BWW Reviews: Capital Fringe's AT YOUR SERVICE, MR. PRESIDENT! Makes History Personal

Few things capture the public's attention quite like the White House or its chief occupant, the president of the United States. They both are the central characters in Alan DeValerio's semi-autobiographical show At Your Service, Mr. President! This charming one-man show at Capital Fringe is perfect for history and political buffs, fans of celebrity gossip or anyone wanting a peak into what life is like behind the iron gates at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

DeValerio worked as a butler in the White House, serving Presidents Carter, Reagan and Bush. In At Your Service, Mr. President! DeValerio explains how he got to work in the executive mansion, what it was like to serve three first families, recounts meeting celebrities while working White House social functions and details the planning that goes into a state dinner. Interspersed between his stories, DeValerio recants the history of entertaining at the White House, specifically focusing on the meals shared between the president and other heads of state.

Despite a bare stage, DeValerio's ability as a storyteller and his sense of humor keep you fully engaged. When he tells of almost spilling champagne on President and Mrs. Reagan and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, you could hear the audience gasp, holding their breaths to learn the story's conclusion. DeValerio then lightens the moment instantly with a self-depreciating joke.

Unlike many White House memoirs, DeValerio doesn't attempt to settle political scores or smear those he served. The lack of a political agenda, of any kind, is what makes this show so enjoyable. He has also structured it in a meaningful way that mixes history with personal reflection.

All that was missing was a multi-media element of some kind. A table filled with mementos of DeValerio's White House years sits on stage, and the audience is invited up to see it. However, because the Argonaut performance space is small, doing so isn't easy. At Your Service, Mr. President! would be better served to have the photos, menus and other memorabilia projected on a screen onstage. The effect would be two-fold: it would enhance the story and allow the audience to fully visualize the detail that went into the White House events which DeValerio speaks about.

Finally, on a personal note, I too had the privilege of working in the White House. I was struck by how DeValerio spoke of his White House years with a personal love of service, commitment to excellence and dedication to duty. These were all traits I observed of the chief usher's butler staff during my time there, and I related to his love of the historical house and what it represents. Serving the president is truly a remarkable opportunity, and At Your Service, Mr. President! at Capital Fringe is truly a remarkable story that brings everyone along for the ride. Well done!

Runtime: 45 minutes with no intermission

Photo Credit: Capital Fringe

At Your Service, Mr. President! at Capital Fringe runs thru July 26th at the Argonaut -1433 H Street, NE Washington, DC 20002. For performance dates, times and tickets please click here.

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