Inside HCP’s The Outsider

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: March 2025

The Outsider Cast, Left to Right: April Getz, Craig Eister, Ron Leslie, Julie Harris
and Ted Rosensweig.

Live theater – the mere mention ignites the imagination as you take a moment to leave the real world behind for a night and immerse yourself in a story other than your own.

For those familiar with the Highlands Cashiers Players you know that this ensemble always delights. For the uninitiated, this is your chance to become a devotee as they present their spring production of The Outsider at the Performing Arts Center, March 20 through 30.

Director Michael Lanzillota, who has directed five HCP productions, and acted in countless more, can’t stress enough how enjoyable this non-partisan political satire is, while at the same time being an inspirational tribute to democracy. Assistant director Cathy Myers and line coach Jayne Pleasants work alongside Michael to ensure seamless production.

This fast-paced story finds Lt. Governor Ned Newley, an expert at policy and governance but a disaster at public speaking, unexpectedly thrust into the position of Governor, after his predecessor was removed from office due to a scandal.

Ron Leslie, no stranger to the local stage, brings Governor Newley to life as a man of impressive ability but little confidence, leaving him in the hands of a loyal staff trying to keep the ship afloat.

Enter his Chief of Staff Dave Riley, played by Craig Eister, returning to the Highlands stage for the first time since the Pandemic.

Earnest Dave has years’ of government experience but he’s a bit naïve about politics. He and pollster Paige Caldwell, played by April Getz, are working hard to avoid a special election to replace Ned, whose initial public appearance was so disastrous he’s facing an impeachment vote.

First on the scene is big-time political consultant Arthur Vance, played by Randy Lucas, a HCP veteran, whose chameleon-like talents bring the overbearing Arthur to life.

Arthur hires Louise Peakes, a bubbly and confident though dimwitted office temp as the Governor’s assistant. Louise is played to perfection by Diandra Mundy.

Until now we’ve been reminded that in politics the less you know and the better you look the higher you will go. Luckily an encounter with Rachel Parsons, a seasoned though jaded TV reporter, played by Julie Harris, and her cameraman, A.C. Patterson, played by stage newcomer Ted Rosensweig, brings everyone back down to earth and thinking straight again. For tickets visit highlandscashiersplayers.com.