The Wimberley Players will present Paul Slade Smith’s clever and fast-moving political comedy, April 24 through May 17 at the Wimberley Playhouse.
For audiences ready for a break from the real-world news cycle, “The Outsider” offers an evening of sharp comedy, strong performances and the simple pleasure of watching a terrific ensemble bring a very funny story to life.
Directed by Whitney Marlett, the play centers on Ned Newley, a reluctant and deeply awkward politician who unexpectedly finds himself rising in the polls — largely because he lacks the ability to spin, posture or convincingly lie. As his accidental authenticity begins to resonate with voters, his campaign team, the press corps and the political establishment scramble to decide whether his honesty is a liability or the secret to his success.
Blending rapid-fire comedy with surprising warmth, “The Outsider” offers a timely but good-natured satire of modern politics that focuses less on partisanship and more on the universal absurdities of public life.
Director Whitney Marlett says the show’s appeal comes from both its humor and its humanity.
“At its heart, this play is about what happens when someone who never expected to be in the spotlight suddenly finds themselves there,” Marlett said. “It’s incredibly funny, but it also has a lot of heart. Audiences will recognize these characters — not just from politics, but from everyday life.”
The production features Joanna Gunaraj as Paige Caldwell, Samuel Ellisor as Dave Riley, Reji Smith as Louise Peakes, Greg Dew as Ned Newley, Robert Moritz as Arthur Vance, Allie Lawrence as Rachel Parsons and Carter Holland as A.C. Peterson.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students.
Tickets may be purchased online at wimberleyplayers.org or by calling the box office at 512-847-0575. The theatre is located at 450 Old Kyle Rd.
The Outsider is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
