AMERICAN POLITICS AND THE AMERICAN MUSICAL

by David Brush, lyricist

There is no question that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new Broadway musical HAMILTON is catching fire. Audiences and critics agree it’s a game changer. The legend himself, Stephen Sondheim, has even suggested as much. The audiences are attracting people from all over the media and arts spectrum. I feel safe saying HAMILTON is around for awhile. Based on the life, politics and dramatic circumstances of Alexander Hamilton, the show is poised to set box office records after a much-lauded Off-Broadway run last season. The show may also prove to survive through the Tony Awards next June (despite its summer 2015 opening). In light (and perhaps in celebration) of HAMILTON’s official opening, here are just four other musicals that have tackled political figures.

1. 1776 (Music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards; Book by Peter Stone) Based on the real players involved in the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 may be the grand-daddy of them all. The original production in 1969 ran over 1200 performances and launched a film version three years later with a large portion of the original Broadway cast (something nearly unheard of today). The score is something of a legend – from “Sit Down John” to “Molasses To Rum,” the show runs the gamut from comedic interlude to dramatic sentiment seamlessly.

2. OF THEE I SING (Music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin; Book by George S Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind)  The Gershwin brothers never shied away from risqué subject matter, so a musical lampooning of American politics was not very far out of the box for them. The plot centers on a would-be Presidential candidate running on a platform of “love” whose own love interest earns his campaign some unwanted attention. The show feels dated for sure, but the Americana feel of the score and the nostalgic nature of the show harkens back to a time long before Hillary and Trump were candidates.

3. I’D RATHER BE RIGHT (Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Lorenz Hart; Book by Moss Hart and Geroge S Kaufman) This Depression-era satire leaves no one unscathed – in particular, President Franklin Roosevelt. Although only running 290 performances in 1937, it represented the definitive Rodgers-Hart collaboration – contemporary, funny, and melodic. The legendary George M. Cohan played Roosevelt to rave reviews (including an especially glowing one from HG Wells). Listening to the score makes you wish Lincoln Center or City Center Encores would tackle it during election year 2016.

4. CLINTON: THE MUSICAL (Music and Lyrics by Paul Hodge; Book by Paul and Michael Hodge) Having just closed a successful Off-Broadway run, CLINTON proves political satire is not just for a bygone era. The show’s own description says it best, calling the show “a sensational and satirical look at the 42^nd President who upholds the ideals of Lady Liberty while simultaneously charming the pantsuit off her. With Hillary by his side, he’s bringing new life to the party.” The New York Times raved, and audiences came in droves. We may not have seen the last of this show.

DAVID BRUSH is a producer (Hot Mess in Manhattan, off-Broadway), director, lyricist, librettist, author, and lover of all things musical theatre. Member of Dramatists Guild and connoisseur of art, red wine and Food Network dishes. www.deanbrush.com   EMAIL HIM |  FACEBOOK | TWITTER | OTHER POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR