Live on stage at the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College, Friday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m., award-winning author and TV host Peter Funt takes an entertaining look at how comedic impressions of U.S. presidents evolved — and their impact on real-life politics — in Playing POTUS. 

Based on his new book by the same name, Peter’s multi-media show features clips, interviews and revealing insights about the presidency and the comics who speak shtick to power. A columnist for major newspapers and host of 250 episodes of TV’s iconic “Candid Camera” — started by his father, Allen Funt — Peter began his career as a journalist at ABC News. 

Beginning with Vaughn Meader’s record album “The First Family” in 1962, mimicry has grown during a dozen administrations. From Meader’s portrayal of JFK as a debonair leader who cherished his rub-uh swan, to Alec Baldwin’s depiction of Donald Trump as an orange-tinted buffoon, Americans at times seem more familiar with the screen versions of chief executives than the politicians themselves. With Joe Biden, impersonators have been challenged by a divided nation with a fragile sense of humor. 

“In scouring presidential libraries and tracking down people who worked with the early impressionists, the story grew more fascinating,” explains Peter. “Now that the nation is so divided politically, we see the affect on how mimics treat presidents.” 

Tickets for Playing POTUS are available through the Dana Center box office and website.