Arts & Entertainment Compass

Tackling politics, gun violence, and family secrets… 

Kaitlyn E. Clark 

“I think the government can be a group of uncaring, unfeeling robots, but how would they feel if an issue actually affected them?” 

This is Michael Hagin’s self-described inspiration for his new show: “The Senator Speaks” 

Opening at the American Theatre of Actors on Thursday, February 27th, The Senator Speaks follows the story of Senator Calvin Shepherd. As he puts the finishing touches on his keynote NRA speech, an act of tragic gun violence occurs just miles away from his family home. Suddenly, Calvin is faced with the consequences of the legislation he is actively fighting to pass. 

As the news goes live, Calvin must navigate the unspoken tensions that begin to overcome his household while staving off the media vultures determined to get an inside scoop. Hagin’s show fearlessly confronts themes of reproductive rights, political struggles, and dark family secrets, drawing audiences into a world where personal and political conflicts collide.

“I’ve always wondered what it would take for a politician to really care about a real-life issue,” Hagin explains. “As a country, we’re already feeling the split by far-left and far-right issues, and we don’t always see the damage done when two people are on the opposite side of hot-button topics like abortion, women’s rights, and gun control.”

This division is at the heart of The Senator Speaks, setting the stage for deeply complex characters and many poignant moments. Lead actor Michael Whitten, who plays Senator Calvin Shepherd, tells us he was immediately drawn to the role. “Michael Hagins has crafted a story about a senator who is finally, and tragically, confronted with the consequences of legislation he helped pass,” Whitten shares. “As the events unfold and his role in putting his family in danger becomes clear, he has to decide what is really important to him.”

Whitten has worked with Hagin for years and tells us that the emotion of his character is the highlight of the gig for him. “I really enjoy the challenge of finding all the emotional levels of a character and making them feel more human. Even when playing an antagonist, I try to make them feel like a real person.”

Xavier Rodney, who plays Chief of Staff Danny Johns, describes his character as a “methodical thinker” who is willing to push forward at all costs. “This show is not just a standard political news report, but a deeper insight into all of our lives,” Rodney explains. “At the very heart of it all is a family drama tackling what one would have to do to make sure they have the life they believe they should lead.”

These two also share the stage with Olivia Whicheloe as Corrine Shepherd and Mary Sheridan as Martha Shepherd, Calvin’s daughter and wife. Olivia delivers a powerful role that walks the line between ingenue and resistance. Mary, who is stepping into the limelight of the off-broadway industry, delivers an equally powerful role. 

Both cast and director hope that The Senator Speaks will leave audiences reflecting the current state of affairs, and the impact it can have on individuals. Michale Whitten notes that “the show captures a moment when someone who is convinced they are doing what’s best for their family and country is directly affected… it takes tragedy for them to even consider how it affects anyone else.” 

Rodney echoes this sentiment: “I hope audiences will have a better understanding of the silent battles that people lead. There is so much that goes on in the in-between that you would never know without conversation.”

Director and Playwright, Michael Hagins, has a long history is bringing hard-hitting stories to the stage. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and an Advanced Actor-Combatant for the Society of American Fight Directors. Michael is no stranger to the realities of racism and prejudice and makes it a personal responsibility to address inequality through his art. He tells us this show is an “experiment that has grown and matured over the past few years.” 

As opening night approaches, the team behind The Senator Speaks is eager to bring this compelling drama to the stage. “I’m just excited to hear the reactions from the audience,” Hagin says. “And, of course, I always love for my wife to see what I’ve created. It makes all those nights I wasn’t home worth it.”

The Senator Speaks runs at the American Theatre of Actors from February 27th through March 3rd. Don’t miss this powerful new work that holds a mirror up to our political reality—and asks us to look closer.

Click here to purchase tickets now, or visit the American Theatre of Actors Website for more information! 

Show Times: 

Thursday, February 27th, 8pm

Friday, February 28th, 8pm 

Saturday, March 1st, 3pm & 8pm

Sunday, March 2nd, 3pm

Wednesday, March 5th, 8pm

Thursday, March 6th, 8pm

Friday, March 7th, 8pm 

Saturday, March 8th, 3pm & 8pm