*** Politics are not an easy subject to deal with when it comes to theater and in today’s political atmosphere, I would say the subject would be taboo. But there are always young minds filled with ideas and creativity who must have their way. Eli Bauman is such a person. He has taken on the challenge of bringing his political musical, “44-The Musical”, a story that looks at one Barack Obama and how his presidency changed history. Bauman, who wrote, directed and composed this work and co-produced with Monica Saunders-Weinberg tested the show in Chicago back during the Democratic Convention and then took the show to California where they worked on numbers and prepared it for New York, knowing that before taking it East, they needed to bring it back to Chicago for the city’s blessing.
I found this to be more of a musical revue rather than a play. Yes, there is a story line taking us through the presidency of Obama ( a superb performance by T.J. Wilkins) as seen through the eyes of Joe Biden ( Chad Dorek is powerful and very funny), as he kind of remembers it. The ensemble of players is strong and some of the musical numbers are terrific with powerful meaning. This is a satirical look at the politicians so no one party is treated better than the other. In fact, I say that if you leave your political hat in the car when you enter the Studebaker Theater, you will find yourself laughing at both parties
The language in this production might turn off a number of audiences and I for one would not bring little ones to this production. There are looks at politicians that will make you think about what we have been seeing as of late , but this is supposed to be fun, so relax and enjoy. Getting involved is okay with this production. In fact, there are times when they want you to express yourself, clap your hands, holler and hoot- it is okay ( and in fact desired by the cast). One of the funniest characters is Herman Cain ( a dynamic portrayal by Dino Shorte). His “Herman Cain” number in the second act is a show-stopper. He truly wins over the audience as the “token” member of “W.H.A.M”.
The other cast member, taking on a myriad of political roles are terrific and highly energetic.Larry Cedar ( Mitch McConnell), Summer Collins ( Sarah Palin), the adorable Kelly Felthous as Hilary Clinton, Jeyon McFerrin as Brother Abe Lincoln ( this one is hard to explain, out of context),Jeff Summer ( Lindsay Graham) , Michael Uribes ( Ted Cruz), Summer Nicole Greer ( the voice of the people/what a range) and of course the amazing Shanice as Michelle Obama.
While these actors are all top-notch and the skits and songs are adorable, the show is more of a revue and in my opinion a bit longer than today’s audiences want in a musical story. The choreography ( Miss James Alsop) is unique, but seems to be repeated in several numbers. The band ( conducted by Anthony “Brew” Brewster) does a terrific job, never drowning out the performers. The “band” is located in a side balcony as there is no pit and the stage is too small to have them there. 
I think the play or as I said, Revue, is indeed a fun look at politics, and if shortened a bit and some language cleaned up, a terrific night of entertainment.
“44 The Musical” will continue through September 21st with performances as follows:
Tuesdays 7:30pmWednesdays 7:30pm
Thursdays 7:30pm
Fridays 7:30pm
Saturdays 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sundays 2:30pm
Following its Chicago run, the production will move to New York’s The Daryl Roth Theatre in October
The Studebaker Theater is located at 410 S. Michigan Avenue ( The Fine Arts Building)
Parking is available in the Grant Park South garage- you can bring your ticket for validation at the box office for a nice discount.
Tickets range from $44 and can be purchased at https://44theobamamusical.com/tickets
Show Type: Musical
Running Time: 2hrs, 20mins
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “44 -The Musical”. photos-Michael Brosilow
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