![Paper Mill Playhouse presents The East Coast Premiere of "The Outsider"](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2017/TheOutsider.jpg "Paper Mill Playhouse presents The East Coast Premiere of "The Outsider"")
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- In politics, the less you know, the higher you’ll go! At once a razor-sharp satire and an inspirational tribute to democracy, The Outsider is a timely and hilarious send-up of modern American politics. Paper Mill Playhouse presents the East Coast premiere of this comedy by Paul Slade Smith from January 24 through February 18, 2018. The production is directed by David Esbjornson.
In the midst of a political scandal, Ned Newley, the ultimate policy wonk, is unexpectedly thrust into the position of Governor. A complete unknown, with no political instincts and a paralyzing fear of public speaking, Ned seems destined to fail. But his political consultants see things a little differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for… the worst candidate to ever run for office!
The cast features Kelly Curran (Present Laughter) as Rachel Parsons, Julia Duffy (“Newhart”/”Designing Women”) as Paige Caldwell, Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd) as Dave Riley, Erin Noel Grennan (“Law & Order: SVU”) as Louise Peakes, Mike Houston (“Orange is the New Black”) as A.C. Petersen, Burke Moses (Beauty and the Beast) as Arthur Vance, and Lenny Wolpe (PMP’s The Baker’s Wife) as Ned Newley.
The Outsider had its World Premiere in Wisconsin in 2015. The Green Bay Press Gazette called it, "A highly developed production of a great American play. Witty and clever and smart. The play is about politics and government; that sounds like yawn material, but Smith nimbly maneuvers the topics toward a blend of comedy, farce and satire about what America is seeing today. The beauty is, after Smith lets blood in the pointed satire, he delivers care – rays of brightness about democracy. A remarkable comedy. Mr. Smith deserves to go to Washington, and all around our nation, with this inspirational satire."
The Outside will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. The performance schedule is Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 1:30pm & 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 1:30pm & 8:00pm, and Sundays at 1:30pm & 7:00pm.
The production team includes set design by Michael Schweikardt, costume design by Elizabeth Hope Clancy, lighting design by Ben Stanton, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and sound design by Randy Hansen. The production stage manager is Mark A. Stys. Casting is by Telsey + Company, Adam Caldwell, CSA, William Cantler, CSA and Karyn Casl, CSA.
Paper Mill Playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, New Jersey.
