The Outsider | CTX Live Theatre

The Outsider
by Wimberley Players

Apr. 24 - May. 17
Fridays-Sundays

If you’ve never seen The Outsider, buckle up — it’s a fast-paced political comedy about a painfully shy, catastrophically awkward man who accidentally becomes the most honest voice in politics. As his poll numbers soar (largely because he can’t quite figure out how to lie convincingly), a whirlwind of handlers, reporters, and power players scramble to decide whether authenticity is the future of American leadership — or a complete disaster.

It’s smart, ridiculous, painfully timely and exactly the kind of laugh we all need right now, brought to life by a cast we genuinely could not be more excited about.

From The Wimberley View, April 15, 2026:

For audiences ready for a break from the real-world news cycle, “The Outsider” offers an evening of sharp comedy, strong performances and the simple pleasure of watching a terrific ensemble bring a very funny story to life.

Directed by Whitney Marlett, the play centers on Ned Newley, a reluctant and deeply awkward politician who unexpectedly finds himself rising in the polls — largely because he lacks the ability to spin, posture or convincingly lie. As his accidental authenticity begins to resonate with voters, his campaign team, the press corps and the political establishment scramble to decide whether his honesty is a liability or the secret to his success.

Blending rapid-fire comedy with surprising warmth, “The Outsider” offers a timely but good-natured satire of modern politics that focuses less on partisanship and more on the universal absurdities of public life.

Director Whitney Marlett says the show’s appeal comes from both its humor and its humanity. “At its heart, this play is about what happens when someone who never expected to be in the spotlight suddenly finds themselves there,” Marlett said. “It’s incredibly funny, but it also has a lot of heart