See this show before election day!

POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive by Selina Fillinger; Saturday July 13th at 8pm; Sunday July 14th at 2pm; Friday July 19th at 8pm; Saturday July 20th at 8pm; Sunday July 21st at 2pm; Friday July 26th at 8pm; Saturday July 27th at 8pm; Sunday July 28th at 2pm
Purchase Tickets Here
BACCA Arts Center, 149 N. Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, (516) 236-5838

Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization seeking to bring innovative theatrical productions to the area. It is our goal to produce those classic and modern works seldom seen on Long Island. We are a proponent of non-traditional casting and invite actors of all ethnicities, gender identities and orientations to join our community.

Disclaimer: This show contains strong language that may be unsuitable for children or sensitive audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

Magda Labonte-Blaise may not have made it a career but was always an actress at heart, as one could see by her occupations of teacher and lawyer — both on their own stage. Sheilah Barksdale is a familiar name on the Island stage — having been part of it for over 30 years. And Sara Meade won’t tell us her age just that she’s been on stage since age 8!

We asked these veterans of multiple spotlights about doing POTUS

ALL: What is your creative process

Magda: I break down the play: What is this play about? What is the voice of the character and their purpose? Why is this character in the play? People are writing this for a reason and it’s intentional – What is the purpose? I also lean into what my instinct is because I can visualize the character faster than I can embody that character. The rehearsal process is to take away my “ideas” and allow my “instinct” flow through. Letting go and surrendering to what the character is experiencing. 

Sheilah: I pray and cry a lot. Drink. And then, it’s almost magical. Midway through the process it just sinks in and you become the character. 

Sara: I analyze the script and break down my scenes and then judging on the characters speech and the way that they talk I adapt physical traits that best work for the character. I think of the characters journey from the beginning to the end of the play and what I can do to show that with my body and my voice. 

Do you think you’ll make a difference in the world by doing this play so close to election time? I think the timing is impeccable. Am I making a difference? 

Magda: Despite the play being a farce and filled with tons of  comedy and shenanigans, it brings a message on the roles women truly do play and how helpful women can be if we are given the opportunity to tap into our collective strength, intelligence and power. All the shit that’s going on is not ok – women should just rule the world. 

Sheilah: Hell no. No. This play even though in spite of it’s name it’s really not political. It’s not a political play. I think it’s going to give people a break from the political stuff that’s going on today. 

Sara: I think so. I think it’s a good reminder that people are people – even at the top and in the highest position – every single person has their own flaws. We can’t idolize politicians or political groups because they are just as flawed as we are. And what we see is just the tip of the iceberg. 

On that note, do you feel an extra sense of responsibility- or even bravery- and doing a show of this nature during such a climate around the world? 

Magda: No. I think there has to be an outlet for some kind of laughter at this point. Not to minimize the seriousness as we are politically but to instead provide a release for the insanity. The insanity that is going on right now matches the insanity in the play. I think to reflect on it and release it is great. Are we solving world problems? No, but on the emotional level people are going to come and have a good time. 

Sara: I think it’s a violent time towards women and I think it’s important to show that women have identities and value in political space. They are also important voters. 

What do you hope the audience takes away from this show? 

Magda: What women can accomplish when we get together. Not every situation allows for that to happen but here we are given the opportunity to demonstrate what our power truly is amidst the chaos and we are able to overcome extraordinary circumstances. 

Sheilah: Pure joy. Joy. Laughter. Laugh at the silliness of the political system. Find the joy in that. 

Sara: I hope that the audience has fun for the most part. I hope that the audience learns how brilliant women are and how important it is to treat women right. 

What’s next? 

Magda: A break. I have to spend time with my family. Creatively there’s some films that are coming out soon and I am working with some more film companies on their marketing. I’m available but I still need to spend time with my family.

Sara: I am going to productions at school and when I graduate I am going to audition and be in more stuff.