Nostalgic for the days of election seasons that weren’t so crazy?
Well, a new show called “44 – THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL (As Told Through the Hazy Recollection of Joe Biden),” runs through Sunday at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., Philadelphia.
It is an uproariously funny look back at the presidential tenure of Barack Obama.
It’s a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Obama, as well as the eccentric political characters he met along the way.
The production has played to sold-out audiences around the country, from Los Angeles to New York, and most recently in the Obamas’ hometown of Chicago, where audiences and critics alike demanded the show extend its run well into the Democratic National Convention.
The production garnered seven 2023 BroadwayWorld L.A. Awards, including Best Musical and Best Ensemble.
Tickets in Philadelphia are on sale at 44theobamamusical.com/tickets.
The show is written, composed, and directed by Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign organizer.
“As we careen toward the totally normal and stress-free 2024 election, we hope you’ll join us for a look back at the 44th presidency of the United States — when the White House was full of hope, the president didn’t endorse a violent attack on his own vice president, and the president’s largest scandal was wearing a tan suit,” said Bauman.
The cast includes some of the top young singing talent in the country: T.J. Wilkins from NBC’s “The Voice” stars as “Barack Obama” and Shanice —award-winning R&B artist with “I Love Your Smile” and OWN’s “Flex & Shanice” — as “Michelle Obama” and Chad Doreck as “Joe Biden.”
The show also features the legendary LA band House of Vibe as “The Andrew Jackson Five,” with Anthony “Brew” Brewster (keyboards), Phillip “Fish” Fisher (drums), Corey Cofield (bass), Conrad Bauer (guitar), and Greg Raymond (keyboards).
“44’s” celebrated creative team includes music direction by Anthony Brewster, choreography by Miss James Alsop, lighting design by Jared A. Sayeg, and sound design by Jonathan Burke.
