Steve Walpert believes that Presidential Dinner Theatre’s next show is a play that people on either side of the political spectrum can agree is funny
“It’s a fictional story that has no relationship to any candidate or anyone running for office,” said Walpert, who is directing “The Outsider” Aug. 16-18 and 23-24 at the dinner theater building, 32100 3rd Ave, Fort Eisenhower. “There are no photos of an ex-Republican president or an ex-Democratic president hanging on the wall. Everything is totally anonymous.”
One of his quandaries is finding a flag to represent this fictional location that doesn’t look like a real state flag.
In this show written by Paul Slade Smith, Ned Newley doesn’t want to be governor. He’s only in the position because the governor had an indiscretion with the second runner-up in a beauty pageant and has been run out of office. As the lieutenant governor, Newley (played by veteran dinner theater actor Terry Newton) has inherited the position. An incredibly smart man, he’s painfully shy and terrified of public speaking.
Walpert said when the character takes the oath of office, he mumbles so much that instead of hearing “So help me God,” the audience only hears “help me.”
Newley’s numbers in the polls are dismal. To beef them up and improve his public image, a political consultant is brought in.
Some fun personalities are thrown into the mix including Louise “Lulu” Peakes played by Karen Brotherton another familiar dinner theater actor. Lulu is an executive assistant who is friendly but ditzy and often says the first thing that pops into her head. She’s balanced out by the TV reporter with a wry sense of humor played by Jena Reynolds.
The play pokes fun at the political machine while uplifting democracy, but Walpert said truly none of the characters resemble any former or current political figure.
Walpert said there are lots of funny moments as well as some surprisingly poignant ones.
This is the second Walpert has directed a show written by Smith.
About 10 years ago, he directed “Unnecessary Farce” also featuring Terry Newton. The writing and humor impressed him so much that he has wanted to do another of Smith’s plays and is glad to have the opportunity.
Dinner is at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 16-17, 23-24 with the show at 8 p.m. and lunch is at 1:45 p.m. Aug. 18 with the show at 3 p.m.
The menu (which is subject to change) includes tender sliced beef in red wine gravy, smothered chicken with onion gravy rustic mashed potatoes, buttered sweet corn, broccoli with garlic butter and carrot cake. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available and must be requested when making reservations.
Tickets are $30 for the show only to $55 with discounts for active-duty military, adults 65 and older; youth 18 and younger and college students.
For reservations, call (706) 793-8552 or email lee.thomas.naf@army.mil.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
