44: The Obama Musical Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Somewhat Recommended
"...But what a strange, tumultuous, unjoyful moment it is to encounter this winking recap of our 44th president's political journey. Nostalgia for a president whose greatest sins were expanding healthcare access and wearing a tan suit is a luxury we can ill afford at the moment."
Stage and Cinema- Somewhat Recommended
"...I like to go into shows completely blind. Sometimes that backfires, but usually not before the show even starts. On Thursday, I walked into the opening-night performance of 44: The Obama Musical—a show framed as Joe Biden’s hazy recollection of Barack Obama’s rise to the presidency. Expecting a snappy 90-minute romp for this thin set-up, the usher informed me it was two and a half hours with intermission. Talk about ambitious. Are they trying to kill me' This remount, however, has its devoted fans, who now have a chance to see it with most of its original cast and crew at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City."
LA Splash- Highly Recommended
"...With book, music, lyrics, and direction by Eli Bauman - former member of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign - 44 THE MUSICAL embarks on an examination of Obama's presidency with a chuckle and a poke in the ribs. Initially subtitled "The Unofficial Unsanctioned Obama Musical," 44 THE MUSICAL takes a lot of leeway as it spoofs its way through all of the characters who surrounded Obama during his two terms as POTUS in 2008 and 2012. Think of 44 THE MUSICAL as musical theater meets Saturday Night Live and you're on the right track."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...Has life under 47 got you down' If so, head on over to the Kirk Douglas Theatre where 44 The Musical's rollicking, raunchy, R&B-packed look back at Barack Obama's first term in office has arrived to provide L.A. audiences with a spirits-lifting respite from the DJT blues."
LA Theatrix- Highly Recommended
"...For some, it's the perfect panacea - an unofficial and unsanctioned musical homage to our 44th U.S. president, Barack Obama. Simply called "44," the show is also riotously funny, amazingly acted, and features a live band, fantastic singing and smooth dance moves not only by Barack (of course!) but Mitch McConnell (who knew'). If you want to forget the outside world for a couple of hours with a blast to the past, run don't walk to the Kirk Douglas Theatre. You will not be disappointed."
Stage Raw- Highly Recommended
"...Prior to seeing it, I was worried this play would be too serious and obsessed with itself. But the jokes come so fast that it is impossible to take it seriously. It is a pleasure and a privilege to laugh at history. 'The best of Bentham, Marx, and Veblen is high comedy,' says Kenneth Burke."