The play follows the story of Ned Newly, a shy and unassuming man unexpectedly thrust into the role of governor after the forced resignation of his predecessor. As he transitions from lieutenant governor to the state’s highest office, Ned is woefully unprepared for the pressures of leadership. His chief of staff, Dave Riley, leads an impressively small team and scrambles to help Ned navigate the overwhelming demands of his new position as people of all kinds descend on the governor’s office, turning Ned into the unlikely center of more political drama than he could have ever anticipated.
Directing the production is Siobhan Bremer (she/her), associate professor of theatre arts. On matters of the play’s selection, Bremer comments, “I selected this play purposely, timing it alongside the presidential election to give everyone, no matter their political party, a chance to sit back and laugh.”
Designing the scenic and property elements of the production is Carter Vorde, theatre and technical event coordinator and scene shop supervisor. The scenic design of the show is done in a way that perfectly captures the visuals of a political office. Vorde explains, “Much like Ned, I have found myself in a position of leadership that's completely new to me. While I have been building sets for a while now, this is my first time as a scenic designer or a props designer. Though it's been a challenging learning curve for me as a leader, it's been great getting to lead the students with every step in the process of bringing this show to the stage. This show has been a collaborative effort from everyone involved and I am grateful to have been a part of it!”
Emma Arends Montes (she/her), costume designer and shop supervisor, is making her costume design debut designing and crafting the many wonderful costumes for this production. Arends Montes is originally from Sioux Falls, SD, where she found her love of theatre quite early on. She then went on to get her bachelor of science in theatre at South Dakota State University, and then finished with a master of fine arts in theatre, with an emphasis in costume technology and design, at Louisiana State University. While Arends Montes has been working on The Outsider, she has enjoyed the process of not only getting to know the characters in the production, but also getting to know the students behind the characters and the students' building of this production. Arends Montes takes enjoyment in watching the students grow as artists within this production and how they will take the skills they are learning and apply them to future aspirations.
Beyond the faculty designers, many students have lent their talents to the production’s design, including lighting design by Mikayli Marciulionis ‘26, Esko, sound design by Micah Kafka (they/them), ‘26, Zimmerman, assistant props design by Maddi Mages (she/her), ‘26, Morton, and poster design by Caspian Brack (he/him), ‘28, St. Cloud. The stage management team is led by Assistant Director and Stage Manager Evan Anderson (he/him), ‘26, Chanhassen, with Assistant Stage Manager Siri Koplin (she/her), ‘26, Rochester.
In the cast of seven characters, Matthew Gearou (he/him), ‘25, Minnetrista, stars as Ned Newly with Parker Stach (he/him), ‘27, Hoffman, acting as Dave Riley. Katelyn Holstad (she/her), ‘25, Waite Park, plays Paige Caldwell with Olivia Emmrich (she/her), ‘28, Rogers, in the role of Louise Peaks. Arthur Vance is portrayed by Michael Oberton (he/him), ‘25, Little Falls, with Assistant Props Designer Maddi Mages also acting as the reporter Rachel Parsons. The final role is played by Al Lighthizer (he/him), ‘26, Albert Lea, as the cameraman AC Peterson and swing actor. Completing the cast are Emily Frost (she/her), ‘27, South Milwaukee, WI, Keeley Gardner (she/her), ‘26, Pocatello, ID, and Savana Hauck (she/they), ‘28, Minneapolis, as the understudies for Rachel, Paige, and Louise respectively.
In a fantastic addition to the upcoming performance of The Outsider, two of the actors are graduating theatre arts students who are set to perform in key roles of the production in partial fulfillment of their senior projects. Both Matthew Gearou and Katelyn Holstad are acting in this production as part of the capstone project of their degrees.
The Outsider will open in the Raymond J. Lammers Proscenium Theatre, on Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online at z.umn.edu/UMMTheatre and at the door. General Admission is $10 and students and seniors are $5 with advance purchase tickets. At the door, general admission is $11 and students and seniors is $6. Please direct any questions, or accommodations requests, to thrpub@morris.umn.edu or call 320-589-6077.