9-11-CKS-MrsPres

Writing about the first female president of the United States sounded like a very interesting idea for a theater piece. However, the production being showcased in the Forum at The El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, and written by Agatha Elizabeth Montgomery, does not do justice to the idea. Liz Montgomery worked in Washington, DC for thirty-five years. She was frustrated by the system that she couldn't change and hoped to make those changes in a play by writing Madame President.


Directed by Rita Cofield, the actors, at times, appear stilted in their roles. Though the theatre is not large, at times, I found it difficult to hear David McClary who plays an important role as Mr. Pinsky, National Security Advisor to President Madison Montague (playwright Montgomery).

This President is independent and strong and deals with the problems she faces by her honesty. One problem that is difficult to face is the fact that her past love interest, Peter Williams, M.D. (Tom Killam) has come back into her life which takes its toll on her job. There is the usual political back-stabbing and Washington, D.C. drama, but the play is slow-moving and lacks energy. Amy Lawhorn, playing Rita the Road Reporter, speaks and moves entirely too quickly and comes across as superficial.

The recreation of the of the Oval Office by Kenneth B. Oefelein is very impressive.

Madame President will play Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM, in the Forum Theatre at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., in North Hollywood. For reservations, call (818) 508-4200, or for more information, go to www.elportaltheatre.com .