Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.
In this political environment, Selina Fillinger’s play is particularly timely. Her clever premise suggests although an elected buffoon is the face of the POTUS office, the brains, heart and wit running the country is an inner circle of seven women.The Chief of Staff, Press Secretary, First Lady, a reporter, an assistant, a felon and Dusty each have their own agenda. And they are all working it as they conform to societal pressures defining women’s roles. Fillinger’s play is intriguing. Her distinct characters engaging. POTUS is bookended with fierce messaging on women empowerment and democracy. In the middle, it is slapstick chase scenes.
In Act 1, Director Audrey Francis orchestrates rapid-fire wordplay. The initial conversations are snappy and sophisticated. It’s like “West Wing” on speed with Sandra Marquez (Harriet) and Karen Rodriguez (Jean) both channeling Allison Janney. Aided by Scenic Designer Regina Garcia’s nimble set, the series of exchanges move seamlessly through the White House. The pacing is tight. The ensemble is solid! The action culminates in FLOTUS’ office to grapple with a series of bad decisions by the President. The implosive banter turns physical.
At the top of Act 2, the tone shifts. The smart comedy plunges into full-fledged lampoon. Leading the buffoonery is an effervescent Chloe Baldwin, a wacky Caroline Neff and the hot mess of a sister Meighan Gerachis. Their light-hearted hi-jinx waters down the original sharp satire. The jokes become predictable. The humor is less droll more dolt. It’s as if the play itself is confronting the same identity crisis as these seven women in POTUS’ orbit.
At some point, Act 2 sobers up. The finale recovers some of the original focus with Marquez leading a particularly dramatic and marring visual going into black-out.
The best part of POTUS is seeing this terrific ensemble together on stage. A fierce Celeste Cooper and hilariously resigned Karen Aldridge round out the all-female crew. I had been excited to see this show since the cast announcement. And although it didn’t quite live up to my great expectations, there is no denying it, POTUS is fun! In fact, at my performance hearty laughter repeatedly kept me from hearing the next line.
Running Time: Two hours includes a delayed start and an intermission
At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Written by Selina Fillinger
Directed by Audrey Francis
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm
Thru December 10th
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Michael Brosilow
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