“Potus,” @ the Geffen : A Feminist Spin on Presidential Life”

They are women, hear them roar, just as the audience roared and raved throughout the show, in “Potus: Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” now in its run at the Geffen Playhouse.  Playwright Selina Fillinger is brilliant in presenting her feminist spoof, with dialogue as engaging as my all time favorite political drama, the West Wing, combined with the best of political sketches from Saturday Night Live.  Playing characters of the women who surround Potus on a daily basis are: Alexandra Billings; Ito Aghajere; Lauren Blumenfeld; Shannon Cochran; Celeste Den; Jane Levy; and Deirdre Lovejoy.  Director Jennifer Chambers celebrates her good fortune to work with such a dedicated ensemble, promoting the idea of women coming to the forefront, getting the chance to show their often overlooked, even invisible talent.  Each woman, a strong character in her own right, devotes her heart and soul to the overall well being of their beloved commander in chief, always alluded to, but never appearing onstage.  Jean (Celeste Den), impeccably portrays the press secretary, perfecting all of her character’s idiosyncrasies, and tendencies towards perfectionism, to a fault.  The fun really begins when we see each character holding it together, if only by a thread, as each of their intentions fall apart.  To top things off, the physical humor and shtick, such as doors opening and closing, presents a comedy of errors, sure to elicit a laugh a minute.  First Lady, Margaret, (played by Alexandra Billings), is a stunning trophy wife, who knows that she can do a stellar job as president, herself, if only given the opportunity.  Each actress, a shining star, makes a vivid, memorable impression, long remembered after show’s end.  One such example is Deirdre Lovejoy, who plays the president’s sister, the brash, ballsy, brazen Bernadette.  Harriet, the ultra competent yet frazzled chief of staff is outrageously played by Shannon Cochran, who gets all the work done, without all the recognition deserved.  Each actress in this cohesive ensemble play off each other, with the savviest of comedic timing and delivery.  Kudos are in order for Fillinger and the entire creative team, cast, and crew, who aren’t afraid to utter profanities or once taboo words, but rather deliver their lines with pride and confidence.  These women prove themselves to be the backbone of the White House, through sheer determination, perseverance, and willpower, despite adversity and obstacles they encounter, mostly of a sexist nature.  Offices of power in Washington D.C., once an ‘all boys club,’ are now being filled by capable, competent women.  This show reveals the balancing act, the Yin Yang of genders, once only male oriented.  The cast received a standing ovation, and deservedly so.  It is obvious the amount of research and preparation that each actor took to perfect her role.  It takes extremely strong women to play these strong roles, and each one rises to the occasion.  In the time of “Me Too,” and “Times Up” movements, this ‘herstory’ is particularly timely and significant.  

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