The Strangerer (2008)by Mickle Maher
Performances
Oct 16, 2008 -
Nov 8, 2008
Cast & Personnel
Director
Assistant Director
Cast
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Booth Crew
The Play
George W. Bush wants to kill PBS newsman Jim Lehrer. He wants to kill him right on the stage of his first presidential debate with John Kerry. In a more-than-nifty turn, the reason for the attempted murder, revealed to us and Bush himself near the play’s end, makes Bush the unlikely, existential hero of the play. A surreal reimagining of real events, THE STRANGERER delves deeply into the minds of the three characters, especially Bush, in surprising, often hilarious, and sometimes unsettling ways. Partly inspired by the works of author-philosopher Albert Camus—particularly Camus’ novel THE STRANGER which the real Bush once placed on his summer reading list—Catastrophic Theatre favorite Mickle Maher (SONG ABOUT HIMSELF, THE HUNCHBACK VARIATIONS, THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNING IS, THE PINE, SPIRITS TO ENFORCE) explores the fascinating ground between murder and philosophy.The Playwright
MICKLE MAHER is a cofounder of Chicago’s Theater Oobleck and the author of numerous plays, including An Apology for the Course and Outcome of Certain Events Delivered by Doctor John Faustus on This His Final Evening, and The Hunchback Variations. Recent plays include The Strangerer, Spirits to Enforce (Theater Oobleck),Cyrano (translator) and The Cabinet (Redmoon Theater), and Lady Madeline (Steppenwolf). His plays have appeared Off-Broadway and in numerous theaters around the world. He is published by Hope and Nonthings. He has been the recipient of a Creative Capital grant (for The Strangerer) and, recently, an NEA grant to develop his Hunchback Variations into an opera. He currently teaches at the University of Chicago.
In the Media
Paul Locklear gives uncanny performance as President Bush
November 8, 2008 |
Houston Chronicle
| Everett Evans
Capsule Stage Reviews: …and L.A. Is Burning, Beatrice and Benedict, The Strangerer
November 6, 2008 |
Houston Press
| D.L. Groover
Theater review: Catch this debate — The Strangerer
October 19, 2008 |
Houston Chronicle
| Everett Evans
Review: The Strangerer by Mickle Maher
October 19, 2008 |
Dancehunter
| Nancy Wozny
The Strangerer
October 18, 2008 |
Culturevulture
| Nancy Wozny
