by Dr. Tiffany Knight Raymond, PhD
South Park Theatre goes 21st century with Paul Slade Smith’s The Outsider. Smith’s 2015 political satire is both thoroughly modern and timeless since lampooning politicians is a craft as old as time. In college, I read 18th century political satirists Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift. I remember being surprised by how effortlessly their political slights – and insights – translated to the modern day.
Smith’s play is a story of opposites attract, politics edition. In this case, charismatic governor Larry Clark suddenly steps down after being caught lying about an affair with the runner-up in a beauty pageant (the play is already dated!). This thrusts Lieutenant Governor Ned Newley (Jim Kiley) into the spotlight and office. While Ned’s actually the brains of the governor’s office, Newley appears to be a bumbling fool. He’s a socially awkward, nerdy introvert who prefers spreadsheets to people.
CNN political advisor Arthur Vance (Kevin Bass) sweeps in after seeing Newley stumble through his swearing in. Vance is a legend, having “worked for four of the last six presidents,” and Bass has a palpably commanding presence that brings people into line. He’s there to refashion Newley from pitiable into a relatable man of the people. This transition is facilitated by costume designer Robert Hockenberry as Newley goes from rumpled suit to red flannel vest. Vance delivers a master class in political maneuvering to appeal to the masses.
Photo Credit: Carina Iannarelli
Before we ever meet Ned, we hear about him from political strategist Paige Caldwell (Stacey Rosleck) and Newley’s Chief of Staff, Dave Riley (David Nackman). Rosleck rocks a blue power suit and pairs it with a commanding, no-nonsense presence. Riley admires Newley for his actual talent, not his political prowess. As Newley’s long-term supporter, Nackman finds the line of authentic underdog admiration without lapsing into sycophancy. It’s a small circle who know Ned’s true talents. Like the public, the audience’s view of Ned is skewed by his fumbled public appearance and Caldwell’s armada of pollster stats that paint Ned unfavorably.
Unfortunately, this is reinforced by Ned’s introduction. He sneaks into what is now his office, clutching a cardboard box of his supplies, shield-like. Kiley carefully circles his predecessor’s desk, tentative to claim what is now his and authentically screaming in terror as he’s startled when someone walks in. A larger than life (literally) framed headshot of Governor Clark behind his desk remains a smilingly omniscient presence in the play.
Photo Credit: Carina Iannarelli
In typical political fashion, Clark’s staff is let go when he resigns. Newley’s thin day one crew consists of his Chief of Staff and temp agency-sourced executive assistant, Louise Peakes (Caitlin Young). Young is captivating as Miss Peakes. She embodies a disarmingly charming vapidness. It’s perplexing to pin down if it’s manufactured, real, or some combination.
Director Olivia Hartle commands a talented cast, and she endows Miss Peakes with a flapping hand wave gesture. Young transforms it into a viral-worthy character signature. Smith speaks to the power of poll. Just as Newley polled poorly, which casts doubt on him, Peakes has broad appeal. The balance of political opposites is restored.
The Outsider reminds us that as long as there have been politicians, there have been critiques of them from all sides of the aisle. While penned 300 years before Smith’s play, Alexander Pope’s 1714 political commentary still resonates: “I find myself hoping a total end of all the unhappy divisions of mankind by party-spirit, which at best is but the madness of many for the gain of a few.”
The feeling one is living in a divisive political climate remains a historical constant. There’s a kind of survival solace to that reality. It was dark times in 1714, and yet, here we are. Ned Newley defines government as “what we decide collectively to do together,” revealing Smith as an optimist. Through Ned, he advocates for a government truly for the people, which is a hopeful and unifying vision, regardless of one’s “party-spirit.”
-TKR, Ph.D.
South Park Theatre’s production of The Outsider runs through September 6, 2025 at South Park Theatre, South Park Township, PA, 15129. Purchase tickets online here.
