Due to an impending union strike by Broadway musicians, there is uncertainty along the Great White Way about the viability of staging musical productions.
However, Off-Broadway sounding chords of lyrical nostalgia, “44 The Musical” offers alluring, audio entreatments at the Daryl Roth Theater in Union Square.
Staged to reprise two consecutive terms of an unprecedented US presidency, the musical pays tribute to the first elected African-American whose storied ascendancy from Harvard student to the national summit of serving as commander-in-chief honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.
Now in previews, the uplifting presentation is slated to open next month for a limited run.
First tested by audiences in Chicago and Los Angeles, the inaugural outings received critical acclaim and overwhelming adulations.
The chief is portrayed by T.J.Wilkins, a thespian who sings, dances, jokes, parodies and charms the reminiscent character familiar to Americans.
With his spouse Michelle behind and beside him, singer Shanice casts a melodic addition to the chorus exemplifying the coupling who occupied the White House from 2008 to 2016.
Accompanying voices include his rival democrat Hillary Clinton who blazed the trail from former secretary of state, former first lady and presidential opponent.
At each curtain call, Broadway-familiar actress Jenna Pastuszek breaks that ceiling.
Helped by the vices performed by Chad Doreck, he aids in enhancing the profile of Joe Biden, the president’s two-time running mate, partner and ultimate successor.
A bi-partisan ensemble spotlights Republicans Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin, Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell who are prominently featured with portrayals from Michael Uribes, Chelsea Morgan Stock, Jeff Sumner and Larry Cedar.
Undoubtedly, #47 would ban this presentation.
MAGA loyalists might also ponder punishment for the cast and crew.
Probably offensive to their sensibilities, many would likely object to the lyrics in every song, which aim directly at the bull’s eye target of President Obama’s rendition of “How Black is Too Black?”
There is also “Filibusters” a stomper to infuse hardcore hip-hop to the discography.
Written, directed and composed by Eli Bauman, his real life retrospect frames a nostalgic constitution to this winner.
Bauman worked on the ’08 political campaign in Nevada and afterwards dedicated four years and 50 songs to his own Yes I Can propaganda.
The approval rating is in, “44” positions a majority consensus which in any Red state, or even at another setting might be regarded fiction.
But in Manhattan, audiences are flocking to cast their early ballots before the November elections.
According to patrons who have already seen the production, they cheered the notion of thespians flaunting the tale of a mixed-race American borne to Kenya, Africa and Caucasian American heritage.
The irony of the first African-American politician elected to the highest office being a first generation descendant from the continent seems a scripted fairytale.
A drama would not properly conceive an individual spending much of his formative years in Asia; living in Harlem, marrying an African-American, midwestern, intellectual to emerge a trailblazing citizen.
Perhaps, some would joke the reality that Obama wedded his boss, or that as an activist he empowered communities in need. One would be hard-pressed to believe a Black individual could convince upper-crust students at Harvard University that he could best represent them.
The play presents a musically engaging, historically enlightening and nostalgically reflective, comic relief from current reality.
Also inconceivable is the fact tickets are priced at $44.
UN Ambassador Andrew Young Admits to “Dirty Work”
Former Atlanta mayor and United Nations ambassador Andrew Young, chose a documentary to depart from diplomatic restraints by revealing little known stories about experiences he encountered during the 1960s era activism with the Civil Rights Movement.
At age 93, the negotiator collaborated with MSNBC TV personality Rachel Maddow to detail his journey from New York City to the south.
Some of the incomparable occurences shaped his trajectory to a significant life and enduring legacy.
Reputed as a talk show host/author/investigative journalist Maddow is the executive producer of the compelling disclosure.
Titled “Andrew Young: Dirty Work,” the two hour television retrospect capsulizes a narrative of behind the scenes essential work he did in order to help execute a successful Civil Rights Movement.
According to his own recollection it was a deep admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that powered his determination.
He said early on he felt a commitment that inspired him to relocate to the south to join the activist.
Driven by a yearning to assist with Dr. King’s quest in seeking justice and redemption for Americans, Young moved his family.
He was willing to challenge the unwanted tasks no one else volunteered.
Young in age and name he was fearless.
A graduate of Howard University, he explained that more often than not his role was to arbitrate on behalf of the cause.
Although Jim Crow laws impeded duality and fairness throughout the south, the New Yorker proved a competent arbiter.
Some of the tasks he was assigned involved responding to volumes of mail, (like a publicist) meeting with racist white detractors and compatibly aligning with the ideas of the Baptist preacher.
Needless to say, Young was a foot soldier who bonded as ally, advocate and friend.
Filmed footage captured the two at protest rallies confronting police and racists; a re-enactment of their relationship also depicts them in jocular banter.
Archival, photography also shows that Young and two confidantes were the first on the scene to point police in the direction gunshots originated when Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
History will reveal that the ambitious father of four with wife Jean, ran for mayor of Atlanta, Georgia.
Although he had demitted office in 1996 when the world games arrived to the city, he is credited with enabling the Olympics there.
Young’s legacy include his representation in Congress.
Tapped by (fellow state representative) President Jimmy Carter to amplify the opinions of the United States to the world body, Young gained global status at the UN.
Perhaps, considered risque, another sullied task involved visiting South Africa during the separatist ruled, years of apartheid.
It’s no wonder the title, there was dirt there and everywhere too.
The provocative talk show host said she jumped at the opportunity of preserving the compelling dictates from the legendary trailblazer.
Catch you On the Inside!
