ANNA MARIA – The Island Players are ending the 2025-26 community theater season on a high note with the satirical political comedy, “The Outsider.”
Written by Paul Slade Smith in 2015, “The Outsider” tells the tale of a shy, nervous, policy-driven lieutenant governor who suddenly finds himself thrust into the role of governor when the governor he serves resigns amidst a sex scandal.
“The Outsider” takes a humorous, human and heartfelt look at politics, government and the people who participate in those public endeavors.
Co-produced by LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air, “The Outsider” was initially directed by James Thaggard. When Haggard had to step down due to an unexpected medical issue, longtime sound designer and actor Mike Lusk and stage manager Denise Handley stepped in and helped ready the cast and crew for opening night on Thursday, May 7. The second week of the two-week theatrical run begins on Tuesday, May 12, and concludes with a matinee performance on Sunday, May 20.
Just before the start of the Wednesday, May 6, preview performance for invited family members and friends, Lusk said, “This is a hilarious play and it was already in pretty good shape when I came in. It is a very contemporary play. The cast is marvelous and most people who come to the Island Players will have seen them before. They had a blast working together and some of them had not worked together until this play. This wraps up our season this year and we’re looking forward to next season.”
In the lead role of Ned Newley, Jeffrey Steiger gives a wonderful and nuanced performance as the timid but effective and educated behind-the-scenes civil servant who’s very good at his job, but he’s terrified of public speaking and he’s terrible at it.
Jennifer Kwiatkowski gives a hilariously over-the-top performance as Louise “LuLu” Peaks, a ditzy but supremely confident temporary office worker who stumbles into being touted as the potential new lieutenant governor, and a possible rising star in state and national politics.
Eric Johnson plays Dave Riley, Newley’s only existing staff member when he assumes the governorship. Initially, Dave is the only person in the new governor’s small circle of confidants who actually believes Newley is the right man to serve as governor despite his meek and timid nature.
Sue Belvo plays Paige Caldwell, the newly hired political pollster who’s constantly seeking input from polls and focus groups – beginning with the public’s reaction to the new governor’s disastrous first television appearance. Caldwell takes more joy in the public’s highly positive reaction to the charismatic LuLu and her refreshing, and clueless, approach to politics.
John Andruzzi plays Arthur Vance, the opportunistic political advisor who has strong ties to a cable news network and is always on the hunt for the next great political candidate. While he has his doubts about Newley’s political viability, Arthur is instantly enthralled with LuLu and the political possibilities stemming from her meteoric rise in popularity.
Valerie Lipscomb plays Rachel Parsons, the TV news reporter who finds herself shackled by a boss who insists she throw Newley and LuLu nothing but “softball” questions when interviewing them.
Making his second consecutive appearance in an Island Players’ production, newcomer Evan Bradshaw plays A.C. Petersen, Rachel’s mostly silent TV news cameraman. During the second act, Ned and A.C. engage in a poignant off-camera discussion about the real purpose and the real-life impacts of government.
The sentiments expressed during this beautiful two-person scene can be applied to the sometimes unnoticed and under-appreciated impacts the three Anna Maria Island governments make on the Island community – and the higher-level impacts county, state and federal governments make on our daily lives.
CAST COMMENTS
Immediately after the May 6 preview performance, Steiger said, “It’s fun to play a character with an arc and different layers and levels. I’m able to be comedic and I also get a chance to dig deep as this play asks some nice questions. It’s thrilling and intimidating to play this role.”
Kwiatkowski said, “I love playing LuLu, although I feel I might be a little more intelligent than she is. She sure is fun to play. A lot of people wanted this role and I was happy to get it. The play is a really good representation of what government is supposed to be, with the added ingredient of humor. It’s a wonderful play.”
Kwiatkowski’s husband, Rodney, is the fire marshal for the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District and the couple met during an Island Players’ production many years ago.
Lipscomb, a former journalist, said, “When I was in my twenties, I edited a small newspaper. I also worked on my college newspaper. I absolutely believe the words coming out my mouth on stage as an idealistic journalist. This is a really good show and a really good script. It’s a pleasure to be involved with this cast. We’re making fun of politics, but politics are the heart of the show.”
Tickets for “The Outsider” are $20-$30 and are available online at the Island Players website. Tickets are also available at the Island Players’ box office during the week and, if available, before each show starts. For more information, call 941-778-5755. The Island Players Theatre is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.
