Just in time for this week’s historic Democratic National Convention, the Epiphany Center for the Arts has extended its run of “44: The Obama Musical” to include two additional performances on Tuesday, August 20th. For political buffs and theater lovers alike, this heady musical satire will surely delight with its laugh-out-loud parodies, extraordinary vocal talent, and timely messaging.
Billed as the “unofficial” and “unsanctioned” retrospective of the Obama presidency “through the hazy recollection of Joe Biden,” the musical explores Obama’s presidential candidacy and his first term in office. The laughs are immediate as the production opens with an African-American Rosie the Riveter character (played by Summer Nicole Greer) named “Voice of the People,” who recalls the hopefulness of the Obama campaign and introduces the catchy “M.F.O. (Mother Effin’ Obama)” theme that recurs throughout the musical.
True to its tagline, the musical is told through the madcap reminiscing of a hilarious Joe Biden, featuring wildly satirical versions of Hillary Clinton, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin, and Herman Cain. Biden’s memories delve deep into the political context that defined Obama’s rise to fame in the Democratic Party, as well as the social and racial tensions that surrounded his groundbreaking presidency. Overall, “44” does an excellent job chronicling the history of Obama’s first term with razor-sharp wit and clever subversion, worthy of comparisons to “Hamilton” and “The Book of Mormon.”
The songbook of the musical is a true standout, showcasing the extraordinary vocal talent of the cast. T.J. Wilkins is a dashing Obama as he belts out a rousing “Red and Blue States” and a soulful “How Black Is Too Black?”. Chad Doreck is a sidesplitting Biden, with his over-the-top parody of the Vice President’s adoration for his charismatic running mate.
1990s R&B songstress Shanice (of “I Love Your Smile”) is a stunning Michelle Obama, lending her incredible vocal range to “First Lady” and “Change.” Together, Wilkins and Shanice aptly capture the chemistry between the President and First Lady, with touching glints of humor in “White House Love” and “The One.”
Larry Cedar is wonderfully villainous as Mitch McConnell, leader of the White Hetero Affluent Men (W.H.A.M.), the cabal of Republican opposers who work to undermine Obama at every turn. Their hip hop-inspired “Filibusters” is a raucous parody of Ted Cruz’s real-life filibuster, where he recited Dr. Seuss’s *Green Eggs and Ham* in its entirety to block Obamacare. Among the musical’s many surreal moments (including a Sarah Palin strip tease and a crooning Herman Cain), Marqell Edward Clayton is compelling as “Brother Abe Lincoln,” who appears to Obama in a stress-induced interlude to remind him of the racial injustices that have long plagued American democracy.
Musical director Anthony “Brew” Brewster and the production’s live band do an amazing job delivering “44”’s infectious score. Music enthusiasts will pick up on a broad range of genres and numerous musical references, from Warren G and The Pharcyde to Michael Jackson and Prince.
Along with its comical fare, the musical also tackles more serious subject matter, including the heartbreaking mass shootings that occurred during Obama’s first term and the tragic murders of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Writer and director Eli Bauman’s deft ability to address heavy issues while maintaining the storyline’s comedic pacing offers a deeply thought-provoking experience for the audience. Bauman also foregrounds aspects of the American experience (racism, slavery, Jim Crow, sexism, homophobia, patriarchy) that often go unspoken in mainstream productions, creating an inclusive space for all audience members to reflect on Obama’s historic presidency.
With its hilarious satire and outstanding score, “44: The Obama Musical” is surely headed for a Broadway run. Don’t miss this definite must-see before it leaves Chicago. For more information, visit epiphanychi.com/obama-the-musical.