Obama Musical '44' Makes Its Off-Broadway Debut This Autumn

Obama Musical-Comedy '44' Set for Off-Broadway Debut

The musical-comedy "44," which chronicles the historic election and presidency of former President Barack Obama, is heading to New York City for an off-Broadway run this autumn. Following successful engagements in Los Angeles and Chicago, the production will open at The Daryl Roth Theatre for a limited eight-week engagement starting October 14th.

A Satirical Look at the Obama Era

"44" is written, composed, and directed by Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign staffer. The show is described as an award-winning satire that delves into "the story of Obama you won’t read about in history books because history books are now banned in most states. But also, because ’44’ is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it." The production aims to capture the rise and presidency of Obama, along with the "eccentric political characters" he encountered.

Key Takeaways

• The musical "44" will play at The Daryl Roth Theatre in New York City.

• It begins an eight-week engagement on October 14th.

• Tickets are currently on sale, with a special $44 seat promotion available.

• The show is written, composed, and directed by former Obama staffer Eli Bauman.

• It has previously enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Cast and Creative Team

During a workshop production at Racket NYC last June, the cast featured T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama, R&B singer Shanice as Michelle Obama, and voice actor Chad Doreck as Joe Biden. The ensemble also included Kevin Bailey, Larry Cedar, Marqell Edward Clayton, Kelley Dorney, and Summer Nicole Greer, who portrayed various notable figures from the 2008 Obama campaign orbit.

Eli Bauman, son of Sha Na Na singer Jon “Bowzer” Bauman, brings his firsthand experience from working as an early political organiser for Obama in Las Vegas and coordinating Veterans Affairs for the 2009 Inaugural Committee to the production. The show's subtitle, "The (un)Official, (un)Sanctioned Obama Musical," hints at its playful and unconventional approach to the subject matter.

Sources

• Obama musical-comedy '44' to play off-Broadway this fall, Yahoo.co.