’44 – THE MUSICAL’ Returns to Chicago’s Studebaker Theater August 23–September 21, 2025

Following its sold-out runs in Chicago and Los Angeles, the musical comedy 44 -THE MUSICAL returns to Chicago for a second term, playing at The Studebaker Theater in the historic Fine Arts Building at 410 South Michigan Avenue. Following its limited Chicago run, the musical will play in New York at The Daryl Roth Theatre starting in October.

44 is a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama, as well as the eccentric political characters he met along the way. Barack Obama’s election changed American history. But 44 is the story of Obama you won’t read about in history books. 44 is written, composed, and directed by Eli Bauman, and is produced by Bauman alongside his partner and fellow Lead Producer, Monica Saunders-Weinberg (Hana Black Productions), in association with Anthony “Brew” Brewster, Steve McKeever (Hidden Beach Recordings), Conrad Bauer, and Shanice & Kerry Gordy.

The cast is led by T.J. Wilkins (NBC’s “The Voice”) as Barack Obama, Shanice (award-winning R&B artist – “I Love Your Smile” and OWN’s “Flex & Shanice”) as Michelle Obama and Chad Doreck as Joe Biden. The cast includes: Larry Cedar (Mitch McConnell, Summer Collins (Sarah Palin), Kelly Felthous (Hillary Clinton), Summer Nicole Greer (Voice of the People), Jevon McFerrin (Brother Abe Lincoln, understudy Barack Obama), Dino Shorté (Herman Cain), Jeff Sumner (Lindsey Graham) and Michael Uribes (Ted Cruz).  The understudies are Audri Bartholomew, Wilkie Ferguson, Chelsea Morgan Stock, and Ryan Williams.

The Chicago Tribune reported, “44 is smart, sophisticated satire, a hilarious spoof R&B musical stocked with top-drawer talent and comedic invention with Broadway-caliber singing from the three hilarious leads and a chic, uber-cool vibe.”

Following its first L.A. run in 2023, 44 took home seven BroadwayWorld L.A. Awards, including Best Musical, Best Ensemble, Best Direction of a Musical (Eli Bauman), Best Lead Performer of a Musical (T.J. Wilkins), Best Supporting Performer of a Musical (Chad Doreck), Best Musical Direction (Anthony Brewster) and Best Choreography (Miss James Alsop).

44 features legendary L.A. band House of Vibe as “The Andrew Jackson Five” with Anthony “Brew” Brewster (keyboards), Phillip “Fish” Fisher (drums), Corey Cofield (bass), Conrad Bauer (guitar), and Greg Raymond (keyboards). The music supervisor is Wilkie Ferguson.

For tickets and additional information, please see 44theobamamusical.com/tickets.