By Kimberly Rau

“Behind every great dumbass are seven women trying to keep him alive.” So reads the tagline for Trinity Rep’s 2024-2025 season opener, Selina Fillinger’s “POTUS,” a fantastically funny and intelligent comedy that earned several Tony and Drama League award nominations during its 2022 Broadway run.

“POTUS,” as he is exclusively called, is the fictional president of the United States. We never see him (well, not fully), but from the jump we understand he is a real piece of work, and it’s up to a handful of women to keep him—and the presidency—in line. Unfortunately for them, POTUS can’t stop running his mouth, which makes things tricky (to say the least). And then there’s the unfortunate embarrassing injury that makes the traditional rules of decorum difficult, the rural girlfriend and the criminal sister who wants her freedom, but not at the expense of her favorite illegal activities.

It’s enough to give anyone a heart attack, and those closest to POTUS seem to be on the brink of one as the show opens in the wake of one of his most egregious errors. There’s chief of staff Harriet, who’s being pulled in a thousand directions on a good day. Secretary Stephanie is eager to succeed, but a strong metaphorical wind could blow her over. There’s press secretary Jean, constantly in search of a way to spin her boss’ missteps, and journalist Chris who is just as close to breaking a big story as she is to being replaced by someone with less baggage. Then, of course, there’s First Lady Margaret who has her own problems besides a buffoon husband, and a mysterious, uncomplicated young woman named Dusty who’s shown up at the White House expecting a private audience with POTUS. Oh, and we can’t forget Bernadette, the First Sister who has a guy for every problem, a comeback for every insult, and a drug for every mood. So when the biggest crisis of all threatens to send the entire house of cards toppling, the result is mayhem.

Hilarious, deliciously irreverent mayhem.

Director Curt Columbus is at the helm of this intelligent farce, and he has a dream team of fantastic actors to bring it to life. Deb Martin is cast as Harriet, but on opening night was out due to an injury, and so understudy Mary Potts Dennis went on instead. Having seen Martin in many productions at the Gamm over the years, I can confidently say she’s an excellent choice for this particular role. Having seen Dennis absolutely bring the house down as the neurotic, acerbic, but painfully human Harriet on opening night, I can confidently say that no matter who you see when you attend, you’ll be thrilled.

I don’t think there’s been a time I haven’t completely enjoyed seeing Rachael Warren in any role, but there’s something especially great about her portrayal of Jean. To be a press secretary, you have to be good at spin, even when your world is spinning like a top. Jean has that in spades. She also has a sharp tongue and mastery over a wicked turn of phrase, and takes most of the insanity that comes with the job in stride. Warren is excellent at finding the comedy in every moment and is a joy to watch.

Harriet and Jean might be on POTUS’ payroll, but First Lady Margaret also requires their attention. Trinity veteran Jackie Davis is brilliant here. Margaret may have a polished, elegant exterior and appear reserved, but this is a woman who knows how to pick her battles. When the gloves do come off, it’s clear she’s there to win every single one. Davis is a master class in acting with intention, and does it while getting plenty of laughs as well.

The opposite of Margaret is secretary Stephanie, a mouse of a girl trying to find her inner lion. This is accomplished with predictably funny results. Jenna Lea Scott is able to navigate the very fine line between “farcical” and “too much” with the skill of a tightrope walker, and proves to be a master at physical comedy when Stephanie accidentally ingests a couple of Bernadette’s “special pills.”

Speaking of Bernadette, she may be one of the best roles I’ve seen Rachel Dulude play (and that’s saying something). A caricature not-even-ex con with a heart of gold and a stash that would make a narcotics bureau blush, Bernadette requires an actor who knows how to play a true character role, and Dulude certainly understands the assignment. There’s something so right about Bernadette, even though everything about her is so very wrong, and Dulude portrays her perfectly.

Chris is a White House journalist who manages to overhear some of POTUS’ dirtiest secrets. That’s heaven for a reporter, and hell for the four women who are trying to keep the wheels on the presidency. (Bernadette and Dusty couldn’t care less.) Sarah States, a Brown/Trinity MFA student, finds Chris’ humanity and makes it impossible for the audience not to connect with her. And Dusty, listed as a “dalliance” in the character breakdown, is a tornado-like force of positivity and good intentions whose situation could destroy everything (though she’s convinced they’re just two crazy kids in love). Tay Bass, another Brown/Trinity student, couldn’t be better in this role, and had the audience captivated from her first moment on stage.

This is an exceptionally effusive review, and with good reason: This is an exceptionally good show. It’s not just the writing. It’s seven extremely talented actors who come together to elevate a good script to something beyond expectation. If you’re at all a fan of the local arts scene, you’ve seen at least some of these people on stage before, and you’ve probably loved their work. Together, they’re greater than the sum of their parts. You have seven distinct, complex characters portrayed by some of the best actors in Rhode Island, and a show that packs a strong message of sisterhood and unity amid the laughs (and there are many).

You’d be crazy to miss it.

“POTUS” runs from Sept. 5–22 and Oct. 10–27, 2024, at the Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence. Tickets may be obtained at the box office, online at trinityrep.com or by calling 401.351.4242.