Ronald Reagan: The Last Republican is a one-man show written by Terry Phillips. It presents the unvarnished, unapologetic, unauthorized recollections of America’s 40th president. During an evening in the Oval Office, Mr. Reagan reflects on his life — from growing up in the Great Depression, to an iconic career in show business and politics — while dealing with an unexpected family crisis.
Veteran actor/director Paul Messinger starred in the world premiere performance in Santa Barbara, California.
According to the Santa Barbara Independent, the play "brings the life of this polarizing former president to the stage." Radio station KCLU says it "goes beyond politics to look at the man."
The show was featured in the Business Journal as well as on Fresno radio and TV stations prior to opening at that city's famous Tower Theatre.
Regardless of one’s preconceived notions about Reagan the man or Reagan the historical figure, this sometimes serious, sometimes humorous play is juxtaposed against the many challenges of his own time (and ours) to provide something touching and surprising for everyone.
Coming Soon
Following its September 2023 premiere run in Santa Barbara, our play went on the road with performances in Carmel and Fresno. (It was originally called Ronald Reagan Saves the World.) The Bakersfield Community Theatre will produce Ronald Reagan: The Last Republican July 19-27, 2024. Those interested in bringing the show to their venue can contact Clear Brush Productions by phone or text at 661-835-1497, by regular mail in care of the author (Terry Phillips) at P.O. Box 12492, Bakersfield CA 93389, or by email: [email protected]
Playwright
Terry Phillips is the creator and host of Imagine Air Theater, a series of audio plays in the style of old-time radio but with contemporary themes. As a journalist, he covered major stories across the United States as well as from such global hot spots as Russia, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and Haiti. Phillips is the author of Murder at the Altar, a historical novel. He was an award-winning radio talk show host and an independent congressional candidate in California's Central Valley. His business experience includes serving as an executive in the wireless telecommunications industry. Phillips founded a multimedia production company and a boutique publishing house, with clients in America and Europe.
Director/Actor
Paul Messinger is a veteran actor and director. His many theatrical performance credits include Lady Patriot, I Never Sang for My Father, and Stuff Happens. He also has a long TV acting career in movies, episodic shows, and commercials. Paul’s voice talents frequently grace Imagine Air Theater, a series of audio plays. Paul has worked as a director in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and various places in between, staging children’s shows (The Christmas Princess), high dramas (Gentle Passage), and comedies (Ledge), among others. He formerly served as the head of the director’s unit for Fierce Backbone.
