“Obama on My Mind” by Larissa Min
Your enjoyment of “Obama on My Mind” will largely depend on what expectations you have as you step into the warm interiors of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center.
Written by American expatriate Teddy Hayes, ”Obama on My Mind” is a musical comedy painting the farcical behind-the-scenes antics and shenanigans in a small town election office. The words “musical comedy” are critical here, for you can expect as much political reflection and commentary about the 2008 election as you may get insights about Western colonial expansion in East Asia from the “King and I.”
Though Obama reigns in the title, he is the backdrop to the lives and concerns of the group of characters assembled in his behalf. Here, the focus is on the particular and personal: an election organizer sings the stress of handling it all, a marketing director dreams of importance, a strategist on the rebound expresses her private hopes and fantasies, while a republican reluctantly works for Obama in honor of a deceased friend’s wish.
With 11 characters, however, the exploration of viewpoints comes at the cost of developing a unifying main storyline. While the musical opens with the anxious discovery of the Republican’s unveiling of Sarah Palin and Obama’s faltering poll numbers, the tension bounces on to a father’s predicament at the poisoned pen of a reporter, fundraising mishaps, and other challenges. The result is a variously compelling or distracting cacophony of possible issues and situations. As audience, you may wonder where all this is going, or you may choose to buckle up and enjoy the chaotic ride.
Because there are also plenty of things to enjoy. The energy of the ensemble cast is infectious – and while the stage is often bursting with disparate activity, each song coalesces the cast in support of a song and its main singers, in numbers funny (“Somebody Important” sung by Ron Davids), juicy (“Obama and Me” by Demene Hall) and saucy (“Telephone Call” by Annie Jantzer). In this production, actors and their respective characters are at their best in their moments of song. Umeme, as fundraiser Peter, is the sonic boom that acts as pause button as he rolls onstage in varying dishevelment, moaning and bemoaning money. He sings his character’s constant lament for money with gusto, while throughout, the dancers and musicians function well to complement voices.
While the musical treats its material in the light comedic tones of sitcom, it reaches a strangely thoughtful moment when two closet republicans working for the campaign come together. Volunteer Charlie’s (played by Nik Doner) struggles between ideology, his heart, and race issues; while staff Frank (played by Bob Williams) ponders if better healthcare access might have made a difference for a deceased friend. These moments of reflection are effective in giving audiences something they may recognize and find resonance in, as they recall questions grappled during the election. This treatment stands in contrast to the development of other characters (a gay office staff, or a Hispanic hippie, among others) who, without a moment of their own, suffer the risk of caricature.
And by far, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center production of “Obama on My Mind” can count on one superlative: Josephine Howell who, playing package-deliverer Trish, belts out the song “Obama on My Mind” with the power to raise you out of your seat, fan or critic. She’s this production’s stealth bomber - as my companion, who abhors musicals, quietly conceded as we stepped out into Seattle’s cool after a night of song.
“Obama on My Mind” runs at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center through November 15. Tickets can be purchased through brownpapertickets.com or at 206 386-1177.
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