Washington: December 19, 2019 – Theatre Critic

This play has been plagued by troubles. The basic story was the clash of three equally matched characters. But the book on which it is based was written more than 225 years ago. Unfortunately its key themes – responsible government and rejection of absolute power in an unaccountable monarch don’t play well to a modern audience.

Some have said that the Director, Nancy Pelosi was reluctant to bring it to the stage. Adam Schiff’s dialogue is serviceable. But the story lacks any climactic moments.

“Liar, Liar” got big ratings in 1998. But then only because Americans had the chance to learn that there were things they didn’t teach you in sex ed class. An actors’ workshop in 2018 tried to bring “Minority Report” to the stage. It even had suggestions for new games to play in Russian hotel rooms. But apparently there are some other things that they don’t teach you in sex ed class. And most Americans would rather leave it that way.

As your critic left the theatre, the audience was yawning. Apparently Ms Pelosi and Mr Schiff are rewriting the scrip – tentatively called “Smoking Gun” – and which will be shown to a test audience of 100 in January.

But if that doesn’t work, than it will be another rewrite in time for a November 2020 launch. Working titles are “Downfall” and “Apocalypse Now”.

“Nancy and the Giant Impeachment”. Based on an original story by James Madison. Adapted for the stage by Adam Schiff. Directed by Nancy Pelosi. Playing at the US Congress through January 2020