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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Zombie: The American Also see Susan's review of The Price
An exhibit in the theater lobby sets out the world of the play, which takes place just before the 2064 presidential election. Rising sea levels have swallowed up the East Coast, including Washington, so the White House has relocated to Mount Rushmore. Miners in the American West have found an amazingly precious commodity in played-out gold mines, leading to an insurrection against the federal government. Peacekeepers sent by the rich, powerful United African Nations attempt to stave off full-scale civil war. And, by the way, the chief executive's title is "Lord President" and he wears a crown and royal robe. In the midst of this upheaval, Lord President Thom Valentine (Sean Meehan) doesn't know what to do next. He has a tough election coming up against Gov. Lloyd (Tim Getman), a folksy phony, and his running mate, the effusive Chief Justice Carol (Jessica Frances Dukes). Thom is the first openly gay president and his husband and advisor, First Gentleman Chase Valentine (James Seol), is becoming restless and secretive. Lady Secretary of State Jessica Bloom (Sarah Marshall), the previous Lady President, is a hardliner in dealing both with the insurgents and with Abidemi (Dawn Ursula), the unflappable secretary general of the United African Nations. She is prepared to do anything to keep the nation together, including seeking help from the council of zombies that lives in the White House basement. While Meehan is fine and Seol manages to be both sympathetic and exasperating, Marshall and Ursula give the strongest performances—Ursula in more than one role. They have the advantage of strong, sustained speeches that allow them to say exactly what they mean. Luigi Sottile sparkles in several small but related roles. Much of the humor comes from O'Hara's blending of the (seemingly) absurd with florid, formal language. He cites the influence of Jacobean tragedy, a post-Shakespearean style of English drama that focuses on bloody vengeance in a corrupt society. His other influences come from political satire, specifically the film Dr. Strangelove, which finds dark humor in the threat of nuclear annihilation. This world premiere is the first beneficiary of Woolly's "Free the Beast!" commission projects to receive a full production. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
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