Thursday, October 28, 2004
The seasoned troupe's songs were hilarious.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The audience approved the political satire message of Capitol Steps during a fast-paced songfest Wednesday night at Stambaugh Auditorium.
The members of the musical satire ensemble, which jabbed at American overindulgence and world standing and the quirks of its politicians, won laughs, giggles and guffaws along with applause from an appreciative audience that welcomed the humor-laced commentary on American life.
Capitol Steps, whose different ensembles have given some 4,500 performances across the United States, began in 1981 at a Christmas party in the office of former Sen. Charles Percy. Members of the current cast of Capitol Steps, according to the program booklet, have worked in the offices of 11 U.S. senators and seven members of the House of Representatives. Since they've "been there and done that" they bring a jaded and inside-track, but rib-tickling, brand of humor to the stage.
The genius of Capitol Steps was the perfectly wonderful parodies using the melodies of a familiar "oldie" song or Broadway show tune. And they're also clever enough to inject the current scandal of the moment and tidbits from the local political scene to make the show even more hilarious. The audience had to pay attention to get all the jokes.
New CD
The ensemble, which has recorded 24 albums, has a new CD out called "Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad" and with titles like "Help Rwanda" (to the tune of "Help Me Rhonda" and Ain't No Surplus Now It's Gone (to the tune of "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," listeners got the drift of the lyrics that played for a laugh and threw in a bit of social commentary. Another recent CD called "Between Iraq and a Hard Place" offered "Korea" (think "Maria" from "West Side Story"), "401k" (to the tune of "YMCA") and "God Bless My SUV" (God Bless the USA").
Capitol Steps performers also have a reputation for getting a quick take on the local political scene. The show at Stambaugh was no exception as the cast treated the audience to a glimpse of Martha Stewart's new "Traficant collection" -- straight from prison and tossed around some hair-raising comments about hairpieces.
Capitol Steps also took liberties with exaggerated characteristics of John Kerry, John Edwards, Bill Clinton, Saddam Hussein, Donald Rumsfeld and Michael Jackson. Hillary Rodham Clinton lamented her lot in "My Way" that her "hopes were lowered in such a guy way."
Ad-libbed
For the most part, the performers were easy to understand as they sang lyrics that were sometimes a real mouthful. At times, though, the words just got lost. But the performers, obviously stage veterans used to quick changes and the challenges of live performances, easily ad-libbed and made an even bigger joke of some obvious flubs.
Capitol Steps provided a welcome comic relief from the bombardment of political ads that Americans have been subjected to over the campaign season. But just like a campaign stop, Capitol Steps was in town for a brief appearance. So catch the show next time around.
National City Bank sponsored the performance and proceeds will benefit the Youngstown-Mahoning Valley United Way and the Junior League of Youngstown.
XTo order Capitol Steps cassettes or CDs call (800) 733-7837 or order online at www.capsteps.com. Capitol Steps performs Fridays and Saturdays at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Amphitheater, Washington D.C. Call (202) 397-7328 for reservations.