State of the Union

The Milwaukee Rep responds to a long, exhausting presidential campaign with Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse’s State of the Union. Despite having been written half a century ago, State of the Union delivers a surprisingly topical look at presidential politics in an entertaining show that only feels a bit long at times.

The Rep draws on the talents of almost every actor in its Resident Acting Company to populate this ensemble piece, making it one of the most impressive productions of the season by virtue of its casting alone. Taking center stage is Lee Ernst as fictitious businessman Grant Matthews, who has the Republican nomination for the president thrust upon him. Ernst is thoroughly believable as a maverick everyman who is drawn into the kinds of compromises everyone expects of a presidential candidate from a major political party, but much like a less than successful politician, he fails to make much of an impression. Ernst is an overwhelmingly talented actor, but he fails to register as much more than a figurehead here.

Matthews’ major challenge as a candidate for office comes in the form of an estranged wife who may as well be divorced from him for all the effect she has on his life. Laura Gordon cuts a fascinating figure as Matthews’ wife, Mary. Gordon takes an interesting turn as someone fascinated by her unsought role in the machinations and ambitions of an entire political party. She is a very sympathetic figure in the maelstrom of activity that defines a major political campaign.

There are so many other impressive performances in this production that it’s difficult to decide what to mention in a brief review . . . Deborah Staples is a great deal of fun as Matthews’ adviser with questionable morals. The ambiguity of her relationship with the candidate makes her performance all the more interesting. Dan Mooney makes an appearance as politico Sam Parrish in a few select scenes. All of the Pickerings’ put in impressive performances, most notably Rose as Southern Belle Lulabelle Alexander, wife of Peter Silbert’s southern judge Jefferson. Featuring nearly two dozen performances, State of the Union sags in places, but it’s well worth seeing a production this sophisticated.

The Milwaukee Rep’s production of State of the Union runs September 16 through October 12 at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. 414-225-5490 or www.milwaukeerep.com