“Primary” Season Is Here
City in a Swamp Productions gives the presidential primary season an unofficial kick-off with “Primary Urges,” its witty and smart send-up of the all-American election process.
Part “Damn Yankees,” part “Capitol Steps,” the show centers around a meek congressman (Doug Smith) turned presidential candidate and his sly, Mephistophelian political adviser (Michael Bruno). Along the way, we meet a
well-coiffed Hillary Clinton (Rachael Goldman), the candidate’s wary spouse (Marilyn Bennett), a Lola-like temptress (Goldman), two fresh-faced staffers (Mary Jean Bruno and Michael Miyazaki), and an ardent, very ardent, Obama fan (Miyazaki). Heck, the spirit of Luciano Pavarotti (Miyazaki) even gets in on the fun.
Everyone is terrific, especially Goldman, whose excellent Hillary is replete with spot-on mannerisms and loony laugh, and Miyazaki, whose hilarious Pavarotti warbles a Rudy Giuliani-themed “Message From Beyond.”
The original songs by Howard Bennett and Nicholas Zill are fresh and fun, the skillful choreography by Nkemjika Ofodile makes effective use of the small stage, and the live musical accompaniment at the back of the room makes for an especially dynamic theater experience. Special kudos to percussionist Stan Ismart, whose hilarious sound-effects are courtesy of an amazing gizmo he invented himself.
“Primary Urges” is playing at the Warehouse Theater until November 10. Tickets: $25. For info, visit www.cityinaswamp.com/Home/home.htm or call the Warehouse at 202-783-3933.
very interesting.
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