THIS WEEKEND: MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE’S POLITICAL SATIRE ‘THE OUTSIDER’ OPENS

The cast and crew of ‘The Outsider.’ From left: Donna Nussenblatt, Sherri Schwab, Trish Hintze, Mike Wagner, Jennifer Powell, Michelle Macoskey, Alex Rickert, John Schaefer, Brian Witte, Claudia McEwen, John Hunt, Terry Israel, Karen Witte. LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

Ned Newley is far from an average guy. With a rock solid understanding of his state’s government and a genuine devotion to bettering the lives of his constituents, he’s the kind of leader any state would be lucky to have. When an untimely scandal throws him into an unexpected spotlight as the new governor, Ned’s chief of staff, Dave Riley, is convinced that Ned’s paralyzing fear of public speaking and complete lack of political “game” are a fast track to unemployment. 

But a recently-hired political consultant, Arthur Vance, sees things a bit differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for … the worst candidate to ever run for office.

Directed by Jennifer Powell, this comedy skewers politics from all angles and celebrates democracy. The show runs from Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, April 16 with 8 p.m. shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, along with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 10. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at www.marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.

THE CAST

Dave Riley – Brian Witte
Paige Caldwell – Trish Hintze
Louise Peakes – Michelle Macoskey
Ned Newley – John Schaefer
Arthur Vance – Alex Rickert
Rachel Parsons – Terry Israel
A.C. Peterson – John Hunt

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.