Obama Musical To Premiere In Germany
By Seraphina L.
We all had hope when President Obama when he was up against John McCain and he’s been trying his best to continue giving us hope. Just when you think he’s got all the praise he could ever get by winning the Nobel Peace Prize, get this: A musical centered on Obama and his hopeful dreams is set to take the stage and it’s not even happening in the States! You just know you’ve made it if someone bases a musical on your life.
According to the Associated Press, the musical titled “Hope — the Obama Musical Story” will be premiering in Frankfurt, Germany this weekend. The songs will include “Yes, We Can,” ballads between Obama and his wife and even duets with Hilary Clinton! Also to round out the character list, actors will also be portraying McCain and Sarah Palin with belting numbers.
The writer of “Hope” is an American who goes by the name of Randall Hitchins and is not afraid to show his support for our new president. He tells the AP that he originally only intended on writing the song, “Yes, We Can,” but realized he could turn it into so much more:
“I had the idea (for the musical) during the presidential campaign. … It was fascinating and the mood at the time fired my imagination. All the people were hoping for a change for a better life and there was such a great, collective emotion.”
He’s teamed up with producer Roberto Emmanuele, a German-Italian, and the story which starts 20 years ago and set in Chicago boasts songs in various genres such as gospel, soul, pop, hip-hop and rock.
Most of the actors are American and have performed in German productions before. Jimmie Wilson, who plays Obama, tells the AP in a phone interview that they “rehearsing every day for 12 hours now.” Just like any election leads citizens to believe, audience participation is encouraged. The production has even made seats with tiny drums built into their chairs for certain scenes.
There have been numerous political-focused musicals, especially when most felt they needed to get on Bush’s case. However, this one seems to be a grand show and is it necessary?
What do you think of the Obama musical?
Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:01AM
I've seen a lot of hateful blogging and postings by Obama "haters" and it amazes me that a musicali can inpire such emotion. I like the idea that it sparks dialogue but is the childish and hateful bickering and disrespect of these artist and those who may appreciate it constructive or intellegent? It looks interesting but I'll reserve judgement until after it's "premiere" as it is difficult to review a whole body of theatrical work from a 2 1/2 minute trailer.
Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:38AM
i think an obama musical is a bad idea. just like an obama presidency. bad idea.
hope is fading fast….
Thursday, January 14, 2010 6:31AM
I haven't heard anything about a President Obama musical so I will not comment , but I will comment on the second part of your statement….Get a Life !!! Concerning the Presidency.. I wonder how YOU would resolve ALL the problems we have in this country in 1 year ! I am sure YOU have the intelligence !
Thursday, January 14, 2010 7:29PM
it's not a question of how i would solve all the problems facing the usa, it's the fact that the fraud we elected president has failed miserably in how he has chosen to resolve the problems facing the usa. so far. can he turn it around? hope so. but as of now he has shown to be nothing more than an incompetent, left-wing nut who is way way in over his head. but you just go on being an apologist for the guy – leaders like him need supporters like you… blind loyalty is never a good idea.