Bush is Bad
The NoHo Arts Center never fails to entertain, seeming to get people talking with a gleam in their eyes. Production after production, James J. Mellon and his company captivate the minds of mouths that spread the word.
With the economy faltering more and more each day, voters excitedly await November 4th. This is the day we can all come together as Americans, using our votes to judge the current administration, deciding if we need to move forward with the same policies or move on with new ones. Meanwhile . . .
"Bush is Bad" reminds us of the comedic truths about what has happened in the past eight years, leading in from the opening number, "How Can 59 Million People Be So Dumb?" tunefully proving that, with George W. Bush, "Anyone Can Grow Up to Be President."
Joshua Rosenblum's wildly entertaining musical is splendid, each component of the musical theatre created with uproarious perfection. Directors James J. Mellon and Jay Willick make certain that Democrats leave the theatre, slapping their knees in laughter, while Republicans walk out, slapping their heads in embarrassment. With all 21 songs, the multi-talented members of the ensemble take turns transforming the sour grapes of political jargon into tasty wine for all to "buzz" on and about.
Roger Ainslie is electric in his portrayal of George W. Bush. Playing with the Transformer toy, Optimus Prime, calling him an evil-doer while waging wars, is certainly a moment worth more than a giggle. Ainslie's Bush sings a duet with John McCain, whom he also impersonates with the on-target magnetic charm of a Saturday Night Live cast member.
Jonathan Zenz takes on the Republican roles of Jack Abramoff, Barbara Bush, and the mind behind the administration, Karl Rove. Resisting over-the-top caricatures, Zenz does a "heck of a job," allowing his audience to find the humor in their realistic ridiculousness. It's not until "Das Bush ist Schlect" that Zenz shares his deep comical talent, singing the sidesplitting operatic tune.
It is difficult to take your eyes off of Curtis C., especially when his Condoleeza Rice character possesses the audience to grasp their kidneys while he/she sings "Can't Help Loving that Bush."
Stefanie Black (Sarah Palin) also throws in hilarity, belting out an Annie Get Your Gun-esque "I Get What I Want with a Gun."
The remainder of the cast, Kathryn Percival and Sabrina Miller, also add their own shine. Each, along with the others, constantly takes on comical bits within the production to push the envelope a bit more.
It's no wonder why this musical won the L.A. Weekly award for BEST Musical.
On a grading scale: A+ (If you don't see this hit musical, you are unpatriotic and the terrorists win.)
Additional Note: The first laugh begins before the lights rise, as a real voicemail message to the theatre is played. A woman has an urgent problem with the title, "Bush is Bad." ". . . [T]o spread around town that Bush is bad is very, very, very inappropriate. . . ."
Scenic Design by Lacey Anzelc
The cute pop musical tracks arranged by Scott DeTurk.
Playing at the NoHo Arts Center until November 4th.