44 The Obama Musical

                                                             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.