"44" musical is humorous look at Obama's time in White House
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T.J. Wilkins plays Barack Obama. Photo: Courtesy of Bella Marie Adams
Nostalgic for Barack Obama? No need to wait for his Democratic National Convention speech, because a new musical casts a spotlight on the 44th president.
The big picture: "44 — The unOfficial, unSanctioned Obama Musical" offers a vibrant R&B retelling of Obama's presidential career, featuring an ensemble of hilarious allies and antagonists (mostly the latter).
Flashback: Writer, director and composer Eli Bauman says he got the idea to write "44" the night Donald Trump was elected president in 2016. He had volunteered in 2008 for Obama's campaign and wanted to tap back into that feeling of participation and energy.
The intrigue: Trump is not mentioned in the musical, which was intentional. "There will not be a 45. At least not from my brain," Bauman tells Axios.
Zoom in: Throughout the show's two-plus hours, the songs take aim at the maneuvering of Mitch McConnell (Larry Cedar), the drill-happy antics of Sarah Palin (Ally Dixon) and the graceful guidance of Michelle Obama (Shanice).
- Hillary Clinton's (Kelley Dorney) blatant bitterness is on display throughout but especially with "My Turn," and Republican Herman Cain (Dino Shorté) sings about his tokenism in "Herman Cain" set to the melody of "Purple Rain."
Reality check: Bauman satirizes Republican responses to the Sandy Hook shooting with "Gay for the N.R.A" as congressmen repeat "thoughts and prayers" and Obama (T.J. Wilkins) throws up his hands in frustration.
Warning: The show serves up salty language, including copious use of motherf**ckin' throughout.
Between the lines: Actor Chad Doreck plays the show's narrator, Joe Biden, as a ripped and lovable buffoon with a folksy fondness for hair smelling and aviator sunglasses.
If you go: The show runs through Saturday at the Epiphany Center for the Arts.
- Tickets start at $44.