The Presidents is a dazzling two act, five actor "tour de force" lovingly portraying the strengths and humanity of the "Most Powerful Man On Earth!" In this intelligent comedy, internationally acclaimed impersonator Rich Little becomes, with uncanny accuracy, all nine presidents from JFK to George W. Bush. Insightful, touching, and hilarious - this theatrical journey through America's last forty years has excited audiences everywhere it has played!
The Presidents are joined on stage by their First Ladies (all fabulously portrayed by a single actress), the famous "second bananas" (including Kissinger, John Dean, RFK, Billy Carter, Martin Luther King, James Carville), plus Secret Service Agents, Pundits, Reporters, and average Americans. The audience is not only spending an evening with our Commander in Chief but also with our history - we revisit our greatest challenges (the Bay of Pigs, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, Vietnam, Desert Storm) as well as our greatest triumphs (The Civil Rights Bill, landing on the moon, The Camp David Peace Accord, unprecedented economic prosperity) with humor and respect. The Presidents is as smart as it is hilarious!
How Did The Presidents Come to Be?
Rich Little always dreamed of applying his amazing gift of Impersonation to the legitimate stage and the Oval Office. He enlisted Washington Insider Ron Nessen (Gerald Ford's Press Secretary) and began to flesh out the idea. Before long, it came to the attention of Bill Castellino (veteran director of many new plays) and Castellino chose to develop and direct this one-of-a kind theatrical adventure. Finally, Loren Paul Caplin, (acclaimed screenwriter and accomplished playwright) was brought on board to co-write the play with Ron Nessen. The happy result was that The Presidents premiered at the Cherry County Playhouse on August 8, 2000. Subsequent productions were at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center in Nyack, NY and at TheaterFest in Montclair, New Jersey.
What Is The Point Of View Of The Play?
The creators of The Presidents have designed an extraordinary show that preserves a deep respect for the Oval Office and the men who inhabit it - while dramatically and intelligently reflecting our country, our culture, and ourselves. Each scene features dramatic challenges - both personal and historic that have faced the last nine Presidents. We laugh, learn, and re-live the amazing events that have shaped the lives of all Americans - and the entire world. Although each President is lovingly lampooned with a non-partisan wit, this wonderful production simultaneously celebrates and honors those extraordinary men who have lead "the most freedom loving people on the planet" through times of triumph and adversity.
The Presidents has continued to evolve as the history of our times has been written. In its first incarnation, the election of 2000 had not yet occurred; but as November 7 came along, creators of The Presidents rewrote the ending to give the last word to George W. Bush. As contemporary events occur, this entertaining play will continue to add important, interesting, and humorous happenings with its own unique, dignified, and intelligent slant!
Who Would Enjoy The Play?
The Presidents speaks to critical segments of the theater going public.
• Students (of all ages) - teachers will appreciate this wonderfully entertaining history lesson.
• Seniors - will have a particular affection for this intelligent and insightful comedy as a trip down memory lane.
• Baby Boomers - The Presidents represents the collective memory of our adult lives (1960 - 2001).
The Presidents is the perfect family entertainment connecting all generations. As we all find new ways to celebrate, renew, and discover our patriotism, this wonderful play unites us all!
For further information about The Presidents National Tour, please contact The Playhouse Office at (231) 727 - 8888.
Rich Little is...
 ...Kennedy,
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 Johnson,
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 Nixon,
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 Ford,
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 Carter,
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 Reagan,
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 Bush,
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 and Clinton
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"One can only feel grateful for the American public's consistently droll taste in selecting their leaders, thus guaranteeing Little grist for the mill from which to fashion his comic portraits. Barreling his way from JFK through William Jefferson Clinton, he catches and exposes, in by now, well-documented moments of revealing candor, their idiosyncrasies and defining personality traits as well as those of Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr." "Voice, grit, facial mannerisms and body language (including an array of outrageous wigs) are cleverly layered to evoke the physical and spiritual essence of each past pooh-bah. Little is strikingly on target, and very funny, much of the time most notably with his Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan go-rounds, and never less than strongly reminiscent with all the others." Naomi
Siegel |
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