Off Night Productions presented its first production of the year, a stage reading of “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” this Sunday at the Waldron Arts Center. The production opened Feb 1 and the last show will be on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Off Night Productions is a local non-profit that focuses on female and non-binary leadership within the arts and produces contemporary theatre on “off" nights of the week, like Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays compared to traditional theater.
The chaotic political comedy centers on seven women in the president’s inner circle as a PR crisis escalates into a world conflict, turning the White House upside down. As they scramble to manage the fallout of the POTUS’ actions, the women repeatedly pose the same question to one another throughout the play; “Hey, why isn’t she president?”
The play, written by Selina Fillinger, premiered on Broadway in April 2022 and quickly caught the attention of theatergoers for its sharp political humor. It was particularly noted for its all-female cast and its perspective on the inner workings of the White House which highlighted the voices often overlooked in political storytelling.
Elizabeth Mitchell, who plays Margaret, the First Lady, said the production allows viewers to take a break from real life and laugh at politics, while also highlighting serious issues.
“This community, as well as many others, needs a hearty laugh right now,” Mitchell said. “But our current state of national politics is dangerously inconsistent with our Constitution, and it’s upsetting everyone. Maybe we need a wake-up call.”
Behind the scenes, Off Night Productions’ mission aims to uplift women and non-binary artists within the world of theater production. The company emphasizes creating space for artists who are often overlooked in traditional theater settings, both onstage and backstage.
Stage manager Sevin Kacsir said being part of a production led by women feels especially relevant in today’s theater environment.
“Theater is a very male-dominated feel,” Kacsir said. “The more opportunities we have for women of all races, ages and backgrounds, we're taking a step toward not being as male predominated.”
Local playwright and audience member Annalise Cain was impressed by the many layers of the production.
“I really enjoyed it,” Cain said. “It's hard to do a farce that still feels politically aligned and consistent.”
The staged reading also sparked deeper conversations about representation and leadership in the theater industry.
“All my life I’ve been taught by women how to make theater, but I rarely see them as directors, leaders, or playing the most interesting characters,” Cain said. “It’s important to have different perspectives like this.”
More information about Off Night Productions and “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” can be found on its website.
