We saw this over the weekend. It is in Chicago for previews before heading to NY. I believe it had had a prior stint in Chicago and then a stretch in LA. Anyone else see it? Or hear about it and care to express opinions as to its chances on Broadway?
I’m not usually a fan of musical theater - went at my wife’s request. But this was better than most. The music was engaging (and the band terrific!) It was quite long.
I was a tad taken aback by the great number of time “fuck” was said. The first song was “Motherfucking Obama.” That and its reprise probably accounted for at least 50 “fucks.” Add in another song “Fuck You Ted Cruz”, and total fucks were well over 100 in those 2 songs alone. I don’t consider myself a prude, but I just wondered if that was warranted, and how it would appeal to Broadway audiences.
The audience when I attended was at least 75% Black. Many jokes/references were to other Black performers/celebrities whom I was unfamiliar with. Like, when singing “How Black it Too Black,” he’d make a certain motion or dance step that apparently conveyed something that I was oblivious to. Didn’t really detract from my enjoyment - just wondering about the intended audience.
The Biden character was hysterical. But it was a tad challenging to laugh at that portrayal when I was so disappointed at his running this last time.
It was very comforting to be able to enjoy a celebration of Obama and to be reminded of what an amazing individual and President he is/was. But overall, it was somewhat depressing to think of the possibilities, had we followed Obama with Hillary…
Then we stepped out of the Studebaker Theater onto Michigan Ave., right across the street from a pretty large and loud protest against Trump and his ICE/National Guard efforts. Quite the contrast.
