Students get political in new musical

Nurah Lambert, Arcade Associate Editor

Once every four years, Americans get the opportunity to project their voices in the presidential election. Unlike previous years, the 2016 presidential election has played out more like a far-fetched comedy than actual politics. Thus, it’s only fitting that “Let’s Get Political: A Broadway Revue” will soon debut at Tulane. Written and directed by Broadway-veterans-turned-Tulane-graduate-students Leslie Castay and Justin Lee Miller, the comedic musical about American history and politics will run from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 and 5 in Dixon Hall.

“Let’s Get Political” critically reflects on current and past political events of the United States through songs from various Broadway shows including “Wicked,” “Chicago,” “Hair” and many more. Along with political themes, the show will address topics such as counter culture, women’s suffrage and current social issues.

For those with minimal knowledge of musical theater terms, a revue is a satirical theater production that is comprised of an assortment of short songs, dances and skits regarding recent events. Due to the timing of the show, “Let’s Get Political” will definitely parody recent affairs concerning the upcoming presidential election. In fact, the characters of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will engage in a parody performance of “What Is This Feeling” from the hit Broadway musical “Wicked.”

“Expect to laugh,” sophomore Jordan Lawrence, who will be playing Hillary Clinton, said. “It’s a really good show. But also expect [us to cover] social issues that have existed in the past, still do exist. It’s definitely poking fun, but it’s also very serious.”

In the past, The Newcomb Department of Music and Musical Theatre Workshop has executed shows such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” However, “Let’s Get Political” is completely original, and this will be its first live performance.

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