Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"..."44 - The Musical" is also a rewind of the halcyon aughts, relatively speaking, and for the politically inclined, it's a well-timed reminder of how, even as we watch this current president do whatever the heck he wants with close to zero pushback, Obama had all kinds of wackadoodles in his way. The show even has the guts to bring up the Sandy Hook horror and depict its hero's moment of realization that there was, in practice, all too little he could do."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...44 the Musical left me feeling more becalmed and disquieted, despite the fact that it's very much designed as a comedy revue. In part, I think that's because the central character of Barack Obama (T.J. Wilkins) is a bit of a tabula rasa on whom the other characters project their own hopes, neuroses, hatreds, and resentments. That inevitably, at least for me, made me question how much we the people have failed at living up to Obama's exhortation that "we are the ones we've been waiting for" in the pursuit of the latest shiny political object."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...I found this to be more of a musical revue rather than a play. Yes, there is a story line taking us thruogh the presidency of Obama ( a superb performance by T.J. Wilkins) as seen through the eyes of Joe Biden ( Chad Dorek is powerful and very funny), as he kind of remembers it. The ensemble of players is strong and some of the musical numbers are terrific with powerful meaning. This is a satirical look at the politicians so no one party is treated better than the other. In fact, I say that if you leave your political hat in the car when you enter the Studebaker Theater, you will find yourself laughing at both parties."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...44—THE MUSICAL is undeniably delightful. It immerses the adult audience in a much-welcomed, long-forgotten emotion called Joy. The show is very funny and filled with some unforgettable toe-tapping songs. But overall, it’s a little overstuffed, which makes the evening feel rather long. Starting the show on time, would also help. Writer Eli Bauman might want to take a moment, while in Chicago, to perform some judicious cutting, keeping mind that old adage that Less is More. His cast is absolutely sensational and the premise of this unsanctioned Obama Musical is greatly appreciated, especially considering how much many of us would love to recapture and relive those early 21st century halcyon days of Joy."
PicksInSix
- Somewhat Recommended
"...In the end, though, Bauman's effort appears to be existing in a time warp of its own making that abruptly evaporated on November 5, 2024. There is a lot of potential, a fair amount of too-much-of-a-good-thing content wise that is often blue-a comedian's reference to rude language, off-color jokes and sexual innuendo, not the political party. "44" is definitely mature fare that, in its' current form, puts the risk in risque for general audiences."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...From the moment the lights dimmed at the Studebaker Theater, "44: The Musical" swept the audience into a whirlwind of history, humor, and heartfelt moments. Written, composed, and directed by the talented Eli Bauman, this satirical masterpiece not only captures the essence of President Barack Obama's journey with remarkable wit and creativity, but also offers a timely reflection on the current political climate."
Allie and the After Party
- Highly Recommended
"...Recapping Obama’s rise to stardom, election, and eight years in office, 44 The Musical tells his story all through the eyes of his trusty sidekick Joe Biden. Clever and full of smooth grooves and cultural references, this new musical is just as hilarious as it is smart, delivered by an astoundingly talented cast."
BroadwayWorld
- Recommended
"...Written, composed, and directed by the unquestionably talented Eli Bauman, 44 satirizes the events leading up to and occurring during Obama's (T.J. Wilkins) first administration, including his unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton (Kelly Felthous) in the Democratic primaries, the baffling national ascent of Sarah Palin (Summer Collins), the fraught passage of the Affordable Care Act, the triumphant assassination of Osama bin Laden, and a number of personal and national tragedies scattered along the way. Naturally, all of these events are narrated to viewers through the hazy recollections of eventual President Joe Biden (Chad Doreck)."
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"...Nevertheless, “44” is a lot of fun, with a cast of fabulous singers. The R&B-style tunes are catchy—so catchy that well-dressed senior ladies were softly singing “Motherf—ing Obama” in the bathroom during intermission. Despite its flaws, “44” is a joyful night at the theater in a time when we can really use one."
