Barack Obama Musical ’44’ Reveals Full Cast Ahead of Kirk Douglas Theatre Run (EXCLUSIVE)

“44,” a humorous musical about Barack Obama’s presidency, has announced its complete casting ahead of its production at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The show, which is produced by Monica Saunders-Weinberg (Hana Black Productions) and Eli Bauman, will begin performances on Feb. 23, in advance of an opening night on Feb. 27. Performances will run through March 23.

The show was written, composed and directed by Bauman (“NBC’s “Maya & Marty”), a former Obama campaign organizer. The cast features T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama, Shanice as Michelle Obama and Chad Doreck as Joe Biden. It also includes Larry Cedar as Mitch McConnell, Marquell Edward Clayton as Brother Abe Lincoln, Summer Nicole Greer as Voice of the People, Jane Papageorge as Sarah Palin, Jenna Pastuszek as Hillary Clinton, Dino Shorté as Herman Cain, Jeff Sumner as Lindsay Graham, Michael Uribes as Ted Cruz, Celeste Butler, Ally Dixon and Scott Kruse.

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The show features L.A. band House of Vibe as “The Andrew Jackson Five” with Anthony “Brew” Brewster as musical director and keyboards along with Conrad Bauer (guitar), Corey Cofield, (bass) Phillip “Fish’ Fisher (drums) and Greg Raymond (keyboards).

Miss James Alsop serves as choreographer with production design by Julio Himede and sound design by Jonathan Burke. The digital content producer is Conrad Bauer, Jud Nester is content producer and Mike Emerson serves as graphic designer.

“44,” which arrives during a dramatically different presidential administration, offers a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Obama, as well as the off-beat Beltway characters he met along the way to the White House.

Or, as the press notes for the show humorously puts it: “Obama’s election changed history. And as we clearly see also ended racism forever! But ’44’ is the story of the Obama you won’t read in history books…. because history books are now banned in most states. But also, because ’44’ is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it… as a musical!”

Bauman said, “As we survived the totally normal and stress-free 2024 election and Inauguration Day, we hope you’ll join us for a look back at the 44th Presidency of the United States – when the White House was full of hope when the president didn’t endorse a violent attack on his own vice president, and the president’s largest scandal was wearing a tan suit.”

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In the wake of the tragic L.A. fires, the producers have initiated the “20 for 20 — 20 Shows. 20 Families” program. Bauman said: “’44’ is an L.A. show-the cast, the band, a majority of the crew and many, including myself were born and raised in the city. This is our community. These are our friends and people. This is a way to be giving back in a way that feels authentic to us.”

Proceeds from 20 of the shows will go directly to a family who has lost or been displaced from their home. The family will receive tickets to the show as well as dinner at a local restaurant before or after the show. Bauman added, “This is not a handout — it’s a hand up. And simply by purchasing a ticket, or a hat, you will be contributing to the family’s recovery as well. The money won’t replace a home, or the memories housed within it, but it will help with the rent, or the groceries, or a new backpack for school. We can’t do everything for everyone. But we can do something for someone”.

“44” began with a sold-out engagement at L.A.’s Bourbon Room, followed by performances in New York City and Philadelphia before traveling to Chicago at the time of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Following its original L.A. engagement, “44” took home seven 2023 Broadway World L.A. Awards including best musical, direction of a musical (Eli Bauman), lead performer in a musical (T.J. Wilkins), supporting performer in a musical (Chad Doreck), musical direction (Anthony Brewster) and choreographer (Miss James Alsop).

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