Political Idol: an Off Broadway show about elections
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
What do you get when you cross Forbidden Broadway with American Idol and the participants of this years political eight ring circus? The answer is the very amusing POLITICAL IDOL which has returned for a four week run (sure to be extended) at the Triad Theatre on West 72nd Street (Sunday’s and Wednesday’s at 7) spoofing the upcoming Presidential election. As if that isn’t funny enough.
In this new and updated 90 minute version, Barack Obama and John McCain hold auditions for their Vice Presidential running mates. The only problem is that Ellen DeGeneres is the master of ceremonies. Unfortunately it is not as funny as intended and Lara Buck does not do Ellen justice. But that’s a small part of an otherwise politically savvy, wonderfully witty, lyrically altered musical revue. With fine musical direction by Chris Berg.
The star of the show, as in real life is Obama – expertly portrayed by Frank Harts. His low key delivery which captures the tone and speech patterns of Barack is right on target. His performance alone is worth seeing. He is ably aided and abetted in this political satire by Robert Yarnall as John McCain, Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, Dick Cheney (“It’s Not Easy Being Mean”) and John Edwards as Mr. Rogers - cardigan and all. Yarnall is also co-lyricist with Marc Emory. And they have done a great job is fashioning new words to well known songs. Very funny words that capture the sense and sensibilities of all the characters portrayed and skewer them in the process.
Some of the highlights are “Give Our Regards to Baghdad” (“Give My Regards To Broadway”) “Giuliani” (“That’s Amore”) Mitt Romney singing “There’s a Bright Golden Halo Above Me” (Oh What a Beautiful Morning”) and many more. They will delight and tickle your funny bones while making you realize what a mess this country is in.
Joe DiSalle does a great Al Gore, Mitt Romney, Ted Kennedy and an hilarious Joe Lieberman. In addition to Franks Hart’s indelible Obama he also tackles Charlie Rangle, James Carville and Condoleeza Rice. And scores with each one.
Lara Buck redeems herself with her dead on takes of Hillary Clinton “I Am Woman” Cindy McCain and a terrific spaced out take on Nancy Pelosi. And a very funny Charro!
High honors belong to Kat Martin and Vesta Goodarz for costume/wig designs who give each person a distinct and immediately recognizable look. It must be mayhem back stage with all the quick changes.
Despite running out of Gourmet chips and iced tea not being available (vodka is a sane substitute) it is an all around amusing good time at the expense of our presidential candidates. Let’s hope that the best person wins. At one point George Bush is bemoaning all the things gone wrong under his administration (or is it everyone else?) In any event, he gets to the “FORECLOSURE ISSUE” and feels great empathy and understanding of the problem as he too will be losing his home come January. I’m counting the days. www.Political-Idol.com
07-24-08
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