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 Sweet and his wife Elaine, are enjoying their post-reitement life in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Russel’s theatrical journey spans acting, producing, and directing in a variety of college and community productions. He produced and acted in M*A*S*H, and directed The Miracle Worker and The Matchmaker. His acting credits include Our Town, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver!, Once Upon a Mattress, I Do! I Do!, and The Twelfth Night, among others. Behind the scenes, Russel has served as props master for You Can’t Take It With You, Fiddler on the Roof, and Twelfth Night, and he has also experience in design.
A passionate supporter of the arts, Russel volunteers regularly at the Newport Performing Arts Center and Theatre West in Lincoln City. The Subject Was Roses marks his first foray into stage management, and he hopes to return to directing in the future.
Mike Vono
as Dave Riley
About Dave Riley:
Chief of Staff to the new Governor.
About Mike Vono:
Coming soon!
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:
Coming soon!
Taylor Parker
as Paige Caldwell
About Paige Caldwell:
A professional pollster.
About Taylor Parker:
Taylor is excited to be making her premier performance at Theatre West. Her youthful experience comes from the Redding Christian School theater playing Arrieta in Little Mermaid, Mrs. Roosevelt in Annie, Mrs. Squires in Music Man, and at the Lincoln City Playhouse Meg in Little Women, Penelope in
Odyssey, and the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland.
Taylor is a teacher’s aide at Samaritan Early Learning Center. She has been a dancer for 12 years.
Jan Colocccia
as Louise Peakes
About Louise Peakes:
A temporary employee hired as the Governor’s executive assistant.
About Jan Colocccia:
Jan has many years of experience in community theater, writing, directing, acting, and producing. She has run a repertory acting troupe, and served as vice president of a non-profit children’s theater company, as well as teaching theater for young people, among other projects. This is her third full-length production for Theatre West; she was previously seen in A Night in the Theatre, and sharing the role of Mrs. Chasen in Harold and Maude. Jan, her husband John, and their cats, retired to Lincoln City from Palm Springs. CA, and visit Vashon Island, WA frequently, to see their daughter’s family. Enjoy Theatre West’s 50th Season!!
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 three years. His last performance at Theatre West was in 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 second 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:
Coming soon!
Andrew Schmitz
Director
About Andrew Schmitz:
Andrew enjoys being involved in the theatre in any capacity. He most recently acted in The Dining Room, playing 10 different characters. After that he had the pleasure of painting a forgery of a Jackson Pollock painting that was used in Bakersfield Mist. He loves stories and all the ways of telling them.