***** Back in the last century, in an era called the 60’s, there was a summer stock theater in Marengo Illinois. It was called Shady Lane Farm Playhouse and for many Chicago actor’s it was their summer home away from home. The shows done were titles such as “Up In Manel’s Room”, Getting Gertie’s Garter”, and “Critics Choice” to name some of the funny ( very farcical) plays designed to allow the audience to forget about the garbage going on in the world and to just spend a few hours with a drink ( maybe a cookie) and a good laugh! It was great for the cast, the producers, the bartenders and of course, the audience members, who for that brief shining moment forgot about the farm machines, the Sears bill, the hardware store, or even milking ole Bessie. They had a ball!

 

Tonight, at Oil Lamp Theatre, that intimate storefront in downtown Glenview, I felt like the clock had turned back to that time and in spite of it being-3 degrees outside, in the theater it was “hot” with a capital H as we watched Paul Slade Smith’s “The Outsider” come to life on the very tiny stage. Smith’s story of politics and “strange happenings” is a farce that is even more fun in today’s world of political situations, and Director Scott Westerman truly knows how to take the actors through their roles in bringing each character to their place in the puzzle created by Smith.

There are several shows and even a movie or two called the “Outsiders” so do not be confused. This particular farcical play is special. The basic story is about a state where the Governor  has been tossed from his office over a scandel and his Lt. Governor, Ned Newly ( a very special once in a lifetime performance by William Ryder, who is perfect) moves into the spot. He has always been the back room, behind the scenes guy, knowing all the actual facts and figures, but always avoiding any contact with the people or the press. His “handler” Dave ( deftly handled by Michael Morrow) truly feels that Ned is the man and puts together a “team” to make sure Ned gets to keep the job. Part of the team is Paige Caldwell ( played to perfection by Melody Rowland),  a savvy lady  who loves politics. Dave also hires a “temp” and this is where the farce truly begins. The “temp” , Louise ( a truly powerful performance by Jenna Seege) is hysterical, not knowing anything or who anyone is, but loving being a part of something ( or maybe anything).

The party brings in a specialist, Arthur Vance ( Andrew Bosworth) to make sure that Ned gets to keep his job and while being interviewed by Rachel Parsons (Sara DiPasquale) and her cameraman ( Kenneth Johnson), somehow Louise gets in and changes the entire picture. This “temp” is now the “assistant Governor”! Let the hysteria begin

The second act details the new campaign of Louise , now being hailed as “LuLu” and we get to watch the uniqueness of the Arthur Vance school of politics and running for office. The second interview and the prep for same is hysterical. You will find yourself bursting into laughter and as you thinks about some of the statements, perhaps, you will consider how Smith’s words relate to some of the political havoc we are seeing or have seen in the past few years. This tight knit cast has perfect timing and makes this small stage come alive with laughter.

On the tech side, I appreciated the set ( (Spencer Donovan) where this small stage worked to perfection. I also loved the desk chair and its many functions ( this is something creative that I am pretty sure Westerman came up with), and the props (Ellen Markus) were terrific. I loved the cards ( a very comical bit). The lighting (Rachel D. Hemm) and sound (Alex Trinh) and costumes ( Janelle Smith) were all spot on. This play is about 10 years old and worth the ride to Glenview. Oil Lamp is a small venue so my suggestion is to order tickets right away.

“The Outsider” will continue thru – Feb 22nd with performances as follows: