44 The Musical
The cast of 44 The Musical
44 THE MUSICAL Review - It's Motherfucking Obama!
TLDR: Recapping Obama’s rise to stardom, election, and eight years in office, 44 The Musical tells his story all through the eyes of his trusty sidekick Joe Biden. Clever and full of smooth grooves and cultural references, this new musical is just as hilarious as it is smart, delivered by an astoundingly talented cast.
Kelly Felthous, Chad Dorek, Summer Collins
The Woke Left Obama Musical We Needed
Identical, blonde Fox News Ho-Bots.
Pole dancing Sarah Palin.
Herman Cain’s solo as a parody of Purple Rain.
Step back in time with us. Specifically, we’re going back to 2008. The U.S. is coming out of the Bush administration. Terror of terrorism is at an all time high. We’re about to enter into an economic recession. And whoever the Democratic nominee is will be historic. Setting the stage for us and stepping down into the spotlight is none other than the man of the hour himself...Joe Biden! Played by Chad Doreck, he captures the essence of both a young and old Biden as he stiffly walks down to center stage one stair at a time but then does a lively Irish jig off later on. He tells us this is the story of Obama as he remembers it, which may or may not be 100% accurate.
Cue the over-the-top jokes and every iconic moment of Obama’s presidency. There’s Barack and Michelle’s love story sung as they reminisce about their beginnings - meeting at the law firm where Barack worked for Michelle and how she has always been his number one advisor (much to Biden’s dismay). The tan suit. His anger translator. Hypocritical white, liberal women.
But this isn’t just a lovefest dedicated to better times. Oh no, we can’t forget Obama has to defeat his number one rivals, the members of the Republican party W.H.A.M (White, Hetero, Affluent, Men) led by Bitch Mitch McConnell (Larry Cedar), Lindsay Graham (Jeff Sumner), Sarah Palin (Summer Collins), and Ted Cruz (Michael Uribes). Finding opportunities to throw digs, shade, and rap the Green Eggs and Ham filibuster, 44 The Musical has us laughing at every single absurd thing this cast puts in front of us on stage.
An A+ Talented Cast
Most of the musical is sung through as we cover the notable events through Obama’s presidency. As the next song is about to be queued up, the cast looks up to the five piece band sitting up in the box and asks them to strike a groove. Most of the musical stylings are a smooth R&B, some power ballads, and lots of opportunities for long riff runs and belts.
T.J. Wilkins as the titular character, is all tall and lanky as Obama himself and couples that with some flawless dance moves. After his historic victory, he contemplates what this means being the first Black president and how much Black is too Black?
Shanice portrays Michelle as we all know her to be - confident and powerful, offering sage advice to her husband while also bolstering him with confidence when she knows he needs it. Pair them together and they capture our favorite presidential love story with powerful vocals that bring a giddy smile to our faces.
Next, enter Hilary Clinton played by Kelly Felthous, power suit and all. She fiercely calls out every double standard she faced running for office and the irony of becoming Obama’s secretary. She laments over seeing her potential presidential portrait, but pulls it together when she and Joe need to buck up Obama’s spirits.
And then there's Joe. Of course we could never forget about good ol’ Joe! Wherever Obama is, you can bet Doreck is right at his side, or at least hiding in the corner staring longingly at him wishing he could be his go to advisor. Doreck never misses an opportunity to stretch a laugh to the fullest with his antics, from popping out of a hidden window to ripping open his shirt Rambo style, aviators and all.
Our Democratic party here, joined by the immensely talented Summer Nicole Greer leading the chorus as The Voice of the People, will have you singing the catchy refrain, it's motherfucking Obama long after you've left the theater.
Summer Collins and cast
The After Party Thoughts
For having no experience writing a musical before, Eli Bauman has written, in my humble opinion, one of the best new musicals. 44 The Musical hits all the marks of a campy comedy (think along the lines of Oh Mary!) and musical spoof being told through the eyes of Joe Biden. The show takes every opportunity for a joke, both in the dialogue and physical comedy. It’s also smart as it references political ideologies, notable figures from that time, and takes every iconic reference from the Obama era and amplifies it.
In a time where it feels like all our hope and positivity is being stripped away day by day, 44 The Musical reminds us of what it felt like in the golden years of the Obama presidency. It’s meant to be joyful and funny. We’re invited to engage, clap along, laugh, and share in this much needed moment of joy. For those that love satires, comedies, musicals, and are left leaning this would be a good show for you. Heck, even those who might lean right but are self-aware enough for a laugh and sick of their own parties’ obnoxious characters will enjoy 44 The Musical.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
When
Now through September 21, 2025
Where
Fine Arts Building
410 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Runtime: 2hrs 30min, including intermission
Tickets
$44+
Tickets can be purchased through the 44 The Musical website
Photos
Michael Brosilow
Summer Nicole Greer (center) and the cast of 44 The Musical
CAST
T.J. Wilkins (Barack Obama)
Shanice (Michelle Obama)
Chad Doreck (Joe Biden)
Audri Bartholomew (u/s Voice of the People & Michelle Obama)
Larry Cedar (Mitch McConnell)
Summer Collins (Sarah Palin)
Summer Nicole Greer (Voice of the People, u/s Michelle Obama)
Jevon McFerrin (Brother Abe Lincoln)
Dino Shorté (Herman Cain)
Chelsea Morgan Stock (u/s Clinton, Palin)
Jeff Sumner (Lindsey Graham)
Michael Uribes (Ted Cruz)
Ryan Williams (u/s Biden, McConnell, Graham, Cruz)
Kelly Felthous, Chad Doreck, TJ Wilkins
CREATIVE
Eli Bauman (Writer, Composer, Director, Lead Producer)
Monica Saunders-Weinberg (Lead Producer)
Steve McKeever (Consulting Producer)
Miss James Alsop (Choreographer)
Conrad Bauer (Associate Producer & Digital Content Producer)
Jonathan Burke (Sound Designer)
Johnny Rice (Associate Choreographer)
Wilkie Ferguson III (Music Supervisor, Associate Director)
Bridget Rooney (Production Stage Manager)
Cassy Sottile (Assistant Stage Manager)
Anthony “Brew” Brewster (Keyboards)
Phillip “Fish” Fisher (Drums)
Corey Cofield (Bass)
Conrad Bauer (Guitar)
Greg Raymond (Keyboards)