The three-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway play, POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, makes its highly anticipated Philadelphia premiere at Arden Theatre Company (40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106) on September 12. POTUS is a riotous comedy that shines a light on seven women showcasing their wit, resilience, and determination as they navigate a PR nightmare. The hour and forty-five-minute production contains mature and strong language. Written by Selina Fillinger in 2022, the then 28-year-old became one of the youngest female playwrights ever to have a show produced on Broadway. Directed by Philadelphia-based comedic dynamo Jennifer Childs (she/her), the production unfolds on the F. Otto Haas Stage with previews beginning September 12, opening night September 18, with performances through October 6.
When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon must risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. With sharp humor and incisive commentary, this all-female farce is a hilarious homage to the women who keep things running and get the job done.
The dynamic all-female cast features Kimberly Gilbert (she/her) (Bernadette, the President’s sister), Susan Riley Stevens (she/her) (Harriet, his chief of staff), Karen Peakes (she/her) (Jean, his press secretary), Suzanne O’Donnell (she/her/hers) (Stephanie, his secretary), Alia Munsch (she/her) (Dusty, his dalliance), Jessica Johnson (she/they) (Chris, a journalist), and Rachel Leslie (she/her) (Margaret, the President’s wife, The First Lady).
“There are no other theatrical farces that feature an all-female cast,” says director Jennifer Childs. “In traditional farces, women are always secondary characters and too often are stereotypical tropes next to the more nuanced male characters. POTUS offers a cast of ferocious women the opportunity to be outrageous and funny and flawed and fully themselves. It is a really smart piece of comedy that asks each cast member to play at the top of their physical, intellectual, and emotional intelligence. And it’s ridiculously funny.”
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive begins September 12, opens September 18, and runs through October 6. The Opening Night sponsor is Harmelin Media. Honorary producers are June and Steve Wolfson. Single ticket prices vary by performance and start at $37. Tickets are available online at ardentheatre.org, by phone at 215.922.1122, or at the box office at Arden Theatre Company (40 N. 2nd Street).
Special events and performances for POTUS include:
Pay-What-You-Choose Community Benefit Final Dress| Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 7 p.m. A Pay-What-You-Choose final dress performance will benefit the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia. The League of Women Voters of Philadelphia is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Instead of a ticket, donations will accepted and proceeds will be donated to the League.
Pantsuit Happy Hour | Pre-show Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Don your fiercest pantsuit (or another power outfit!) and join the Arden for a pre-show happy hour. Click here to learn more.
Post-Show Talkbacks
Join a member of Arden’s artist team for post-show talkbacks held after specific performances. Check the website to learn more.
Smart Caption Glasses | Starting Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Wearable, customizable Closed Captioning Glasses are available to reserve for performances starting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Click here to learn more.
Young Friends Night! | Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Use code: YFARDEN for $30 tickets (Arden Young Friends is designed for audience members 40 and under and includes a pre-show networking event). Click here to purchase tickets.
Audio Description & Open Captioning Available | Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 7 p.m. & Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Philadelphia RowHome Magazine's Blog 