For those who still question, is this the right time for a musical about Obama? The answer is YES! The musical takes place in an Obama Campaign office in smalltown America where a group of crazed Obama supporters are trying to raise money to help make Obama the next President of the U.S.A. Sadly though, Obama does not appear in this production.
The playwright Teddy Hayes, a U.S. native, moved to London 13 years ago, where the musical debuted in March of 2009. It sold out to houses all over London. The U.S. Premiere has had standing ovations every single performance. The fusion of Gospel, Jazz, Rock, and a little bit of Tango music can be found in this musical. It is not your typical Broadway-esque style of a musical, which several audience members who do not appreciate musicals, have actually stated that they truly enjoyed the music from the show.
The opening number is about the office finding out that Sarah Palin is McCain’s Choice for VP. Which really sets the tone for the play. Its fun, energetic and uplifting. I would say that the highlights of the musical numbers are the comedic “Somebody Important” sung by Curtis Banks (Ron Davids), “Obama and Me” sung by the talented veteran of the Seattle stage Demene Hall, and Josephine Howell’s amazing vocals of the title song “Obama On My Mind”
This show truly speaks to all audiences. It shows how despite our differences in society, how we can still come together as a community to make important things happen. The characters in the show are quite comical. Everything from the Hippie Astrologer Valerie (Rebecca Meneses), to the Money crazed fundraising antics of Peter played hysterically by Umeme. And let us not forget the sex crazed “little miss hot sauce” Martha who leads a seductive yet true to the point telephone seminar sung beautifully by Annie Jantzer. Ryan Blackwell’s portrayal of Johnny, the flamboyant yet comedic gay boy working on the campaign, really brings out the attitude that is stereotypical, yet hysterically funny to watch, and his costumes, well you will have to see it for yourself.
The show runs this weekend from Thursday, Nov. 12th – Sunday Nov. 15th at 7:30pm with a Saturday Matinee at 2pm. It plays at the Langston Hughes Performing arts Center on 17th & Yesler (104 17th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98144) Tickets are available in Person at the Box Office, online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or by phone at 206-386-1177.
– Ryan Hazy
