Staff Pick in today's Leo

43 Plays for 43 Presidents’

In its season follow-up to “Glengarry Glen Ross,” Actors Theatre jumps on the political bandwagon, but on a much lighter, satirical note. “43 Plays for 43 Presidents” is just that — 43 two-minute skits on each American president, from George W. to George Dubya — by a five-member cast that includes Gregory and Abigail Bailey Maupin, who you may know from the Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble. As a bonus, each night the audience votes on President No. 44, and a prepared Obama or McCain skit follows, based on popular vote, of course.

Director Sean Daniels says the skits have a wide range — from a musical to a puppet show to complete silence (James Polk?). “It’s a funny, satirical take on American history, up to the present,” he says. “Basically the audience takes a look at the past, and then gets a chance to figure out the next step.” Put on the spot, Daniels admits he has a sweet spot for Jimmy Carter. “When I directed this play in Atlanta, we actually got Carter to come to a performance,” he says. “Instead of hiding out in a ‘safe room’ we made in the back, he stayed during intermission and shook everyone’s hands.” —Sara Havens