal of humor to be found in the possibilities that the play provides. The political machine is, after all, one of public presence above and above the actual work being done. We, the little people, never really know what’s happening nor how things get accomplished. Maybe it’s better we don’t. Willing to keep an open mind and enjoy a laugh at the absurdity? (Or is it?) Check out The Outsider. It runs through May 10.
Fridays 8 p.m., Saturdays 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org or 805-525-4645.
