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Next In Line

by John Warren
review in SF Bay Guardian April 3 2002 (Robert Avila)

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Next in Line Exit on Taylor, 277 Taylor; 673-3847. $12-20.
Thurs-Sat, 8pm. Through Sat/13. John Warren's savvy and
contagious comedy-drama has small-time San Francisco political
consultant Bobby Deans (Don Speziale) plying his trade as a
devoted liberal, a knowing wire-puller who's not above being
shocked by the ideologically unfettered maneuverings of his more
experienced colleagues Maxwell (Tom Baxley) and disability
activist Shel (Cheryl Smith). But when the big time beckons in a
state assembly race that pits Deans's man against Maxwell's, how
far will each go to win? Directed with an appropriate pulse by
Jason Ries, the script conveys an insider's perspective and the
special brio of the political operative, while the story itself has
enough pie-ings by the Baking Brigade, office break-ins, and
freshly elected stiffs to satisfactorily conjure our local political
landscape. Deans's staunch but independent-minded assistant,
Erin (Nora El Samahy), and callow intern, T.J. (Joe Egender),
complete the likable office staff, while actor Robert Corrick
finesses multiple roles as client and candidate to Deans. Warren's
own firsthand experience with local politics lends authenticity to this
exploration – reminiscent of satires like Tanner '88 and Primary
Colors – of moral compass needles fluttering around the political
poll. (Avila)
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