
Spring 2025 CTG:FWD programming is announced, and the first production at the Kirk Douglas Theatr is the new musical comedy 44, which began with a sold-out engagement at LA’s The Bourbon Room, followed by performances in New York City and Philadelphia and then to Chicago at the time of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
It takes a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama, as well as the eccentric political characters he met along the way.
44 will be performed at the Kirk Douglas Theatre from February 23 to March 23 (opening Thursday, February 27). It is written, composed, and directed by Eli Bauman, and is produced by Monica Saunders-Weinberg (Hana Black Productions), along with Bauman.
Obama’s election changed history. And as we can clearly see, it also ended racism forever! But 44 is the story of the 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 … as a Musical!
Bauman said, “As we survived the totally normal and stress-free 2024 election and Inauguration Day, we hope you’ll join us for a look back at the 44th Presidency of the United States—when the White House was full of hope, when the President didn’t endorse a violent attack on his own Vice President, and the President’s largest scandal was wearing a tan suit.”
Chris Jones said in the Chicago Tribune, “44 is smart, sophisticated satire, a hilarious spoof R&B musical stocked with top-drawer talent and comedic invention with Broadway-caliber singing and a chic, uber-cool vibe. It tickled me purple all night long … with vocal tours de force for Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton and a plethora of antagonistic, warbling Republicans from John Boehner to Mitch McConnell to Sarah Palin.”
Tickets on sale to the general public beginning Monday, January 27, 2025 at centertheatregroup.org.
Photo credit Lawrence Jackson