Rothman, D-Fair Lawn, and Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., are competitive campers. |
Rep. Steve Rothman lent his talents to a benefit play on Monday night and got a big laugh when he delivered one of his lines Jersey-style.
Rothman appeared in "Camp Wannabeapolitiki" -- a fictional place "where very mover, shaker and policy maker spends their summer" -- as part of a $450-a-plate fund-raiser to support the community activities of the non-profit Arena Stage.
In the play, which also featured other members of Congress, media luminaries and Washington-area politicians, the owner of the camp conspires with counselors to make the campers' experience so unpleasant they quit and go home. He does this because he secretly has an offer to sell the land to the Sierra Club, Save the Whales and other environmental groups that want to clearcut the land and build corporate headquarters "to get back to nature."
When the plot is uncovered, Rothman puts a question to his fellow campers, speaking in the style of many of the guys I grew up with in North Bergen: "Whadyagonnadoaboutit?"
They eventually decide to put on a reality/variety show to raise money to save the camp.
Highlights, besides Rothman almost tripping over a piece of the scenery, included Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., making light reference to his being declared a political goner after last year's primary. Lieberman is the undisputed champion of the survivalist training group.
"Joe's my name and survival's my game," Lieberman declared as he appeared on stage in a leather jacket and sunglasses. When the campers despair about the apparent loss of their favorite place of recreation, Lieberman reminded all: "Take it from me, junior. It ain't over until it's over."
Other highlights included political pundit Charlie Cook appearing from the archery range with an arrow through his head, and National Public Radio reporter Nina Totenberg snapping at Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. for stepping on one of her lines.
Rothman said he agreed to be in the show this year because he supports the theater's work and, "I did it last year and didn't die. Well, I died [on stage], but it was OK.
"I'm doing this for charity," Rothman said. "I wouldn't intentionally humiliate myself like this otherwise."
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