Buffalo Theatre Ensble to Bring “The Outsider” to McAninch Arts Center This Fall
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional Equity theater company in residence at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), launches its 2024-2025 season with The Outsider by Paul Slade Smith, directed by BTE member Kurt Naebig Thursday, September 5 through Sunday, October 6.
The Outsider is a rapid-fire comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy. Ned Newley is the worst politico ever. He has no political instincts and a fear of public speaking. When Newley is thrust into the spotlight, he seems destined to fail, but his political consultant sees things differently. Out in New Jersey calls it, “Hilarious and oddly uplifting.” The San Diego Union Tribune states that “Paul Slade Smith has managed to write a play about politics that’s not only genuinely and consistently funny but has something eloquent to say about the meaning of leadership.”
The Outsider opened on June 16, 2015, at the Peninsula Players Theater in Wisconsin and is perhaps even more relevant in today’s political climate. In 2024, the comedy will be performed four times in the U.S. The BTE production is one of those four.
“I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to direct The Outsider, especially during this dynamic election season,” says Naebig. “The play is a brilliant piece that we can all enjoy together, regardless of our political leanings, and it’s no secret we need that right now. I could not imagine a better production to open BTE’s season, especially given the incredible team of actors and designers showcased in this production. In addition, it’s giving BTE the chance to reconnect with Smith, an internationally acclaimed actor and playwright, three decades after his early career performances with BTE.”
The cast of The Outsider, culled from Chicago and the suburbs, features Robert Jordan Bailey (Ned Newley), Joe Bushell (Dave Riley) and Lisa Dawn (Rachel Parsons). The design team includes Kurt Naebig (director), Liz Hadden (senic design) and Rachel Sypniewski (costume design).
Tickets are $44. The Box Office is open noon – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and two hours prior to performance. For tickets or more information about the production visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000.
There will be a preview at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 5 and a press opening at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 6. New for this season: All BTE Thursday – Saturday evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 3:00 p.m. There is an ASL performance at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 26. In addition, there will be a pre-show discussion with the director and designers at 6:45 p.m., Thursday, September 5, and a post-show discussion with the director, actors and crew on Friday, September 13.
Please note: this play contains adult themes and language.
