Center Stage Community Theatre well debut its production of “The Outsider” by Paul Slade Smith tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27 for audiences to behold the telling of a nonpartisan political farce where a socially anxious Governor seeks to fix his image.
The Center Stage Community Theatre production of “The Outsider” will debut tomorrow, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at 604 Powell St. in Lebanon. The shows will continue on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 13. Director Matt McKee expressed that the production presents a farcical take on political situations, such as incidents where a successor is moved into office.
“The play is about a governor who resigns due to a scandal,” McKee said. “The Lieutenant Governor has to take over. He’s very good behind the scenes, but he is terrified of public speaking and of people, so the plot of the play is to prevent a special election and getting him kicked out of office.”
McKee continued to outline the plot of the play, highlighting moments of physical comedy interlaced with intellectual humor amidst humorous quips from unexpected characters.
“They bring in a temp who is a total ditz–an airhead–but the public absolutely loves her, so it’s really finding that balance between the guy who knows what he’s doing and the girl who doesn’t know anything about government but the public loves her,” McKee said. “It’s a great comedy, and a lot of funny things happen.”
While Center Stage audiences may recognize McKee for his performances in previous productions, “The Outsider” acts as an introduction to McKee behind the scenes as he takes on the production for his directorial debut.
“I’ve been on the board here for a couple years, and I’ve acted on this stage many times, but this is my directorial debut,” McKee said. “It is much different being on the other side. Being an actor helps because you can understand what the actors are feeling and going through, and it’s bittersweet. I wish I could be up there on the stage with them, but everybody’s doing a great job, and I’m having a blast.”
McKee expressed that the play was carefully selected by him for his directorial debut as the atmosphere of the play aligned with his sense of humor and fell perfectly into the timeframe of the performance schedule.
“I read this play almost two years ago, and as soon as I read it, I knew we had to do it this fall during election season,” McKee said. “It was going to be perfect timing.”
McKee expressed that the play is designed to appeal to audiences of every background and belief, regardless of their affiliations, through its outlook on politics and its comedic stance on everyday quirks showcased by candidates across the nation.
“People should come because this is a very nonpartisan political play,” McKee said. “It makes fun of the whole system really, and really the heart of it is reminding us why we’re Americans. There’s more that brings us together, I believe, than what drives us apart, and this play is really going to help people remind themselves of that, especially in this election season.”
The Center Stage Community Theatre production of “The Outsider” will debut tomorrow, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at 604 Powell St. in Lebanon. The shows will continue on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 13. Tickets may be purchased online at centerstagecommunitytheatre.com or by calling the box office at 765-894-5587.
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