After sold-out runs in Los Angeles and a star-powered reception in Chicago, 44: The Musical announced it is headed to Off-Broadway this fall—bringing its sharp, satirical spin on Obama’s 44th presidency to New York audiences.
The political parody, created and directed by Eli Bauman, imagines Barack Obama’s rise to power—and the cast of unforgettable figures who surrounded him—through the memory-challenged lens of Joe Biden. Equal parts sketch comedy, musical theater, and political roast, 44 takes a no-holds-barred approach to recent American history, with energetic musical numbers and razor-edged humor aimed at both sides of the aisle.
44: The Musical at the Studebaker Theater, August 23–September 21
Fresh off its buzz-heavy Los Angeles run at the Kirk Douglas Theatre—where performances consistently sold out—44 arrives in Chicago this month for a limited engagement at the historic Studebaker Theater. The run begins with previews on August 23 and continues through September 21, and ticket demand is already high. Some resale platforms are listing tickets for well over face value.
During its West Coast run, the show reportedly drew a string of high-profile guests from the entertainment industry, helping to fuel its sold-out status and social media momentum. Critics praised the cast’s vocal strength and comedic timing, calling the show a “riotous romp through recent history” that manages to feel both absurd and eerily relevant.
Standout performances include T.J. Wilkins as Obama, Shanice as Michelle, and Chad Doreck as Biden—each bringing both vocal power and comic precision to a musical that’s fast-paced and unafraid to take risks.
Next stop: New York. Following its Chicago engagement, 44: The Obama Musical will officially open Off-Broadway at The Daryl Roth Theatre, with previews beginning October 14 and opening night set for November 6, 2025. The production is expected to run for at least eight weeks, further cementing its transition from fringe curiosity to national satire sensation.
With choreography, costume design, and production value matching its comedic ambition, 44 feels right at home in Chicago’s legacy of political theater—and now joins a growing list of Chicago-born or Chicago-polished shows making the leap to New York.
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