Arts & Entertainment

Power play

New D.C.-set play explores behind-the-scenes political pratfalls

Published

15 years ago

May 19, 2011

Patrick Folliard

‘Farragut North’
Through May 29
Olney Theatre Center
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Maryland
$26-$54
301.924.3400

Bruce Nelson, left, as Paul Zara, and Danny Yoerges as Stephen Bellamy in ‘Farragut North,’ on the boards now at Olney Theatre Center. (Photo by Stan Barouh; courtesy of Olney)

Named for the Metro station where lobbyists exit to their offices, Beau Willimon’s “Farragut North” offers a brief but unfiltered peek into the seamy world of politics.

Currently playing in Olney’s intimate Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre, this inside-the-Beltway story set in the Midwest follows power, lust and loyalty (or lack thereof) on the campaign trail. It’s freezing winter in Iowa and as the Democratic caucuses draw near, presidential campaigns begin to really heat up. The play focuses on 24 crucial hours in the goings-on of the campaign of Gov. Morris (whom we never meet), one of the Democratic nominee hopefuls.

The action kicks off in a Des Moines hotel bar. Over drinks, 25-year-old wunderkind press secretary Stephen Bellamy is busily regaling a small party with a tale from his short but marvelous (and sometimes shady) career. Seems when he was just starting out, Stephen helped his candidate win the election by falsely painting the opponent as an anti-Semite. His avid listeners – a New York Times political reporter Ida Horowicz (a wonderfully cold-blooded Susan Lynskey); Ben (Kevin Hasser), his newbie assistant; and Stephen’s boss, campaign manager Paul Zara played by Bruce Nelson who is gay – nod approvingly and chime-in occasionally as they thoroughly enjoy the sordid war story

Certain that his man is going to take Iowa (and eventually the nomination), Stephen is supremely confident, annoyingly so, but things begin to change when political veteran Tom Duffy, a rival candidate’s campaign manager asks Stephen for a meeting. Duffy, quietly played by excellent Olney veteran Alan Wade, leaks to Stephen that Morris is in fact not going to take Iowa or any other states (thanks to a host of dirty tricks) and suggests that Stephen jump ship ASAP. Complicating matters, Stephen gets involved with Molly (Elizabeth Ness), a sexually available young intern, and loses the support of the confreres whom he mistakenly thought were his friends. Meanwhile, it becomes apparent to Stephen that Ben, the earnest but promising gofer, has an eye on his job.

Playwright Willimon knows of what he speaks: Prior to penning plays, he worked in politics. His career kicked off as a volunteer for Charles Schumer’s first campaign in the Senate in 1998, and later included campaigns for Hillary Clinton and Bill Bradley. He was a press aide for Howard Dean’s 2004 campaign. As noted in the show’s program, Willimon stresses the play isn’t entirely a political drama. Its theme of could happen anywhere from Hollywood to a Home Depot.

Directed by Clay Hopper, the production moves briskly and is tidily staged. Hopper has elicited terrific performances from a fine cast that thoroughly understands its characters. Though the play is predictable – tragic hero scales heights, is overcome by own pride, and falls – it’s still fun to watch unfold. There is however a glaring flaw: If Stephen is in fact young Karl Rove savvy, why is he so easily caught in the first trap set for him? Yes, he’s tenacious and ultimately proves a street fighting survivor, but would a political prodigy of Stephen’s rank prove such easy quarry?

Yoerges plays Stephen with energy and likability that make his brilliant success all the more plausible while Nelson’s low-key Zara shows glimpses of anxiety and insecurity churning beneath a seemingly even-keeled surface. (Of course, Zara’s constant tobacco chewing and bad digestion are also a hint that all’s not well with him.)

Set designer Cristina Todesco’s neutrally colored panels on wheels combined with a few metal chairs and tables perfectly capture the essence of blah chain hotels and interchangeable bars and eateries encountered along the campaign trail. Ivania Stack dresses the cast in spot on street clothes from the campaign manager’s baseball cap and hunting jacket to the young communication director’s generically nice blue suit.

