Following its world premiere, The Outsider received a production at Paper Mill Playhouse, opening January 28, 2018. The following are reviews from Paper Mill.

"great comedies reflect their time"

"An insightful, witty satire about modern American politics.  Funny, timely, and - dare we say - entirely possible, THE OUTSIDER is a wonderfully crafted, superbly presented show that features a stellar cast.” - Broadway World
“Great comedies reflect their time. THE OUTSIDER delivers on that promise. This small ensemble cast, directed by David Esbjornson, generates big laughs and gives us some great insights.” - Bartistanet
“One of the funniest shows you will see this year. This show runs nearly two hours and it is two hours of laughs.” - Let’s Go To The Theater

"Both hilarious and oddly uplifting"

“I don’t care who's running this November, or for what — I want to vote for Ned Newley, the title character of Paper Mill Playhouse’s latest offering, THE OUTSIDER. This hilarious comedy is perfectly fitting for the political era we're in. A definite hit which combines a sarcastic view of the business of modern-day politics with a surprisingly simple yet true idea of what good politics can be and can do. For an entertainment that’s both hilarious and oddly uplifting, do not miss THE OUTSIDER.” - Out in New Jersey

"beautiful, and a source of hope"

“Non-stop laughter. Paul Slade Smith’s keen, quick and amusing dialogue reminded me of my favorite moments in Neil Simon’s wittiest plays. What resonated with me the most, though, was THE OUTSIDER’s belief in government, and how - even within the play’s craziness - there are some real issues that invite reflection from the audience. Ned’s integrity and his view of what government ‘ought to be’ brought a tear to my eye. Why do we care about government in the first place and why do I consume so much politics on a daily basis? According to THE OUTSIDER, perhaps it is because we know that our collective belief in this man-made system - when it works - can still be beautiful, and a source of hope.” - Summit Short Hills SOMA.com

"should engage audiences for decades to come"

“Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of Paul Slade Smith’s THE OUTSIDER is a timely, rich, satire that should engage audiences for decades to come. The cast is uniformly excellent, agilely handling the deft script. Smith’s script veers from “Who’s on First” wordplay to knowing, sharp, arch, well-structured, drawing-blood satire. Director David Esbjornson handles the proceedings with care and craft – fomenting big laughs while landing suave civics lessons in an engaging manner. It’s a thoroughly non-partisan, highly compelling evening that challenges us to consider how otherwise responsible individuals, politicians and journalists work to govern and what government and politics have to do with real life.” - Theater Pizzazz

"committed to keeping audiences laughing louder and longer than they have in a long time"

“Overwhelmed by the blasts of dark comedy that come to us regularly on the nightly news? I recommend spending a couple of hours enjoying every minute of this new play. A company of expert farceurs appear committed to keeping Paper Mill's audiences laughing louder and longer than they have in a long time. The onslaught of one funny situation after another unravels perfectly under the precise direction of David Esbjornson. Smith's comedy gets right to the heart of selling an untypical politician to the public through the power of the media. But below the surface, we are also led to seeing how the probability of competence is able to rise to the top in a democratic society.” - Curtain Up