More Theater Monday - 44 The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL

We received complimentary tickets to 44 The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: 44 The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL

Where: Suzanne Roberts Theatre

             480 S. Broad St.

             Philadelphia, PA

When: This event took place from 10/29 - 11/3. 2024 

44 The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL is a very funny musical about President Obama and his presidency. The show is populated with numerous familiar figures from both the left and the right including Joe Biden, Hilary Clinton, Mitch McConnell, Sarah Palin, and more. However, how funny one finds it likely depends on what side of the political aisle they find themselves.

The show is full of great songs. Some are rousing anthems like the catchy opening number. Although  this is a fun song to most,  some might consider the title vulgar. The title is sung repeatedly throughout the song, and the song itself is repeated several times throughout the show. It definitely sticks in your head and not just because of the title. However, the language of this song and other age-inappropriate material including a suggestive dance by the character of Sarah Plain render the show unsuitable for children and anyone who finds that sort of thing upsetting or offensive. 

There are also several deeply stirring songs mostly sung by Obama or his wife, Michelle. Michelle Obama was played by singer, Shanice. Her vocals were, of course, incredible. The singing, in general, was mostly good and the songs were quite moving, extremely fun, or both, and most were quite amusing too. 

The show was packed with incredible performances, but a few stood out. In addition to her previously mentioned singing chops, Shanice gave a terrific acting performance. Her Michelle was a force to be reckoned with who kept her husband on track, focused, and motivated without resorting to shrewishness. Jenna Pastuzek's Hilary Clinton was full of fire and simmering with anger at being passed over for the President. Chad Doreck, in the role of Joe Biden, stole the show. He really had Joe Biden's mannerisms down and turned it up just enough of a notch to maximize the hilarity and keep it from becoming too over the top. His performance was the cherry on top of an altogether deliciously entertaining show.

And that's our view. For more about 44 The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, go to 44theobamamusical.com.

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