Obama: The Musical

Germany's Der Spiegel reports that "Hope! The Obama Musical Story" will be opening in Frankfurt on January 17th.

The German musical is categorized as an "all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the world's most powerful man." (Clips from the show are on YouTube; see below.)

Created by American writer and composer Randall Hutchins, the story is seen in parallel through the eyes of the candidates and a group of Americans inspired by the historic 2008 campaign. Barack and Michelle Obama, John McCain, Hilary Clinton and even Sarah Palin (reportedly "surrounded by a troop of scantily clad dancers") make appearances. (In an ironic twist, the same actress plays both Clinton and Palin.)

Songs are performed in English and German, with the lyrics often taken from the speeches and statements of the candidates themselves. According to the production's website:

In "HOPE", [Hutchins] combines an affectionately arranged mix regarding taste and aesthetics of different music styles in the field of Pop, Soul, Gospel, HipHop and Rock. The diversified mixture of catchy melodies electrifies the audience right from the beginning. Undoubtedly, the songs have what it takes to become hits.

If you happen to be in Frankfurt this month, tickets range from €42 to €151 ($60-$216).There is talk of a future US tour, but no set dates.

-- Tom Penketh