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‘The Outsider’ ACCT shines with timely political satire.
- Jeanne Theismann
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Is Ned Newley the worst candidate to ever run for office? Despite impressively bad poll numbers, political consultant Arthur Vance thinks Newley is exactly what the public is looking for in “The Outsider.” It’s a timely and hilarious political comedy opening Oct. 3 at Aldersgate Church Community Theater.
Newley, a brilliant but socially awkward lieutenant governor, is suddenly thrust into the role of governor after a scandal forces his predecessor to resign. He is a policy genius but a public relations disaster — terrified of speaking and painfully uncomfortable in the spotlight. His chief of staff, Dave Riley, enlists the help of a slick political consultant, Arthur Vance, who sees Newley’s awkwardness as a potential goldmine. Vance believes voters crave authenticity, even if it’s clumsy and unpolished.
Things spiral into absurdity when Louise Peakes, a ditzy temp secretary with no political experience, accidentally becomes a viral sensation and is pushed into running for office herself. “The Outsider,” written by playwright Paul Slade Smith, explores how political success can hinge more on optics and relatability than competence or substance.
“The Outsider is decidedly political but it takes no sides,” said Eddie Page, an award-winning director who helms the stellar cast. “There’s no intent to undermine or endorse any party or candidate. As we navigate this changing climate, it becomes increasingly clear that individual actions and choices matter. Instead, it embraces a mirror up to recent years of the political climate and invites us to laugh at the absurdity we all recognize.”
Marg Soroos is producer along with Charles Dragonette, who does double duty on stage as AC Peterson. Steve Rosenthal is the bumbling but brilliant Ned Newley, with Elizabeth Repolgie as Louise, Sara Joy Lebowitz as Rachel, Maya Reva as Paige, Richard Fiske as Arthur, and Jim Pearson as Dave.
The fast-paced dialogue, physical comedy and strong ensemble cast balance slapstick with moments of genuine insight into the political process.
Rosenthal as Newley captures the character’s endearing awkwardness with Fiske taking on a James Carville-esque charisma. Repolgie as Louise steals scenes with her clueless charm.
“Louise is brought into the governor's office as a temp after the previous governor's resignation and departure of his entire support staff,” Repolgie said. “What she lacks in intelligence — which is a lot — she makes up for with enthusiasm, unearned confidence, and a genuine desire for everyone around her to feel good about themselves.”
Said Fiske about his role as political consultant Vance, “Arthur Vance is larger than life, widely experienced and massively self-confident. He could be disliked for his ego and overbearing personality, but his joy in the process overcomes this. He is a showman and his enthusiasm is contagious.”
With “The Outsider” Smith provides a satirical look at how pollsters and pundits shape political candidates. He cleverly skewers the absurdities or modern politics without alienating his audience. It’s a comedy that asks serious questions: What do voters really want? Is authenticity just another performance? And who truly runs the show?
Said Soroos, “I would like people to see the show then go away with a smile on their face and know that democracy is worth the time and effort to keep it alive.”
“The Outsider” is playing Oct. 3-19 at Aldersgate Church Community Theater, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. For tickets or more information visit www.acctonline.org.
