The Outsider was originally produced by Peninsula Players Theatre in Wisconsin. The production opened June 16, 2015. The following are reviews from the premiere.
"A GREAT AMERICAN PLAY"
"A highly developed production of a great American play. Witty and clever and smart. The play is about politics and government; that sounds like yawn material, but Smith nimbly maneuvers the topics toward a blend of comedy, farce and satire about what America is seeing today. The beauty is, after Smith lets blood in the pointed satire, he delivers care – rays of brightness about democracy. A remarkable comedy. Mr. Smith deserves to go to Washington, and all around our nation, with this inspirational satire." - Green Bay Press Gazette
"AN EXCEPTIONAL WORLD PREMIERE"
"A timely production overflowing with clever plot twists reflecting the contemporary political climate. An intelligent, well-written play with enough quirks and surprises to keep the politics fresh. An intellectual and stimulating comedy that will send the audience home laughing and sighing simultaneously about their own government." - Broadway World, Milwaukee
"SENDS THE THEATRE AUDIENCE INTO GALES OF LAUGHTER"
"The political system in this country is broken, if we are to believe popular opinion. Paul Slade Smith's play... takes on that notion with hilarious results. The production's success is found in its ability to strike responsive chords in the audience as [we] recognize political foibles that are all too familiar -- the weaknesses that are inherent in a democracy demanding an informed and committed electorate. But at the same time, we know in our hearts, as Ned Newley says, “that government, when it works right, can do something good”. [The Outsider] is anything but didactic. It is a fun-house mirror held up to reflect our system of government, including our role in it. Some of us tend to rant as we express our frustrations with our political structure. Maybe laughter is the best medicine. And the opening night audience enjoyed rounds of healthy laughs from the opening lines to the final speeches, then collectively rose to their feet as they applauded the curtain call." - Peninsula Pulse