Shanice as Michelle Obama
The extraordinarily talented
Eli Bauman has written, composed, directed, and co-produced 44 The Obama Musical a hysterical satire
about Obama's days in office as seen through the eyes of his VP Joe Biden. Now
playing a limited engagement at the Suzzanne Roberts Theatre on Broad Street in
Philadelphia following sold-out performances in Chicago, LA. and NYC, the show
is scheduled to be performed across the country throughout 2025. The audience
is encouraged to participate, and the opening night audience did so with
abandon, from verbal shouts of encouragement to the characters the actors play,
to freely and frequently given applause to the musical renditions. Shanice, portraying Michelle Obama, depicts
the strong woman that guides Barack Obama, played by T.J. Wilkins. Chad Doreck portrays
Joe Biden, who tells the story through “his hazy recollections.” The dancing is
lively, and the music is livelier. Summer Nicole Greer has perhaps the most outstanding voice in the cast and a dynamic stage
presence as she performs as a Voice for the People. Jenna Pastuzek’s Hillary Clinton
is fall-out-your seat-funny. In her short blond wig and tailored pant suits,
she is wont to perform temper tantrums at perceived political slights, both real
and imagined. Barack meets with several other characters throughout his
presidency. The entire cast is excellent. I am hoping44 The unOffofficial
and unSanctioned Obama Musical returns to Philadelphia for a longer run. I would definitely recommend seeing it.
