Political Farce ​'Candid Candidate' Begins on Oct. 21

CONCORD, NH — "Candid Candidate," a contemporary political farce, by playwright, Donald Tongue, will be performed at the Hatbox Theatre, New Hampshire’s newest theatrical venue, located at the Steeplegate Mall (by Bon Ton’s) in Concord. Performances start on Oct. 21 and run through Nov. 6, 2016, according to a press release, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $16.50, and $13.50 for Hatbox Theatre members.

"Candid Candidate" chronicles the campaigns of two presidential hopefuls, Arizona Sen. Bob Roberts, and Texas Gov. John McCoy. Both candidates emerge as the winners of the Iowa Caucuses, and eagerly head east for the next round in the presidential election season the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary.

Their political fortunes are on the rise, and another victory will put them well on their way to winning their party’s’ nomination, but an unscripted candid moment leaves them fighting for more than their political survival. The final outcome of the election, and the play, will be determined by an audience vote for the candidate of their choice.

It should be noted that since its first production in January 2016 at the Leddy Center, Epping, this play has been significantly rewritten with a new ending.

"Candid Candidate" is written and directed by Donald Tongue of Londonderry, and will feature many New Hampshire actors including David Afflick of Concord, Deirdre Hickok Bridge of Derry, Larry Pizza of Nashua, Kelsey Domeny of Londonderry, Jackie Coffin of Manchester, Aaron Compagna of Concord, Spencer Costigan of Bristol, Sierra Jones of Nashua, and Michael Perry of Manchester.

New World Theatre is a production company focused on developing and producing new works by regional playwrights. Past productions include two premier showcase productions at the Leddy Center in Epping. Upcoming full length productions also include "The Truth Will Spring Yuh," by Donald Tongue, and "Lab Rats," by Patrick Gabridge. NWT will also present One Act Wonders, an evening of one acts by three New England playwrights George Kelly, Matthew W. Bickerstaff, and Tom Z. Spencer.

Donald Tongue is a New England playwright with four published plays to his credit that, collectively, have received more than 25 productions. “My Neighbor, the Poet,” a play about the poet Robert Frost, was commissioned and produced by theatre KAPOW in October 2010. Scene Changes was selected for the Firehouse Center for the Arts 2012 New Play Festival, produced in Newburyport, MA, and a full version of the play premiered at the Leddy Center in Epping in January 2015. A festival cutting of “The Truth Will Spring Yuh,” was performed at the NHCTA Festival in September 2014, produced at the Audi, Concord. “Candid Candidate” is an original web series, and a live show that premiered at the Leddy Center in January 2016. Donald is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America.

Hatbox Theatre is a live performance arts space with a mission to create a cooperative community to develop unique, intimate experiences for both audiences and artists.

Cast info

Deirdre Hickok Bridge (Judith) is excited to reprise this role in the New! and Improved! version of Candid Candidate. Originally from New Bedford, Mass, she has performed with numerous community and regional theatre companies over the past 30 years. Some of her favorite past roles include Marie in “Sputnik: A Love Story” (NTG), Carla in “Nine” (MAC), Lee in “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (CPC) and the ensemble piece “Love, Loss and What I Wore (Players’ Ring).” She also has a penchant for doing new work and has appeared in a half dozen new plays by New England playwrights over the last two years, including two other works by playwright Donald Tongue, as Samantha in Scene Changes and Beth in “The Truth Will Spring Yuh” (one act festival cut). When not performing, Deirdre is stage mother, band mother and head chef for her family in Derry.

David Afflick (John McCoy) Whether it be film, TV, commercials or on the stage, David continues his journey in acting; loving the opportunities that the flourishing scene in New England has allowed him. He is passionate about creating something powerful through the telling of stories, and thrives on the collaboration with other amazing artists. Visit imdb.me/davidafflick for more information.

Kelsey Domeny (Celia) has performed across many states in educational, community and summer stock theatre. Her favorite past roles include Izzy in “Rabbit Hole,” Puck in A “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Beline in Moliere’s “Imaginary Invalid,” and Shelby in “Steel Magnolias.” Since moving to New Hampshire in the Spring of 2015, she has enjoyed performing with “The Majestic in Clue: The Musical,” Bedford Off Broadway as Alice in “You Can’t Take it With You” for which she was a top 10 nominee for Best Actress at the 2015 NHTAs, and as Maddie in NTG’s production of “Sputnik: A Love Story.” Kelsey lives in Londonderry with her husband, Michael, where they enjoy the ups and downs of “gig life” together as artists and performers. They have one daughter, Adalynne, who can’t wait to be in a play just like mommy. Kelsey is thankful to the director, SM and this fantastic cast for the opportunity to bring this character to life. And most thanks to the ultimate artist, Jesus Christ, who makes all creativity possible.

Jackie Coffin (Rachel) has been performing for more than 17 years and has been part of close to 70 productions. She found her home performing on the stage at a young age and eventually branched out to behind the scenes work. She has been choreographing for eight years and has also tried her hand at stage managing and directing. A New Hampshire native, Jackie is a marketing professional by day and also teaches at Unbound Dance Academy in Hooksett. She has performed with and choreographed for several local companies across Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Jackie is passionate about showcasing new and

exciting pieces onstage and conveying art in unique ways. She is thrilled to be involved with New World Theatre and believes strongly in their mission of bringing new works of theatre to life. In addition to Candid Candidate , she will be part of NWT's spring production of “The Truth Will Spring Yuh.”

Aaron Compagna (Neil) is healthily excited to be performing with these formidable players once again in such a zanily hyper comedy. He's been privileged to work on Donald Tongue's material before, and hopes to continue into the unforeseeable future. As of this writing, Aaron is one of the most politically ignorant people walking the planet today. However, the character he plays is quite astute.

Enjoy the show

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit whatboxnh.com.

Submitted by New World Theater.