Capitol Steps

Last Saturday at the Center for Faith and Life, John McCain admitted he could be Ronald Reagan’s father and Bill Clinton hit on a college student. Well, at least their impersonators did. The touring comedy group Capitol Steps started off this year’s Center Stage Series.

Six actors claiming to put the ‘mock’ in democracy entertained the audience posing as figures like Barack Obama, John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Kim Jong Il.

The nationally acclaimed group’s high energy level and clever impersonations had the audience rolling in laughter in the final months leading to November’s elections.

“I loved the show,” said college President Richard Torgerson. “I’ve seen them four times now.”

Political satire has become the latest trend in comedy among college students, with shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report gaining popularity.

The high student turnout reflected political interest on campus. The actors both entertained and educated the audience about current issues like the energy crisis and the campaign.

“Satire is great because you laugh and get the point, but a lot more easily and in a more lasting way than somebody just preaching at you,” said Assistant Professor of English Amy Weldon.

The performance began with a medley called “Obama-Mia,” mocking the press for favoring the Democratic presidential candidate.

The Capitol Steps, however, stayed fair and balanced as the next song teased Senator John McCain for his age.

“I could be sitting here with my friends and relatives who don’t vote the same way I do, and we’d all be laughing,” said Weldon. “The show is absolutely hilarious.”

One actor, Kevin Corbett, said the cast contributes to writing the music, which is released quickly to keep up with current events. The Capitol Steps’ Web site features a new song every week that corresponds to whatever news is running at the time.

“I wasn’t expecting the material to be so current,” said political science major Alexandra Larson (‘10). “They’re talking about Pakistan, the Georgia conflict and Sarah Palin.”

Corbett added that many of the actors have government jobs on their resume, joining The Capitol Steps to make fun out of work on the Hill.

The group started when three staff members of Senator Charles Percy had to plan a Christmas party. That was in 1981, and The Capitol Steps have been entertaining audiences from both sides of the aisle ever since.

The group is currently selling their 28th album, titled “Campaign and Suffering,” parodying politicians such as John McCain, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Mike Huckabee.

The Performing Arts Committee President Tiffany Choi (‘09) said the show was chosen to start the season because of its timeliness with the upcoming elections. A comedy is also a nice way to kick off a new year of entertainment.

The Center Stage Series continues Sept. 27 with the Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre production. Luther students can attend all Center Stage Series shows free with CAF.