Who:  The Tabard Theatre Company

What:   After being abruptly shut down following just one performance in March due to the County’s shelter-in-place orders, Looking Over the President's Shoulder returns to the Tabard Theatre stage to be broadcast as a live stream. This is not a pre-recorded show— each performance will be live, with its unique nuances captured via multiple camera angles. James Still’s engaging play is told from the perspective of Alonzo Fields—the White House Chief Butler who served four U.S. presidents and their families, from Hoover to Eisenhower, several of whom he came to consider personal friends. Fields describes his life as “like being in the front row and watching the passing parade of history.” The show is a remount of Tabard’s popular 2013 production, with local favorite James Creer reprising his critically acclaimed role.

When:  Friday, July 24, 2020 thru Sunday, August 9, 2020 (performance schedule below)

Where:  Online. Performed live at Tabard Theatre, presented via multi-camera live stream.

Why:  When Alonzo Fields accepted a job as a butler at the White House in 1931, his plan was to work there for the season. That season became 21 years. Based on a real-life story, this compelling play follows Fields—the grandson of a freed slave who grew up in segregated southern Indiana—from his pursuit of a career in opera, to working at the White House, and eventually becoming Chief Butler, bearing witness to countless moments of American history, and ultimately becoming a trusted friend and confidant to multiple presidents. Written by James Still, and brought to life by popular local actor James Creer, this play provides intriguing and compelling insights into one man’s unique lens on American history. 

Box Office: 408.679.2330 or www.tabardtheatre.org/tickets

Tickets:          $32 - $35

                        Adults $35

                        Seniors $32

Performance Schedule:  

Friday, July 24 @ 8:00pm (Opening Performance)

Saturday, July 25 @ 3:00pm

Sunday, July 26 @ 2:00pm

Thursday, July 30 @ 8:00pm

Friday, July 31 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, August 1 @ 8:00pm

Sunday, August 2 @ 2:00pm

Wednesday, August 5 @ 12:30pm

Friday, August 7 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, August 8 @ 3:00pm

Sunday, August 9 @ 2:00pm

Photos:  Photography:  Edmond Kwong/ImageWurx 

James Creer stars as Alonzo Fields, White House Chief Butler, in The Tabard Theatre Company’s production of Looking Over the President’s Shoulder. 

Director:  Doug Baird

Starring :  James Creer 

Tabard Theatre (formerly Theatre on San Pedro Square) — The Destination for Arts Discovery —  is located in the heart of historic San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose amid a bustling restaurant district. This intimate and unique venue brings a touch of Manhattan to the South Bay with its rustic and warm feel. 

The Tabard Theatre Company is grateful for support provided by grants from The City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs and from Silicon Valley Creates.

Photos:  Photography:  Edmond Kwong/ImageWurx 

James Creer stars as Alonzo Fields, White House Chief Butler, in The Tabard Theatre Company’s production of Looking Over the President’s Shoulder.