It can be intimidating to get promoted, even when it only matters to you and your closest colleagues.  Imagine the pressure, then, when a whole state’s eyes turn to you when you are suddenly promoted to Governor after a scandal ousts your old boss.  That situation is what sets into motion the action of “The Outsider”, a workplace comedy/political satire currently playing at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. 

Now that is not to say that new Governor Ned Newley (played by Connor Norton) isn’t up to the task of running the state – in fact, this former State Treasurer (who really looks the part of a treasurer) is perhaps the most well-versed public servant in the history of government.  It’s the trappings of the Office of Governor that don’t fit his personality.  Newley hates the big, beautiful office with a view of his state capitol’s skyline (nice job by Set Designer Tammy Smith, Scenic Artist RayeAnn Hockensmith, and Set Coordinator Glenn Semones and team in creating a fantastic West Wing-style office re-creation and in finding, as called out in the action on stage, “the most governor-looking desk there is”).  He hates the idea of not being able to spend all his time on policy fixes.  And, most of all, Newley is anxious beyond belief about being on camera, meeting lots of new people, and being a public figure. 

Luckily, Newley isn’t alone in taking on this task.  Chief of staff Dave Riley is with him the entire way, played by Joseph White.  White, who we’ve seen a couple of times this year at LTN in supporting roles (in “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?” and “Radium Girls”), jumps into a leading role here, and totally nails the part.  White has perhaps the best facial expressions of anyone in our local community theater scene, acting and reacting to everything happening around him on stage.  We could spend the entire length of the show watching him and not be disappointed. 

While Newley frets about his terrible (and viral video) swearing in ceremony, Riley has gotten to work, trying to build out his new staff.  Knowing that Newley is weak on the politics part of the job, Riley’s first call was to pollster Paige Caldwell.  Taking on that role is Helen Hope (who we loved earlier this year also in “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?”), who has great chemistry with the rest of the cast, playing off each of their individual personalities to make the conversations seem realistic.  The viral swearing in has also somehow caught the attention of national media kingmaker Arthur Vance, who has been inspired by Newley’s seeming incompetence, and believes that the public’s perception of Newley as “just like us” and “unsure exactly what government does” is perfect for vaulting him into the national spotlight.  The bravado and confidence of Vance is played wonderfully by James McDaniel V (of Generic’s “The Weir”), who commands the stage every time he is out there.

The most hilarious moments of this play, however, revolve around the temp that Riley hired just this morning to be the Governor’s receptionist.  The role of Louise “Lulu” Peakes requires a huge personality, perfect comedic timing, an uncanny ability to not crack yourself up, and total confidence.  The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach struck gold with their casting of Rhondée Caldwell.  From the moment she introduces herself (with a line as simple as “I’m Louise Peakes”) she is a joy, and it only gets better.  Her questions about the candy bowl in the reception area brought the audience to tears with laughter.  Caldwell’s delivery is spot on as she says that she thinks there might just be more things that she is not than things she is.  And the unexpected way she turns the plot on its head in a scene with reporter Rachel Parsons (played by the expressive and entertaining Madeleine Dilley, who can inexplicably turn a man on just by playing poker) absolutely brings the house down.  Caldwell’s performance is such a master class of comedy that, at least at our performance, the audience felt drawn to applaud every single time she left the stage.

While Lulu brings the hilarity, the heart of this play comes from Governor Newley himself, his relationship with his Chief of Staff, and his earnest endeavor for good governance.  In an unexpected moment of understanding, the Governor connects with cameraman A.C. Petersen.  Petersen is played as the sort of “everyman” of America, captured well by actor Eric Frenck, who is disaffected with politics and doesn’t understand what government is all about.  Norton, in a wonderful moment hearkening back to one of our favorite holiday specials, delivers a perfect “That’s what government is all about Charlie Brown” type of speech, as the window behind his desk turns to nighttime and the lights of the City come on.  It is a beautifully choreographed and executed moment, and the ability to find this sincerity in the middle of a raucous comedy is a credit to the work of the cast and creative team led by director Tammy Smith (and inspired by the late co-director Nancy Curtis). 

We went into this play not knowing what it was about (we in fact were half expecting it to be about gangs in Oklahoma, a la the book “The Outsiders”).  We left with huge smiles on our faces, recounting our favorite lines all the way home.  This play makes an important point about how our current political system works, and coats that message in frothy comedy that you can’t help but love.  You will have a great time at one of our favorite comedies of the year, and will ask yourself – is an outsider really the right person to bring in to be in charge of any organization, especially a complex and layered government?  Oh, and in a related question – where exactly do you keep your extra candy?