Politics is a dirty job but somebody has to do it, and here Olney acquits itself well.

Theater

Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach

‘Cher Show,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ among season’s standouts

Published

18 minutes ago

August 10, 2026

Peter Rosenstein

Abby Lynne and Caetano de Sá (Photo by Deny Howeth)

“The Cher Show” at Clear Space Theatre is wonderful. I am always amazed at the talent they attract for their summer series. Kudos to Wes Drummond, the artistic director of the theater. “The Cher Show” is written by Rick Elice. Compliments to the talented director, James FitzSimmons, who brought to life this production. His immensely talented cast includes Shannen Hofheimer as Star, Breanna Lemerise as Lady, Abby Lynne as Babe, and Anya Kay, as young Cher. Each is a pleasure to both watch and listen to. They command the stage. Then more kudos to the entire cast and ensemble. Also, the creative team, which includes among so many who make this show a hit, choreographer Shondelle Graulich; scenic designer, David Chappell; lighting designer Brendan Smith; costume designer Valerie Beardsley; and the entire orchestra led by conductor, Jerry Birl.

But the actor who I was looking forward to seeing in the production, was a young actor I had written about, and reviewed, when I saw him at Clear Space two years ago. In this production he is Sonny Bono, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.

Let me introduce Caetano de Sá. I have written about him before, but his resume is worth repeating. It says; Height: 5’7 ½, Eyes: Brown, Voice part: Tenor G2 – C5, Build: Athletic. All true. Then you add to this he speaks Brazilian Portuguese, is certified in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a 2^nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Then as his resume of roles confirms, he can act, sing, and dance with the best. He does a great job as Sonny and is fun to watch on stage. Here he displays his talents as a singer and actor, and they are as good as I remembered them when I first met Caetano while he was still in school in 2024, and was starring as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” at Clear Space. At the time he was a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theater program. I interviewed him, and Harry Sperduto, who played Tommy Devotee, after seeing them in the show, and being amazed by their talent. Since that time, I have followed their careers. When I heard Caetano was coming back to Clear Space for the summer, I reached out, and he agreed to sit down and chat, which we did. I knew Clear Space Theatre was planning a busy summer season. Their lineup of shows included “The Cher Show,” “Mean Girls,” and “Pretty Woman.” They always have talented casts, including the many college students who are getting their first chance to shine, which was the case for Caetano in 2024. Now he is back as a graduate, with more experience under his belt, a little more established. This season he was going to play Sonny in their production of “The Cher Show,” Martin/Coach Carr, in “Mean Girls,” and Mr. Hollister in “Pretty Woman,” and being a part of the ensemble. He told me he really enjoys being at Clear Space, and that his castmates are all talented. He is a lot more experienced than when he was here before, having performed in productions at the Prairie Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and the Sullivan Rep, among others. In productions as diverse as “Oklahoma!,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Hairspray,” and “Rock of Ages.” He now lives in New York City and clearly New York is the perfect place for an aspiring actor. He has an agent at Bramante Artists, who is getting him gigs, like the one he had at 54 Below and even a TV commercial for AFLAC.

“The Cher Show” is the second show I have seen at Clear Space this summer. After our chat I got one of the last tickets available that evening for “Pretty Woman.” In that production he has a smaller role, and is part of the incredibly talented ensemble. It is also an entertaining show and its very talented stars, Abby McDonough as Vivian, and Jaiden Leo Riley as Edward, are a pleasure to watch. Kudos to the talented director, Ashley Williams, and the entire creative team.

For anyone living at the beach, or coming for a visit, I urge you to plan a night at Clear Space. You won’t regret it. But know tickets for all the shows, and Sunday evening cabaret nights, sell out fast. So, I suggest you see what’s available online and buy yours today.

Photos

PHOTOS: World Pride March

LGBTQ rights demonstration held in Amsterdam

Published

2 days ago

August 9, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from the 2026 World Pride March in Amsterdam. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2026 World Pride March was held on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Amsterdam. Tens of thousands of participants marched from Martin Luther Kingpark to the grounds of the Pride Village at Museumplein.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)