Politics As Usual

It may be months before the mid-term elections, but The Sierra Madre Playhouse kicks off the campaign season with a riotous play that skewers politicians where they live, in their glorified self-image. And as we know from past headlines from politicians on both sides of the aisle, they have a problem with honesty, integrity, and family values.

The play, The Sensuous Senator, written by Michael Parker and directed by Ken Salzman, hits the ground running with a press conference where junior congressman Jack Maguire, played with adorable charm by lanky Brendan Shanahan, tells the assembled media (the audience) he wishes to introduce someone who needs no introduction. He then proceeds to introduce 22-term Congressman, Clyde Salt.

Salt, played by Charles Howerton who captures the wit and wisdom of the venerable politician, delivers most of the old saws about what a politician and politics should be, but he always slips in the zinger about how each misses the mark. Howerton´s craggy personality is perfect for the part.

Salt, in turn, introduces slick senator, Harry Douglas, played by Mark Tydell, who announces his run for the presidency. In classic form, the politician speaks to the media in long, windy passages. One hilarious scene has a member of the media asking the senator to answer with a simple "yes" or "no" whether he will raise taxes. And just like a politician, the senator rambles on interminably, saying nothing.

With Senator Douglas is his adoring wife, Lois, who fits the mold beautifully with her conservative clothes and cleaver repartee. The role is played by both Donna Cherry, who was featured on Opening Night and who is perfect as the loyal wife. Jenifer Winkler alternates in the role.

But all is not rosy. After reporter Marty Richmond, played by Mike Dessin (who is also the stage manager for the production), asks his initial question, another reporter, Betty Morrison from the National Intruder, starts grilling the senator. He dodges the questions in true political fashion, but then Morrison, played with dogged resolve by talented Tanya C. Edwards, wants to know if the rumors about the senator´s extra curricular activities are true.

That ends the press conference and the reporter is escorted out of the room by a cop, played by Scott Vinci. But in the second act in the senator´s townhouse, she comes back…with a camera.

Lois, the dutiful wife, is willing to hit the campaign trail, even if it means leaving town while her husband stays home…ostensibly alone. No sooner than the wife leaves, the senator picks up the phone and calls his sexy secretary. Veronica, played by gorgeous Melanie Rashbaum, can´t make the rendezvous, so the senator calls an escort service and arranges for a little companionship, preferably shapely. The hot little Blue Plate Special turns out to be the lovely Fiona, played by Kerry Jade Aberman, whose vibrant performance enhances the entire play.

But all does not go swimmingly. Before the final curtain, crusty Congressman Salt drops by, requesting lodging for the night. The sleeping powder the senator tries to slip him ends up in the junior congressman who also ends up with the call girl. The sexy secretary arrives and though she hopes to be spending a few happy hours in the senator´s bed, she spends most of the time under it. The intrepid reporter jots down snatches of the story unfolding before her eyes while dodging the cop pursuing her. She takes refuge under that bed, too, and hi-jinks ensue.

Then the wife comes home…Ah, family values on parade.

The romp, literally, is fun, probably exhausting for the cast, but a laugh-out-loud time for the audience, especially the very last sentence in Act II that sums up the play. If you love/hate politics, this will tickle your funny bone and you´ll walk away thinking all politicians are like this, so throw the bums out and start over.

The play runs through February 17 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA.

Admission: $20. Seniors (+65) and students (13-17) $17. Children under 12 $12. Reservations: (626) 355-4318.

Online Ticketing: www.sierramadreplayhouse.org