Falcon Theatre opens its 2024-2025 season with a proverbial bang via its production of POTUS by Selina Fillinger. Featuring an all-female cast under the direction of Piper N. Davis, the political farce is summarized with the all-too-relatable words “Behind every great dumbass are seven women trying to keep him alive.” In case you couldn’t tell, this show is meant for mature audiences only.
The Production Team
Costume Design by Rachel Scardina is wonderfully effective in capturing the personality of each of the seven characters we meet. Scenic Design by Artistic Director Ted Weil is meticulous and mostly functional, except for the rare occasion when all seven characters are on stage at the same time (due to the split set, it gets a wee bit tight if they are all in the same “room”). But given the farcical nature of the script, it adds just another fun layer of mayhem!
Ms. Davis has surrounded herself with a capable team to assist with the fast-paced action including Movement Coordinator Claire LaNicca (who also plays the role of Bernadette). However, scene changes do seem to slow down the pace and can take the audience out of the “moment” of something that should certainly be progressing constantly.
The Performing Artists
It can be a daunting task to cast a show with seven very different characters who interact and must be a cohesive ensemble. Fortunately, Falcon Theatre succeeds. While there are stand-out moments from each actor (Sherry McCamley, Anna Hazard, Clair LaNicca, Bryanna Bentley, and Brandi La’Sherrill), there are two of particular note.
Playing the role of Stephanie, the POTUS’ personal secretary, is Samantha Joy Luhn. This may be a bold statement, but Ms. Luhn’s performance is one of the absolute best she has ever given. She manages to find a perfect balance of unsure, Nervous Nellie energy coupled with off-the-wall humour which does not push too hard. She hits every single moment with her usual professional ease and I was living for it.
Also giving an A+ display is Elizabeth Durham as Jean, the POTUS’ press secretary. Ms. Durham does not miss a beat as she vacillates between the calm, cool exterior of someone who needs to ease the minds of the American public to her contained “outbursts” about children and relationships and, well…everything else. This reviewer continues to be impressed with Ms. Durham’s chops and looks forward to seeing more.
The Lowdown
In today’s political climate, POTUS is an apropos season opener. While I feel some of the language used in Ms. Fillinger’s script is unnecessarily graphic (and if you know me, you’ll realize that is saying a LOT), it was certainly done to make a point – and make a point it does. But I can’t help but think the old adage of “If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry” is an important one when seeing this show. It certainly points very direct fingers to the chauvinistic tendencies in our government and also makes one think about how much power women actually do have if we choose to use it. Further, there is never anything wrong with a belly laugh to remind you to keep your chin up. POTUS is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it has a strong and important story to tell.
Ticket to POTUS
Falcon Theatre’s POTUS runs now through September 28th. Additionally, please visit Facebook to learn more about Falcon’s partnership with Tidal Babe Period during the run of this show and here to get your tickets!
