Barack Obama sings the blues at the Studebaker

A satirical political project called 44-The Musical returns to Chicago with a new title, time and place at the end of summer. The story of the 44th president was first presented at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in 2024 and a year later, it now lands at the Studebaker on Michigan Avenue. What was originally named 44-The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED Obama Musical has been wisely shortened to 44 and the show continues to evolve in Chicago before heading to New York.

The current incarnation follows Barack Obama as he rises to his new position and navigates a wide variety of personalities involved with politics. Situations covered in 44 range from racism, healthcare, gun control, to Liam Neeson. There are some memorable songs along the way, although “How Black Is Too Black” is an ambitious subject to wrap up with a smooth tune. “Filibusters” mixes the humor of South Park with Dr. Seuss and “Herman Cain” skates on thin ice with over-the-top antics. The tracks don't need the heavy-handedness of grandstanding or over-singing the notes with long runs and milking the material.

The padded hi-hat drum was occasionally distracting in the Andrew Jackson Five live band planted in the stage right balcony, as were the keyboardist's startling outbursts at the beginning of some songs to show audiences he was working hard. The vocal prowess of the performers is impressive and that can make it difficult for producers to make some of the cuts needed to slice down the running time.

Why is a Voice of the People character needed when the narration is told from Joe Biden's perspective? This could be reconfigured to save time and money.

The cast is stacked with talented standouts, including T.J. Wilkins, Chad Doreck and Jevon McFerrin. Shanice, as Michelle Obama, has an incredible voice, but is miscast with an age gap from Wilkins playing her husband.

Jeff Sumner, characterized in drag as the Coexist Lady, was a misstep and Summer Collins misses capturing the overall humor of Sarah Palin.

Both political parties are lampooned, but much has changed since this musical was first conceived. Ticket buyers will have to decide if 44 is a form of escape in the theater or a glaring reminder of the reality outside of it. Time will tell if society can look back at some of these characters with a sense of humor or absolute horror one day.

It could be too soon for a campy tale and the daily news requires last-minute changes like a Cracker Barrel joke. Perhaps the names could be altered by parodies to allow a little distance from the actual people who are portrayed in 44.

Attendees on August 28 in the Windy City had to face the fact that a school shooting had happened the day before opening night. During such tragic and tumultuous times, one has to decide if 44 will work as a catharsis or a stark reflection.

Writer, director and former campaign organizer for Barack, Eli Bauman has accomplished celebrating his hero with this endeavor. Unfortunately, 44 doesn't earn a score of a hundred, but with some reimagining over time, it could get there. Whether the future political landscape in the United States helps or hinders this musical's journey remains to be seen.

See 44 at The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., from now until Sept. 21, before an Off-Broadway debut at the Daryl Roth Theatre on Oct. 14. Find tickets at 44theobamamusical.com.