Lilli Cooper’s Triumphant Return: Unpacking the Genius of Selina Fillinger’s ‘POTUS’ on Broadway

Broadway is currently captivated by Selina Fillinger’s groundbreaking new play, POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, a searingly hilarious and timely political satire. Among its stellar cast, Tony nominee Lilli Cooper makes a remarkable return to the stage, marking her first performance postpartum. Cooper portrays Chris, a White House correspondent whose ambition is palpable as she navigates the chaos of presidential scandals while simultaneously managing the realities of new motherhood, complete with a breast pump. Her character’s journey for truth and professional recognition forms a compelling thread in this vibrant production, which has quickly established itself as one of Broadway’s must-see shows.

Lilli Cooper’s portrayal of Chris is a standout, bringing both comedic timing and a deep sense of authenticity to the role. Chris is not just a journalist; she is a working and nursing mother, a facet of her character that deeply resonated with Cooper, who recently welcomed her own child. “I was so excited because the character that I’m playing, Chris, is a working and nursing mom, which was just perfect,” Lilli shared in an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife.com as part of their Tony Contenders series. This personal connection allowed Cooper to infuse her performance with genuine experience. She humorously recounted, “My favorite part about my audition is that in one of the scenes, my character is pumping, and so in my audition tape, I actually pumped.” This dedication to authenticity on and off the stage is a testament to Cooper’s commitment to her craft and her character, making Chris a uniquely relatable figure for many audience members.

The return to Broadway was a significant milestone for Lilli Cooper, who welcomed her first child, Bodie, in September 2021. She openly admitted that her “literal experience” as a mom profoundly informed her character. “I have the experience to bring to the table, plus I think it reading the script was way funnier from the perspective of a mom!” she gushed. This personal insight not only enriches her performance but also adds layers of humor and pathos to a play already brimming with sharp wit. Her character, Chris, strives to reclaim her professional standing after maternity leave, battling a “pimply, nerdy colleague” who filled her shoes, while simultaneously hunting for the big scoop that could redefine her career. The juxtaposition of professional ambition, the demands of motherhood, and the chaotic political landscape creates a dynamic and thoroughly engaging character that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

Selina Fillinger’s POTUS brilliantly skewers the absurdities of American politics through the lens of a classic farce, but with a crucial twist: it places women squarely at the center. The play unfolds within the hallowed halls of the White House, where a diverse group of women—including the Press Secretary, Chief of Staff, and other indispensable figures—work tirelessly to shield a blundering male president from the consequences of his own disastrous actions. This president, a master of diplomatic gaffes, sexist remarks, and extramarital affairs, sparks a cascade of crises that these women must heroically contain. Lilli Cooper highlighted Fillinger’s innovative approach, stating, “Selina dedicates the play to all of the women kind of in the background of male lead farces. And, that is the history of farces, right? Being filled with male characters. So to put the female characters in the forefront is really innovative and smart. It makes it so relatable because it’s just so true. I mean, how many scenarios are there where there are women behind the scenes really saving the day?” This reversal of traditional theatrical tropes transforms the typical farce into a powerful commentary on gender, power, and the unseen labor of women in positions of influence.

For Lilli Cooper’s character, Chris, the play is a relentless pursuit of truth within a White House that is actively “enabling a terrible president.” Cooper emphasized her pride in embodying a journalist, a role she sees as pivotal in challenging the status quo. “Chris wants to break that down and stop the enabling so that women can actually lead in these positions,” she explained. “She’s a pretty badass character!” Chris’s determination to expose the truth and dismantle the enabling mechanisms around the president positions her as a moral compass within the chaotic narrative, advocating for a world where competence and integrity, not just gender, determine leadership. Her character’s arc is a microcosm of the play’s larger message: the critical need for women’s voices and leadership in all sectors, especially in challenging environments where power is often misused.

The sheer star power of the POTUS cast is undeniable, with Lilli Cooper joined by an ensemble of absolute luminaries who bring Selina Fillinger’s witty script to life. The stage sizzles with the collective talent of Vanessa Williams, who embodies the formidable Chief of Staff; Julianne Hough, making her impactful Broadway debut; comedic powerhouse Lea DeLaria; Emmy-nominated former SNL star Rachel Dratch; versatile actress Suzy Nakamura; and Tony Award winner Julie White. This dream team of actresses creates an unparalleled dynamic, transforming every scene into a masterclass of comedic timing and dramatic depth. Cooper fondly recollected the joyous atmosphere during rehearsals: “There were so many times that we just broke into laughter during rehearsals and that’s such a dream to have that kind of environment at work. It’s different reading it by yourself in your house, and then having these incredible actresses read it out loud. It came to life and it was genuinely, to this day, one of the funniest scripts I’ve ever read.” This camaraderie and shared passion for the material are palpable in every performance, making POTUS a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

Selina Fillinger, at just 28, has penned a play that is not only a commercial success but also a critical triumph, showcasing a fresh, incisive voice in contemporary American theater. POTUS challenges conventional narratives by highlighting the often-unseen struggles and triumphs of women in power, making it incredibly relevant in today’s political climate. The play resonates deeply with audiences who are eager for sharp satire and empowering female representation. Its ability to provoke thought while eliciting uproarious laughter is a testament to Fillinger’s genius and the impeccable execution by the cast and creative team.

Beyond its comedic elements, POTUS subtly, yet powerfully, addresses pressing societal issues: the role of media in politics, the challenges faced by working mothers, the insidious nature of sexism in leadership, and the constant battle between truth and political expediency. The play asks a fundamental question, echoing the article’s initial query: “Why isn’t she president?” By showcasing the immense competence and resilience of the women behind the scenes, Fillinger’s work subtly suggests that perhaps the right person for the job has been there all along, simply overshadowed by male ineptitude. This thought-provoking undercurrent elevates the play from mere farce to a significant cultural commentary.

The theatrical experience of POTUS at the Shubert Theatre is a vibrant celebration of female talent and storytelling. From Lilli Cooper’s dynamic performance to the collective brilliance of the entire ensemble, and anchored by Selina Fillinger’s exceptionally written script, the production offers a rare blend of gut-busting humor and insightful social commentary. It’s a testament to the power of theater to entertain, challenge, and inspire, leaving audiences both thoroughly amused and deeply reflective. POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive is currently playing on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre, and it is an experience not to be missed for anyone seeking a fresh, funny, and profoundly relevant theatrical event.