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Vicuña and the American Experience ~ Mosaic Theater Company of DC at The Atlas Performing Arts Center

Jordan Wright
November 7, 2017
Special to The Alexandria Times

Presidential wannabe Kurt Seaman (John de Lancie) ~Photo by C. Stanley Photography

Presidential wannabe Kurt Seaman (John de Lancie) ~Photo by C. Stanley Photography

A timely, re-engineered version of Jon Robin Baitz’s brilliantly acerbic, Trump-inspired, politically explosive, outrageously hilarious play, Vicuña and the American Experience, had audiences cheering wildly last at The Atlas.  For this latest incarnation of the play, Baitz has added a dystopian ending “intended as a warning”.  It imagines the country’s political landscape after a presidency built on lies and obfuscations.  The two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and noted TV writer has crafted a timely play that tracks both the pre- and post- election rise of a candidate for U. S. President.  As he describes it, “It’s social, political and anarchical.” And, what’s more, satisfyingly hilarious!  Just what’s needed right now.

Brian George plays Anselm Kassar, the elderly and elegant Jewish tailor -apprentice, Amir Massoud (Haaz Sleiman) ~ Photo by C. Stanley Photography

Brian George plays Anselm Kassar – Kurt Seaman (John de Lancie) –  Amir Massoud (Haaz Sleiman) ~ Photo by C. Stanley Photography

Several story lines weave together to present a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the near-farcical making of a blindly egotistical Republican candidate whose chicanery and buffoonery parallel our daily news feeds.  Presidential wannabe Kurt Seaman (John de Lancie), whose smarmy campaign slogan is, “Women love Seamen.  Seaman [semen] Loves Women”, is a man preparing for his final debate against a female Democratic candidate.  To clinch the vote, he has pressured a bespoke New York tailor with a celebrity clientele to hastily stitch up a vicuña suit.  Brian George plays Anselm Kassar, the elderly and elegant Jewish tailor.  His young apprentice, Amir Massoud (Haaz Sleiman), is an Iranian Muslim and Harvard educated student.  The two are connected through their families’ struggles in Iran during the Shah’s persecution of political dissidents. The outspoken Amir has gotten expelled from university as a result of his attacks against the U. S. government and though he is a naturalized American citizen, his parents’ immigration status is unsure – something that the fear-mongering Seaman uses to threaten him. “If you can’t make it in your own country, what kind of people are we taking in? I call them losers,” he claims calling Muslims radical Islamist terrorists.

Laura C. Hayes plays Srilanka ~Photo by C. Stanley Photography

Laura C. Hayes plays Srilanka, the candidate’s smartly dressed, socialite daughter and campaign manager who is working feverishly on her father’s behalf to secure the women’s vote.  Srilanka is brainy and driven – here depicted as a sympathetic character attempting to reign in her father’s verbal excesses, race-baiting and flip-flopping on issues.  Ring a bell?

At Seaman’s insistence, Anselm promises to make a suit for him, one that is cut and fit so expertly that he will be assured a successful debate performance.  Think “The Emperor’s New Clothes”.  But though the suit’s imaginary powers take on near mythical proportions, Amir warns Seaman that, “the suit can’t stand in for principles.”  Ah, principles, morals and truth – in such short supply today.

Amir Massoud (Haaz Sleiman) – Kitty Finch-Gibbon (Kimberly Schraf) ~ Photo by C. Stanley Photography

Act Two introduces Kitty Finch-Gibbon (Kimberly Schraf), the fiercely principled, Old Guard conservative, chair of the Republican National Committee.  Kitty tells Seaman the RNC considers him “stark, raving mad” and is willing to buy him off at any cost.

Under DC native Robert Egan’s exquisite direction, we have a cast with purpose, passion and pace.  Original Music and sound design by Karl Lundeberg.

A brilliantly acerbic, politically explosive, outrageously hilarious piece of theater.  Highly recommended.  

Through December 3rd at the Atlas Center for the Performing Arts, 1333 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.  For tickets, special rates and discounts visit www.MosaicTheater.org or call the box office at 202.399.7993 ext. 2.

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