Kirk McGee: Artist Profile

All About Solo's Editorial Team recently caught up with Kirk McGee, star of The Honorable Herbert Peabody, to learn about his journey through the world of solo theatre.

Tickets are available for The Honorable Herbert Peabody on March 20 at 7:00 pm at United Solo's 20th Annual Solo Theatre Festival at Theatre Row in New York City.

Get tickets here.

What attracted you to solo theatre for this piece?

I am an actor/playwright with a clowning and mime background. I was always inspired to create a solo show in the same vein as the great Bill Irwin's work, but I could not decide how to tie all the clowning bits and scenes into an engaging narrative. When the inspiration for The Honorable Herbert Peabody came around, there was a compelling narrative, and it seemed like a solo piece was the right way to present the hapless tour guide’s story. I did make the executive decision; however, to do more talking than miming in this solo piece.

Describe your show in 6 words.Physical Comedy. Insightful Satire. Heartfelt Story.

Your show is about a tour guide tasked with juggling a Senator's lofty legacy with his recently revealed litany of sex scandals? Have you worked in Washington, DC? If so, what was your experience? If not, what drew you to a political story?I grew up within the beltway of DC. My immediate family has worked inside and outside the government for decades. Most notably, my grandfather was U.S. Senator Gale McGee (D-Wyo) from 1959-1977 and Ambassador of the Organization of American States (OAS) from 1977-1981. My brief career in politics happened during high school, when I had the honor of working as a Senate Page for two summers. I remember accidentally spilling water down the front to Senator Howell Heflin of Alabama before his floor speech and shaking hands with Vice President Dan Quayle during a photo op shortly after he misspelled potato on national TV. I will say, that growing up within the political bubble of DC, it became evident to me that Abuse of Power does not have any political party affiliation. It is a symptom of the individual, not the party they root for or hide behind. 

This show has a ripped from the headlines feel to it. What do you think our tour guide’s dilemma has in helping us navigate these unprecedented times?

With compassion and humor, The Honorable Herbert Peabody embraces the idea that our flaws and follies unite us rather than divide us, encouraging audiences to both laugh and reflect on their own responsibility in creating a more perfect union. It’s Ted Lasso meets “What the Constitution Means to Me.”The play is a fictional story inspired by real events, using no actual names, no actual incidents, or party affiliations. However, as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times, it has been evident that these individuals who face exposure for their transgressions are often more concerned with preserving their legacy than their innocence, which raises important questions about questions about personal responsibility, the abuse of power, and  the implications of absolving or ignoring misconduct simply because the perpetrator is our favorite celebrity, teacher, close friend, or relative, demonstrating that these issues extend beyond politics, prompting the question: "Who will hold them accountable for their actions? If not us, then who?" Museums? Historians? Libraries? As a result, Joe the Tour Guide and The Honorable Herbert Peabody were born.

What hopes do you have for Peabody’s future?

Together, with Corey Atkins (director), we believe that Intelligent Theater + Community Collaboration = Real Change. The Honorable Herbert Peabody has been participating in various solo festivals since 2018. More recently, we self-produced an off-Broadway run with the support of a performance grant from the Café Royal Cultural Foundation. We are thrilled to be returning to the United Solo festival as another step to achieve our goals of bringing its essential themes and conversations to NY and regional theatres, performance venues, and universities across the country. And with any luck a Netflix special performed at one of the great theaters in DC? Just putting that out there. 

The Honorable Herbert Peabody

March 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm

United Solo Theatre Festival

Theatre Row, New York City