By Ryan Leeds
It now seems quaint that the biggest Democratic political scandals between 2008 and 2016 were that POTUS donned a tan suit, FLOTUS wore sleeveless tops, and the late Queen Elizabeth hugged them both. Like Cher sings, “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Fortunately, we can, thanks to Eli Bauman, writer, composer, and director of the hilarious satire 44 The Musical. The send-up leaves no one unscathed, including the first couple, Barrack (T.J. Wilkins) and Michelle (Shanice).
44 recalls the Obama years through the eyes of then-Vice President Joe Biden (Chad Doreck). “This is the story of Obama as told from my hazy recollection,” he proclaims at the top of the show. Biden shares the stage with a sassy Voice of the People (Summer Nicole Greer) dressed as Rosie the Riveter and a full house of Republican eccentrics.
Mitch McConnell (Larry Cedar), Ted Cruz (Michael Uribes), Lindsay Graham (Jeff Sumner), Sarah Palin (Summer Collins), and even the short-lived Tea Party favorite and presidential candidate Herman Cain (Dino Shorté) make frequent appearances as Obama’s nemeses.
The tight cast plays Bauman’s satire to the hilt with nonstop laughs, while R&B and gospel musical influences and witty lyrics contribute to the catchy score, such as Barack’s silly seductive riff to Michelle:
Stop renegotiating NAFTA
Girl, it’s your body I’m going after
Tell ISIS there’s an armistice
It’s time for you to get all up in this
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While the acting company avoids mimicking their real-life counterparts, the talented ensemble perfectly captures the essence of these recognizable players, and vocally, they all soar, particularly Shanice and Greer.
Bauman knows his subjects well, having been an Obama staffer. Combined with his background in TV and writing for the likes of Maya Rudolph and Martin Short, he’s got the credentials. Current politics are bleak, but Bauman’s gentle ribbing reminds us that laughter can help us endure it.
Those even more nostalgic for days of yore can welcome Michelle into their homes. This week, former FLOTUS released her latest book, The Look, detailing her style during her years as First Lady.
Oh! What a joyous time it was.
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Fast facts: ’44 The Musical’
44 The Musical delivers a sharp, laugh-out-loud musical satire of the Obama administration that pokes fun at both sides of the aisle with political nostalgia, catchy R&B numbers, and nonstop wit.
- Daryl Roth Theatre, 101 East 15th Street, New York City
- Two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission
- Performances through December 7, 2025
