The bold, satirical take on Barack Obama's presidency, 44-The Musical, is making its Off-Broadway debut this fall after successful runs in Los Angeles and Chicago. The political comedy, told through music, dance, and sharp wit, begins previews at New York City's Daryl Roth Theatre on October 14, 2025, with opening night set for November 6. The limited engagement will run for eight weeks.
The musical first premiered at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles, where it became the highest-grossing production in the venue's history. It then moved to Chicago's Studebaker Theater for a limited summer engagement from August 23 through September 21, receiving strong audience and critical response.
To celebrate Barack Obama's birthday on August 4, the show is launching a ticket promotion: select front-row and general seats will be available for $44, tying into the production's name and presidential theme.
Created, written, composed, and directed by Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign staffer, 44 – The Musical offers an irreverent but affectionate retelling of Obama's rise from community organizer to president. The musical blends political parody with high-energy choreography, theatrical gospel, and a splash of hip-hop. It's not just a love letter to the Obama years—it's also a cheeky look at the legacy, mythmaking, and media obsession that surrounded the 44th president.
The story is told from the perspective of Joe Biden, portrayed as a half-remembering narrator, guiding audiences through signature moments from the Obama era. The show also features comic versions of major political figures including Michelle Obama, Mitch McConnell, Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz, and others, each exaggerated for comedic effect.
The creative team includes music director Anthony "Brew" Brewster and choreographer James Alsop, known for her work with Beyoncé and on Broadway. The score fuses R&B, soul, gospel, and funk into a theatrical backdrop for characters to deliver both punchlines and powerhouse vocals. Choreography nods to Soul Train, street dance, and even classic tap.
Cast members from previous productions have earned strong praise, especially T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama, Shanice as Michelle Obama, and Chad Doreck as Joe Biden. Reviewers from both coasts applauded the show for its humor, energy, and ability to entertain across political lines while keeping the satire intelligent.
Eli Bauman has described 44 as a "musical roast with heart," drawing inspiration from American satire and Black music traditions to tell a uniquely 21st-century story. While the show pokes fun at its subjects, it also acknowledges the emotional resonance and cultural impact of the Obama presidency.
In a political landscape still shaped by the Obama years, 44 – The Musical taps into nostalgia, comedy, and criticism—using music and dance to ask what we remember, what we forget, and why some stories become legend.
With its New York debut around the corner, 44 promises to be one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the season. Stay tuned for casting news, behind-the-scenes previews, and exclusive interviews as the curtain rises Off-Broadway this fall.
Originally published on classicalite.com
