When you think of all the things that can be said about a sitting U.S. president, the phrase “He’s a Negro!” is not one that readily comes to mind. Such is the humor in the laugh-out-loud musical comedy “Obama on My Mind” – presented at Seattle’s Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. This lively musical romp focuses not on the POTUS himself, but rather takes a look inside a small-town political campaign office somewhere in America.
The play – written by ex-pat Teddy Hayes (who now makes his home in London, UK) and directed by the feisty Jacqueline Moscou – takes audiences on a whirlwind look inside a campaign office peppered with out-of-the-box character archetypes all charging ahead to help their candidate, Barack Obama, win the presidency. Hayes’s characters range from the sublime Frances (the brains behind the operation) to the money-crazed Peter (played by local actor Umeme) – whose musical solo “Money” brought roaring applause from opening night audiences.
Moscou notes: “The inspiration for the play was not a historical account of the actual campaign itself, rather the comedy and parody of the diverse people that come to campaign offices to volunteer their time. It illuminates the passion that resonates among this sector of the community and should have a place in history.”
Hayes and Moscou together bring humor, whimsy, and soul alongside reflective, thought-provoking narratives that use wit to untangle the struggles for power that occur among everyday people through the democratic process. This is most recognizable in the comedic tension between the two “closet Republican” characters who have found hope in the march toward the White House. Hayes’s commentary on the media is threaded through the play’s meme as agitator, motivator, and collaborator, helping move the story in both an intentional and incidental manner through character scenes and as thematic background. “Curtis” played by local actor Ron Davids has an ongoing struggle with local journalist Russell Frapp that ends with hilarious and poignant results.
This is a play for audiences. There are can’t-miss, showstopper musical and dance numbers that will have audience members on their feet. The laughter during “Obama and Me” (sung by Demene Hall, who plays the character Mary) had this writer in tears. Hall’s melodic contralto and sweeping gestures offset her spoken lines, through which audiences learn that she has a numerical code for every campaign problem.
A few audience members literally jumped out of their seats when actress Josie Howell (Trish) burst into the R&B rendition of “Obama on My Mind”. It was a bit like going to church. Clapping, cheering and laughter all make this a lively work of musical theater an audience favorite.
With 24-hour news channels, the constant din of pundits, and non-stop critique of the political climate, “Obama on My Mind” is a can’t-miss opportunity for audiences to laugh at politics not-as-usual. The play runs through November 15 at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available online at: www.brownpapertickets.com
