2026
Aug 2 @ 2:00pm
Aug 9 @ 2:00pm
Aug 16 @ 2:00pm
Aug 23 @ 2:00pm
Performances:
Jul. 30-1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
Shows start at 7:30 PM
Matinee:
Sunday, August 2nd @ 2:00pm, Sunday, August 9th @ 2:00pm, Sunday, August 16th @ 2:00pm, and Sunday, August 23rd @ 2:00pm
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The Story:
In the chaotic wake of a political scandal, a timid, brilliant number-cruncher named Ned Newley finds himself accidentally elevated to the governor’s office—a man wholly unprepared to be seen, let alone lead. As cynical consultants scramble to spin his awkward honesty into electable charm, the machinery of modern politics whirs to life, transforming sincerity into strategy and decency into spectacle. The Outsider skewers the absurd theater of American democracy with razor-sharp wit, revealing how, in a world built on optics and spin, the rarest quality in a politician may just be genuine integrity.
Russel Sweet
as Ned Newley
About Ned Newley:
The new Governor. A person of impressive ability, but a complete lack of confidence.
About Russel Sweet:
Russel is making his acting debut at Theatre West. His acting credits include Our Town, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver!,Once Upon a Mattress, I Do! I Do!, and Twelfth Night, among others.
A passionate supporter of the arts, Russel volunteers regularly at the Newport Performing Arts Center and Theatre West in Lincoln City.
Mike Vono
as Dave Riley
About Dave Riley:
Chief of Staff to the new Governor.
About Mike Vono:
Mike was just recently seen in Theatre West’s THE OUTSIDER playing the part of Dave. It was his first acting role ever. He’s returning to the stage, once again alongside his oldest child, Chris Vono. Mike has been a graphic designer for 17 years. In his free time he draws, creates art and loves spending time outdoors with his wife and kids.
Wil Keepers
as Dave Riley Alternate
About Dave Riley Alternate:
Chief of Staff to the new Governor.
This role is split between two actors.
About Wil Keepers:
This will be Wil’s first appearance at Theatre West. Wil began acting at 12 years old, and has performed periodically every since. His favorite roles were playing Buck Badum in Zorro, playing an extra in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, providing the guitar music for a minuet at Fezziwig’s Christmas Party and playing The Big Bad Wolf in Shrek the Musical.
Wil has been a teacher for 25 years and will continue teaching, starting at Waldport Jr/Sr High School in the fall of 2026. He relocated to Lincoln City in June, where his three adult daughters (including the Theater’s own Taylor Parker) live and work. He enjoys time with family, teaching and coaching teenagers, writing, and travelling.
Taylor Parker
as Paige Caldwell
About Paige Caldwell:
A professional pollster.
About Taylor Parker:
Taylor’s first appearance at Theatre West was in MOON OVER BUFFALO as Rosalind. She has most recently been seen as Paige in THE OUTSIDER and Vaudeville Nurse in THE SUNSHINE BOYS. Her previous acting experience comes from the Redding Christian School theater playing the “mer-sister” Arista in LITTLE MERMAID, Mrs. Roosevelt in ANNIE, and Mrs. Squires in MUSIC MAN. She has also appeared at the Lincoln City Playhouse as Meg in LITTLE WOMEN, Penelope in ODYSSEY, Chef Louis in LITTLE MERMAID, and the Red Queen in ALICE IN WONDERLAND. When Taylor is not acting, she is a teacher’s aide at Samaritan Early Learning Center. She has been a dancer for 12 years.
Jan Coloccia
as Louise Peakes
About Louise Peakes:
A temporary employee hired as the Governor’s executive assistant.
About Jan Coloccia:
Jan has extensive experience in community theatre, writing, acting, and directing. She has operated a repertory theatre group, and served in a non-profit children’s theatre company. This is her fifth full-length production at Theatre West; she was seen in last season’s Angel Street, and Arsenic and Old Lace.
Michael Murphy
as Arthur Vance
About Arthur Vance:
One of the most experienced and successful political consultants in the country.
About Michael Murphy:
Michael has been in Lincoln City for fouryears. His last performance at Theatre West was in Moon over Buffalo and prior to that, Outside Mullingar. He is looking forward to being back on the stage and making people smile and enjoy the theater. When he is not acting, he enjoys playing in local pool tournaments.
Teresa Mahaffy-Johnson
as Rachel Parsons
About Rachel Parsons:
A TV reporter.
About Teresa Mahaffy-Johnson:
Teresa is new to the theatre as of last year, this is her third performance with Theatre West as well as participating in the B.O.A.T.S production at the Newport Performing Arts Center. She is truly appreciating the newfound creative outlet. Teresa enjoys beach time with her dog, Penny; the wonderful variety of trivia and live music in the area; and making friends along the Oregon coast.
Chris Vono
as A.C. Peterson
About A.C. Peterson:
A TV camera operator.
About Chris Vono:
Chris (they/them) is an aspiring young actor, entrepreneur, and artist. Having found their passion for acting at Theatre West in late 2024, this is now their fifth play in total, and their fourth play at Theatre West. When Chris isn’t acting, they’re busy playing the drums and creating music, sketching, and playing with their puppy. Chris graduated high school this year, and will be moving on to college to study Aquarium Science and Marine Biology. You may recognize Chris from the last production here, THE OUTSIDER.
Andrew Schmitz
Director
About Andrew Schmitz:
Andrew Has been involved in Theatre West for ten years and has done a bit of everything. This is his Directorial Debut, and he couldn’t be happier to be directing this particular play with this cast and crew who are working so hard. His recent acting credits include Dial M for Murder, Angel Street, and Arsenic and Old Lace, in which he played a writer, a cop, and a writing cop respectively. He enjoys many other arts, and recently has been cutting opals to then make into silver jewelry.
Bonnie Ross
Assistant Director
About Bonnie Ross:
After many years of performing and directing in Theatre West productions, Bonnie is happy to relax into her new role as assistant director. Mentoring new directors is a privilege, and Andrew is proving to be a thoughtful and organized leader who is ready for much success in the future. I’m so pleased to be a part of this production and observing the growth and courage of all these participants.