This fall Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) preps their local cast for an all new musical comedy set during an all-too-familiar fast-paced election in the not-so-distant past. From October 15 - November 15, 2009 Seattle audiences can see the U.S. premiere of Obama on My Mind - a humorous look at the whirlwind and wonderful world behind the scenes of an Obama campaign office in small town America.
Obama on My Mind is a powerful combo of music, humor and politics where story and song blend with hilarious circumstances. This U.S Premiere musical tells how a passionate group of larger than life oddball characters start to panic when the new vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, enters the race and Obama falls 20 points in the polls. Pop, gospel, jazz, and soft rock come together in a politically inspired comedic romp featuring a motley crew of loyal, obsessive and downright peculiar personalities, striving to get their candidate into the White House.
Conceived by writer/composer Teddy Hayes, a Black American living abroad, this musical premiered in London, England in March 2009. Some might argue that only an ex-patriot could have created a show like this. The unique perspective and wicked humor is key to the show's success. British audiences ate it up, Obama on My Mind had a great London run, and shortly thereafter Mr. Hayes began entertaining opportunities to produce Obama on My Mind in his homeland. An audience member from London suggested Mr. Hayes try a Seattle run. He contacted LHPAC Artistic Director, Jacqueline Moscou and that first conversation was the genesis of the current collaboration and plans to rework the play for its U.S. Premiere at LHPAC.
Now, when community support is more important than ever, and at a time when audiences seek out fun-loving escapist entertainment, Obama on My Mind is poised to deliver the "goods" on multiple levels. Shared humor brings people together. Artistic Director Jacqueline Moscou elaborates, "In the arts, opportunity is often fleeting and timing is everything. The election of Barack Obama was an historic moment in American history and resonated around the globe. This cross-Atlantic artistic collaboration with a Black American living in London is current and needs to be presented now. Like last season's Bobbie & Jerome, Obama on My Mind continues my commitment to seek out new voices and present new works. And I am thrilled to have cast this show entirely from within the Seattle community."
The cast of 11 principals and four ensemble dancers is comprised of local equity and non-equity performers. Names for two of the remaining cast members, as well as the ensemble dancers, will be announced before September 20, 2009. The thread tying all these wacky characters together is their undying passion for their candidate. And anyone who has ever worked on an election campaign will quickly recognize the archetypes skillfully played by: Ron Davids (LHPAC: Bobbie & Jerome, Dinah Was; Wooden O: A Midsummer Night's Dream), Nik Doner (LHPAC: Dinah Was; Balagan Theatre: Taming of the Shrew) Annie Jantzer (Balagan Theatre: Taming of the Shrew; Picasso at the Lapin Agile; Othello; Leavenworth Summer Theatre: Brigadoon; Oklahoma!; The Sound of Music; West Side Story; Joseph...Dreamcoat) Demene Hall (LHPAC: Diva Daughter's Dupree; Bud, Not Buddy; Film: The Spy and The Sparrow), Josephine Howell (Intiman: Black Nativity; CROWNS; The Grapes of Wrath) Kimbre Lancaster (Bainbridge Performing Arts: A Light in the Piazza; Idaho Repertory Theatre), Rebecca Meneses (LHPAC: The African Conexion Project's Callejon; Book-It: The Highest Tide; Intiman: A Streetcar Named Desire), Phyllis Yasutake (LHPAC: Death of a Salesman; Intiman: Black Nativity; African American Heritage Museum: StoryTelling), and Umeme (LHPAC: Death of a Salesman; Founding Member of Black Arts West; African American Heritage Museum/CD Forum; one-man show about Jacob Lawrence; Ten Years on the road with The Coasters).
The creative team is comprised of: Jacqueline Moscou (director), Teddy Hayes (bookwriter), Daniel Wilkins (choreographer), Paul Thomas (music director), Tommer Peterson (set design), Herb Thompson (sound design) and Deborah Sorenson (costume designer).
Obama on My Mind has some racey material and is recommended for ages 16 and up. Performances will be held at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center at 17th & Yesler in Seattle. Previews are Thursday through Sunday Oct.15-21 at 7:30 pm. Saturday Matinees are at 2 p.m. Opening Night is October 23 at 7:30.
