Rebecca Ballinger (Stephanie), Bess Kaye (Bernadette), and Bianca Lipford (Chris) in “POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.” Photo by Joseph Edwards Photography.
With the upcoming election less than a month away, NextStop Theatre Company seized the opportunity to present Selina Fillinger’s unyielding political-comedy “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” truly showcasing why women should be running the White House.
…take a break and see the hilarity that goes on behind the scenes in the West Wing at NextStop’s ‘POTUS.’
From the moment we meet our heroines in a heated debate over whether the “c” word is a worse thing to say in a room full of diplomats, we know this is not your average day at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Falling into the chaos are White House staffers Chief of Staff Harriet (Lorraine Magee), Press Secretary Jean (Sally Imbriano), Secretary Stephanie (Rebecca Ballinger), First Lady Margaret (Lisa Hall-Corley), and reporter (and new mom), Chris (Bianca Lipford). If all those players aren’t enough, visitors Dusty (Graciela Rey) and Bernadette (Bess Kaye) also make unexpected appearances.
NextStop is known for casting incredible talent in the DMV area, and director, Abigail Isaac Fine, has lived up to that standard. Standouts include the effervescent and cunning Rey, the intelligent and comedic Magee, and the sweet but powerful Lipford. In truly star-defining roles are Rebecca Ballinger and Bess Kaye.
Ballinger’s comedic performance brought the audience to hysterics, hanging from her every word, unsure of what she would say or do next. Performing in a role that was made famous by SNL’s Rachel Dratch can be an intimidating feat, however, Ballinger made it her own and we are all the better for it. Kaye as Bernadette was a firecracker on the stage, excelling in physical comedy and quippy one-liners. With many of her asides taken directly to the audience, it was easy to feel connected and captivated by Kaye.
Excellently transforming the small NextStop black box into the iconic Oval Office is no easy feat. The scenic design team led by Jack Golden (artists Suzy Alden, Sarah Usary, and Ariel Kraje) and the properties design led by Martin Bernier deserve major kudos for such an impressive and versatile set. Through the use of the three doors on Golden’s set, Fine’s fast-paced blocking, James Finey’s fight choreography, and the ensemble’s comedic prowess gave us all the bad b**ch comedic beats that we needed.
As we all gear up for a fall of politics, take a break and see the hilarity that goes on behind the scenes in the West Wing at NextStop’s “POTUS.”
Running Time: Approximately one hour and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Contains flashing lights, a theatrical depiction of smoking and drug use, simulated vomiting, and prop guns (non-firing), and has strong, coarse language including profanity, lewd humor, discussion of sexual content, and death.
“POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” runs through October 20, 2024, presented by NextStop Theatre Company at 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia 20170. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online.
