A play about politics might not be at the top of the average theater-goer’s list after the brutal election, but Dezart Performs artistic director Michael Shaw took a gamble with Luca Hnath’s Hillary and Clinton—and fortunately, it looks like it paid off.
It takes us all to an alternate universe, and the kinder, gentler 2008 presidential race, before the emergence of Donald Trump. A woman named Hillary Clinton (Andi Matheny) is in a hotel room just days before the New Hampshire primary, trying to salvage her failing presidential campaign. Her opponent, Barack Obama (Napoleon Tavale), has suggested she suspend her campaign and become his running mate instead. Believing it’s the best option, Hillary’s campaign manager, Mark (Craig Wroe), advises her to take the deal.
Mark also suggests Hillary avoid calling her husband, Bill (Brent Schindele), whom she had previously dismissed from the campaign– advice she does not take. Once Bill shows up, Hillary asks for an infusion of cash, since her campaign funds have nearly dried up.
The relationship between these fictional Clintons is fascinating. Though the couple seems to be living separate lives, it’s clear they still care about each other. Hillary worries about whether her husband is eating well, and Bill comes right out and asks for some physical affection. But there’s plenty of bickering as well: Hillary still harbors major resentment over being publicly humiliated by Bill’s philandering; he seems to have the decency to feel some guilt.
Bill seems to be sulking that he’s no longer in the political spotlight, and he’s conflicted over the prospect of his wife stepping into it. Hillary, however, is more than ready—she’s tired of playing the long-suffering wife standing in her husband’s shadow. The two spar over campaign strategy, with Bill insisting that his wife comes across as cold and unlikable, and needs to show a more vulnerable side to win over voters.
Mark and Bill share some heated exchanges over who should really be running Hillary’s campaign—and then Barack Obama arrives, to further discuss the possibility of Hillary playing second fiddle to him on the ticket.
The whole premise is interesting. What if these were the kinds of discussions that went on behind closed doors? And what is the Clintons’ marriage REALLY like?
Director Craig Wells has assembled a strong ensemble cast, and he guides them skillfully. Though thankfully, none of the actors is doing an impression of the actual person, Matheny does bear a bit of resemblance to Hillary Clinton. She captures her essence as well—smart, tough, stoic and in control, but with some softness deep inside.
There’s a lot on the line. She could make history by becoming the first female president of the United States—sadly, we’re still waiting for that—while also proving she’s every bit as capable and accomplished as her spouse.
Schindele’s Bill is interesting to watch and likable, though it’s clear he’s not really sure he wants his wife to win. It’s the age-old story: Some men have a very difficult time with successful, powerful women as partners, especially if there’s a chance they could ultimately outshine them.
As Mark, the campaign manager, Wroe brings just the right mix of acumen, gruffness and exhaustion to the role. He’s on top of the data, and he doesn’t like it when Hillary—or her husband—second-guesses him on strategy.
Tavale does a nice job as Barack Obama. He pulls off the role with great charisma and a witty delivery. When negotiations don’t quite go his way, his abrupt exit is perfect.
Though the ensemble cast meshes well, and there are some terrific moments, I would’ve liked a bit more fire and passion here and there. The back and forth between Hillary and Mark over the direction of the campaign, and the squabbles between Bill and Hillary, occasionally needed to be ramped up a bit. There were also a handful of spots when the quieter exchanges were difficult to hear.
Jimmy Cuomo’s simple hotel room set works well. Kudos also to Rick Bluhm, Clark Dugger and Lola Roderick for lights, sound and costumes, respectively.
Hillary and Clinton is an entertaining, low-key and intimate study of what could have happened behind the scenes back in 2008. It may not be life-changing theater, but it will make you think—an important goal for any theatrical production.
And it will likely make you nostalgic for the days when “a basket of deplorables” was the worst slur thrown around in a political campaign.
Dezart Performs’ production of Hillary and Clinton is performed at 7 p.m., Friday through Sunday; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Pearl McManus Theater at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $53, and the show runs 85 minutes, with no intermission. For more information, call 760-322-0179, or visit www.dezartperforms.com.
