The UnSanctioned Obama Musical Revue

44—The Musical

Do you remember Joy? Do you remember feeling safe and proud about living in the United States of America? Can you recall what it was like waking up and not reading about some outrageous, late night revengeful rant from an immature, egotistical Chief of State, aimed at anyone who actually has the wellbeing of our country at heart? Remember when it was a pleasure to listen to the intelligent and empathetic voice of a Commander in Chief we actually admired and respected? When hate and anger wasn’t the climate of the sycophants in charge of running this country (into the ground), and the Presidency wasn’t considered a “regime of doom”?

Joy! That’s the much-missed emotion felt by the entire audience during the electrifying opening night performance of 44—THE MUSICAL. While not yet a perfect production (it could still use a little editing before it heads off to New York City in October), this unsanctioned Obama Musical Revue returns to the city where it premiered. Eli Bauman (Writer, Composer, Director & Lead Producer) opened his production in Chicago last year, around the time of the Democratic Convention. After profuse positive audience response and critical reviews, Bauman took his show to Los Angeles, where it became a “must-see event.” The show garnered the top BroadwayWorld LA Awards for a musical and was attended by most every celebrity in California. And now this hilarious political spoof is back in Chicago again, bringing the Windy City some much appreciated Joy again before taking a bite out of the Big Apple this Fall.

The skimpy plot of this musical revue is kind of like an extended Saturday Night Live sketch. The difference is the show’s in two acts, liberally peppered with songs and choreography and features a full cast of truly talented actor/singer/dancers. The premise that Joe Biden (portrayed by an outstanding triple-threat, with a real gift for physical comedy, named Chad Doreck) is trying to recall the highlights of the year when his friend Barack Hussein Obama (portrayed by the superb T.J. Wilkins, a fantastic vocalist and dancer) won the Presidency. The then Vice President Biden, who’s a bit foggy now when it comes to details, clearly remembers the heavy hitters from President Obama’s 44th term. They include the beautiful and vivacious power-behind-the-Presidency, Michelle Obama (played with vim, vigor and verve by the accomplished songstress, Shanice). 

Mr. Biden also affectionately recalls other important players from Obama’s first term of office. They’re comprised of the whip-smart and tough-as-nails, Hillary Clinton. She’s hilariously portrayed by the lovely and marvelously multitalented Kelly Felthous (fondly remembered by Chicago audiences from Paramount’s exceptional production of  WAITRESS, Drury Lane’s brilliant LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and Marriott’s nostalgic WHITE CHRISTMAS, as well as from many National Tours). The exceptional Larry Cedar plays the show’s primary antagonist, an aggressive and agile Mitch McConnell. Sexy Summer Collins dons the upswept hairdo and those familiar eye  glasses to become a comical pole dancing Sarah Palin. Dino Shorte, a top-notch entertainer from every genre, beautifully portrays the self-motivated powerhouse, Herman Cain. Michael Uribes is great as the much-hated Ted Cruz. And Jeff Sumner is priceless as both an effeminate Lindsey Graham and the outspoken Coexist Lady. The ensemble is led by outstanding vocalist, Summer Nicole Greer, as the belting Voice of the People; and Jevon McFerrin is fierce and funny, both as Obama’s Press Secretary and Brother Abe Lincoln.

The production is delectably Choreographed by the gifted Miss James Alsop, who keeps the musical moving almost nonstop.

 44—THE MUSICAL is nicely staged and guided by Director Eli Bauman and capably Musical Directed with polish by Anthony “Brew” Brewster. The 25 original songs, written by Renaissance Man Mr. Bauman, include such delightful ditties as “Just Ask Joe,” “My Turn,” “First Lady,” “The One,” “44 is Back,” “Drill Me Baby” and the profanity-permeated ear worm “M.F.O.” You won’t leave this show without that song haunting you for the rest of the evening!

44—THE MUSICAL is undeniably delightful. It immerses the adult audience in a much-welcomed, long-forgotten emotion called Joy. The show is very funny and filled with some unforgettable toe-tapping songs. But overall, it’s a little overstuffed, which makes the evening feel rather long. Starting the show on time, would also help. Writer Eli Bauman might want to take a moment, while in Chicago, to perform some judicious cutting, keeping mind that old adage that Less is More. His cast is absolutely sensational and the premise of this unsanctioned Obama Musical is greatly appreciated, especially considering how much many of us would love to recapture and relive those early 21st century halcyon days of Joy.      

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 23-September 21 at the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Bldg., 410 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 312-753-3210 or by going to www.44theobamamusical.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.