Eli Bauman, Monica Saunders-Weinberg, MB Artists, and Michael Donovan proudly present the return of 44, THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL (As Told Through the Hazy Recollection of Joe Biden), for a limited engagement at The Bourbon Room Hollywood. After a second sold-out run earlier this year, the musical satire returns featuring music, lyrics, and book by Eli Bauman (NBC’s Maya & Marty, with additional songs co-written by Eli Bauman and his father, Jon Bowzer Bauman (Sha Na Na). Bauman directs a cast of 11 starring T.J. Wilkins (NBC’s The Voice) as Barack Obama and Shanice (Award-winning R&B artist I Love Your Smile and OWN’s Flex & Shanice) as Michelle Obama. Performances run every Wednesday through Saturday from October 11, 2023 through November 18, 2023, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and the show starting at 7:00 p.m. The official opening night for the musical is on Friday, October 13, 2023. Tickets start at $45.00 and are now on sale at www.44ObamaMusical.com and www.BourbonRoomHollywood.com.
44 is a melting pot of music that touches on the highs and lows of the Obama era – Sarah Palin scream-singing Drill Me Baby like Ozzy Osbourne, President Obama crooning How Black Is Too Black? over a smooth Motown groove, and of course, Filibusters, a hardcore hip-hop jam where Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz rap Green Eggs and Ham in its entirety. Barack Obama’s election changed history. And as we can clearly see, it also ended racism forever! But 44 is the story of Obama you won’t read about 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.
I am thrilled that 44 is returning for an unconstitutional third term at the Bourbon Room, located in the modern-day Gomorrah of Hollywood, California, said Eli Bauman, creator and director of 44. I am delighted to be re-electing this incredibly talented cast, starting with T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama, and Shanice – a woman who requires only one name – as First Lady Michelle. So, bring your friends, bring your mom, bring your aunties, for an epic night of music, comedy, and chaos that will have you singing, laughing, and groovin’ in your seats.
The cast for 44, led by Wilkins and Shanice, includes Kevin Bailey (Broadway’s The Lion King & Original Company; Broadway’s Annie Get Your Gun) as John Boehner, Larry Cedar (HBO’s Deadwood; Reprise’s She Loves Me & Ovation Award-winner) as Mitch McConnell, Chad Doreck (Off-Broadway’s Altar Boyz; ICT’s Robber Bridegroom) as Joe Biden, Kelley Dorney (Ahmanson Theatre’s The Secret Garden; 3D Theatrical’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Murder) as Hillary Clinton, Summer Nicole Greer (Spamilton and Ragtime) as Voice of the People, Jane Papageorge (The Old Globe’s Kiss Me Kate; NoHo Arts Center’s Scary Musical) as Sarah Palin, Dino Short; (Netflix’s The Upshaw Fox’s Wanda at Large) as Herman Cain, Jeff Sumner (The Hollywood Bowl’s Annie; ICT’s The Legend of Georgia McBride) as Lindsay Graham, and Michael Uribes (Skylight Theatre’s Bronco Billy The Musical; A Noise Within’s Man of La Mancha) as Ted Cruz. Understudies for 44 include Marqell Edward Clayton as Barack Obama and Herman Cain, Scott Kruse as Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham.
The live rock band that keeps 44’s non-stop rhythmic R&B sounds and hard-hitting beats going is Los Angeles-based House of Vibe helmed by music director, music co-producer, and keyboardist, Anthony Brew Brewster. The band, who has worked with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Fishbone, Chali-2na, Citizen Cope, De La Soul, and The Untouchables to name a few, features Phillip Fish Fisher (drums); Corey Cofield (bass); Kris Hawkins and Conrad Bauer (guitar) and Greg Raymond (keyboard). 44‘s hip-hop infused choreography was created by James Alsop. An EP of the impressive songs from 44 is in the works.
44 – The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL will play at The Bourbon Room Hollywood (6356 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028), which is both a state-of-the-art performance venue and a full-service bar and supper club with dinner service during live shows. The musical will play 20 performances: Wednesday, October 11 through Saturday, October 14; Thursday, November 3; Friday, November 4; Wednesday, November 8; Thursday, November 9; Friday, November 10; Wedneday, November 15 through Saturday, November 18 – the official press opening is on Friday, October 13. All performances start at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $100.00 for a table front row. Note: A $25 minimum spend per person for food and/or drink is required in addition to the ticket purchase. Seating is assigned, and the doors open at 6:00 p.m. for seating and dinner.
Tickets are on sale now at www.44ObamaMusical.com and www.BourbonRoomHollywood.com.
