Picture this: a musical satire about Barack Obama, told through the hazy recollections of Joe Biden. Sounds like a fever dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get with 44 – THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL back for a limited run at The Bourbon Room Hollywood.
Returning to Hollywood for an unconstitutional third term, this off-Broadway gem is a wild ride through the Obama presidency, from his historic election to his unforgettable legacy. But it’s not just a history lesson – it’s also a hilarious and heartfelt look at the man AND woman behind the presidency.
Written and directed by Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign organizer and TV writer, 44 is packed with witty one-liners, clever jokes, and over-the-top characters. But it’s the songs that will capture your heart and will also have you cracking up. Bauman wrote the music and lyrics and had a little help from his father Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of the ‘70s group Sha Na Na, as well as band leader, music director, and music co-producer, Anthony “Brew” Brewster who fronts the show’s live band. The result is a musical filled with catchy songs that you won’t be able to get out of your head!
T.J. Wilkins (NBC’s The Voice) stars as Barack Obama, and he gives an electrifying performance, capturing Obama’s charisma, intelligence, and sense of humor perfectly. Award-winning R&B artist Shanice ( “I Love Your Smile” and OWN’s Flex & Shanice) stars as Michelle Obama. She exudes the former FLOTUS’ poise and grace, while also adding the perfect amount of sass. Their voices are magnetic and you won’t be able to take your eyes or ears off them. The rest of the cast is also phenomenal, from Sarah Palin scream-singing “Drill Me Baby” like Ozzy Osbourne to Mitch McConnell and crew embracing their inner boy band, to a hazy Joe Biden singing and dancing his heart out, you will fall head over heels in love with this cast.
One of my favorite things about 44, is that it’s a nonpartisan political satire, and it doesn’t shy away from poking fun at both Democrats and Republicans. But it’s never mean-spirited, and it always comes from a place of love and pure comedy.
44 – THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL is a hilarious and heartwarming must-see, that you do not want to miss! Performances run Wednesdays – Saturdays (through 11/18), with doors opening at 6:00 pm for dinner and the show starting at 7:00 pm. $22 – $88 (please note there is a 2 item minimum of either food or beverage); The Bourbon Room Hollywood – 6356 Hollywood Blvd. 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90028; 213.667.4233
