Casting is now complete for the Los Angeles engagement of the new musical 44, which will play the Kirk Douglas Theatre beginning February 23 prior to an official opening February 27.
The musical about the 44th President of the United States will feature T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama, Shanice as Michelle Obama, and Chad Doreck as Joe Biden with Larry Cedar as Mitch McConnell, Marquell Edward Clayton as Brother Abe Lincoln, Summer Nicole Greer as Voice of the People, Jane Papageorge as Sarah Palin, Jenna Pastuszek as Hillary Clinton, Dino Shorté as Herman Cain, Jeff Sumner as Lindsay Graham, and Michael Uribes as Ted Cruz. Celeste Butler, Ally Dixon, and Scott Kruse serve as understudies.
The L.A. band House of Vibe will comprise The Andrew Jackson Five, including musical director Anthony “Brew" Brewster on keyboards, Conrad Bauer on guitar, Corey Cofield on bass, Phillip “Fish" Fisher on drums, and Greg Raymond on keyboards.
Written, composed, and directed by Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign organizer, 44 is a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama, as well as the eccentric political characters he met along the way.
Bauman said in a statement, “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.”
The musical will also have choreography by Miss James Alsop, production design by Julio Himede, and sound design by Jonathan Burke.
In the wake of the tragic Los Angeles fires, the producers have initiated 20 for 20 shows. Proceeds from 20 of the shows will go directly to a family who have lost or been displaced from their home. The family will receive tickets to the show as well as dinner at a local restaurant before or after the show.
Bauman stated, “44 is an L.A. show—the cast, the band, a majority of the crew, and many, including myself, were born and raised in the city. This is our community. These are our friends and people. This is a way to be giving back in a way that feels authentic to us.”
Performances will continue through March 23.
Monica Saunders-Weinberg (Hana Black Productions) and Bauman produce.
Tickets are now on sale at CenterTheatreGroup.com.