I love a good satire. I am a devotee of both Mad Magazine and National Lampoon. Both were lightning in a bottle explaining social and political issues as I saw them. The American presidency is an easy target. Politicians are instant caricatures whether for good or bad. Writer and director Eli Bauman has hit the zeitgeist with 44: The unOfficial, unSanctioned Obama Musical. Bauman wrote the book, music, and lyrics for this hilarious and touching musical. He does a seamless job of directing with a mega-talented cast. (Fun fact: Bauman's father is Bowser from the retro '50s group Sha-Na-Na.
T.J. Wilkins embodies Barack Obama, the coolest man on the planet to millions of people worldwide. Wilkins has the posture, the phrasing, and the movements of Obama, but is a much better singer. Wilkins has a silky tenor that never hits a false note. He is the perfect pairing for the '90s pop and soul singer Shanice who holds her own against other popular mononyms like Brandy, Pebbles, and Mya. Shanice has the gospel power to give the proper gravitas to the characterization of Michelle Obama. Wilkins and Shanice have a fun chemistry. Powerhouse singer Summer Nicole Greer plays Voice of The People (the Greek Chorus). She started the show and the amens and clapping kept coming.
The story of Obama's rise and first term is told "from the hazy memories" of Vice President Joe Biden played by the brilliant Chad Doreck. The timing, facial expressions, and hot dance moves are all topped with that shark smile Biden was known for before he became president. Kelly Dorney plays Hilary Clinton with a feral anger of being overlooked. She sings "My Turn" with a snarling anger in a perfect pantsuit and Hilary Hair. What makes it so funny is that it is based on truth; the adage that comedy is tragedy plus timing is played out quite well in 44.
The cast of characters in Congress during the era of Hope and Change steals the show. Larry Cedar as a rapping turtle Mitch McConnell is a must-see performance. Jeff Sumner drips Southern Belle sugar all over his characterization of Lindsey Graham. Sumner is also fantastic as the big-haired white liberal woman with "coexist" emblazoned on the front of her red dress. Kevin Bailey—also a producer of this show—is wonderfully hangdog as John Boehner, who is called "Boner". It seemed that every time the Speaker of the House from Cinncinati spoke, he cried. Somehow, that weeping on demand, passed for emotional patriotism when the Congress was majority Republican, and Bailey nails it.
The unholy squad of W.H.A.M. (White Heterosexual American Men) is rounded with Michael Uribes as Ted Cruz and Dino Shorté as Herman Cain, the honorary Black of W.H.A.M. Shorté got the biggest applause for his solo of "Herman Cain" sung to "Purple Rain" and his preacher's moment when he put himself forward as a candidate against Obama. Mitt Romney as the nominee is portrayed as a projection of a Ken doll. Also making a hot hockey mom appearance is Sarah Palin played with wonderfully sleazy panache by Ally Dixon singing "Drill Me Baby." Marqell Edward Clayton plays several roles but rocked Brother Abraham Lincoln with Dino Shorté doubling as Ulysses S. Grant singing "Brother Abe Lincoln"
44 is filled with clever and ubiquitous pop culture references. Taglines from songs and quips like "Jeremiah Wright was Jeremiah Wrong" singe the edges of sacred cows like religion. Soul, gospel, and rap are infused into the excellent music. I will never look at Mitch McConnell again without picturing a Kangol hat, fake fur, and a giant gold necklace that says W.H.A.M. It will make it bearable to look at him without feeling a special kind of pain
Uribe rapping Doctor Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham is a flash of brilliance as is Bailey singing "F*ck You Ted Cruz." I expected people to leave the theater singing "Barack Mutha F*uckin' Obama." I waited until I got in the car not wanting to give away how much I liked it. The band features music director Anthony "Brew" Brewster on keyboards, Conrad Bauer on guitar, Corey Cofield on bass, Phillip "Fish" Fisher on drums, and Greg Ramond on keyboards. Their sound was so perfectly balanced that I thought it was recorded. The choreography by James Alsop was a blend of Soul Train, Memphis Jukin', hip-hop, and a bit of tap dancing that fit Doreck's Biden to a T.
I highly recommend 44: The unOfficial, unSanctioned Obama Musical. The timing is perfect for this kind of show to shine a light on how ridiculous it is for anyone to judge how Black is Black enough, and who qualifies as Black. It is also a laser shining on how our political system has devolved into a dog-whistle democracy. If anyone is offended, that says more about them than the show because it is hilarious with tender moments and joy. It has a short run, so go and see it! Three and 1/2 stars.
44: The unOfficial, unSanctioned Obama Musical has been extended through August 20 at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Avenue. Running time is two hours with one intermission. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.44obamamusical.com/ or https://epiphanychi.com/obama-the-musical/
For more information on this and other plays, see theatreinchicago.com.
Support arts and culture journalism today. This work doesn't happen without your support. Contribute today and ensure we can continue to share the latest reviews, essays, and previews of the most anticipated arts and culture events across the city.