David DeRuiter is back onstage with his debut solo show A Shy Politician — a physical comedy about an idiot who can’t stop running for office. Strap in for 45 minutes of political gaffes as our unlikely hero stumbles headlong into a political candidacy.
It’s the day of the city council election, and Ben Porch is throwing his hat in the ring. There’s just one problem: he’s too shy to speak. Determined to win some votes, he makes his case in other ways: a spiffy wardrobe, a radio ad, a solo debate, and free lollipops. The more attention Ben gets, the more he likes the idea of holding public office. But does he have what it takes to get elected? Does he even want to?
The blend of narrative comedy, classic clowning, rowdy audience interaction, and broad slapstick farce results in a one-of-a-kind show that is at once funny, stupid, and moving.
David’s recent stage work includes the Edinburgh Fringe run of Crap Ballet, which previewed at the Yale School of Drama, as well as The Tank & Caveat in New York.
★★★★1/2 “Chaotic, anarchic and utterly insane” The SMU Reviews
★★★★ “A slapstick cartoon come to life” Fernyhough Arts Review
★★★★ “Hilarious, engaging, bonkers” Theatre & Tonic
David DeRuiter is a Bay Area-based comedian, writer, vocalist, and puppeteer, and the co-founder of Chekhov’s Gum. He has previously toured as half of rowdy and highly physical comedy Crap Ballet, which was shortlisted for the 2023 Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence. He currently leads an improv group for middle schoolers from low-income families in San Jose.
Katherine Bonn has been teaching, choreographing, and directing since she was old enough for people to listen to her. Most recently, she had the pleasure of directing CMTSJ’s Honk! and choreographing Watsonville High School’s Alice By Heart. Previous performance credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin) at Cabrillo Stage and Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins) at CMT.
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