Hope - The Obama Musical Story

Riding the coattails of such recent smashes as "Obama: The Musical" (Kenya) and "Obama On My Mind" (England) comes the latest extravaganza, "Hope - The Obama Musical Story," which debuts this weekend in Frankfurt, Germany. The American co-writer of the production, Randall Hitchins, concocted the idea during the last presidential campaign, and originally conceived a single song based on Obama's "Yes We Can" message. Upon further consideration, he and producer Roberto Emmanuele, thought the idea warranted a full-blown show. And so the finished version features songs by former 2008 presidential and vice presidential candidates that include lines from their stump speeches. And oh yes, the "love songs by the president to his wife Michelle and duets with Hillary Clinton" are not to be missed (gag me already). So what is the storyline of this likely Tony Award-winning show? It's the Hope and Change that Obama's candidacy brings to the tenants of a Chicago apartment (no surprise). Personally, I'd like to ask these fictional characters how the whole Hope & Change thing is working for them now, given our current economic malaise. Are they still living in that apartment, or have they been evicted because they've lost their jobs and haven't been able to pay their rent?

Anyway, the whole production is another example of the 'Slobbering Love Affair' (to quote Bernard Goldberg's book of the same name) that Hollywood and media elites have with Obama. Do you doubt me? The perfect counterpoint to this Oba-maniacal rash of musicals is the 2006 movie production, "Death Of A President," which won the International Federation of Film Critics Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. And what does this movie portray? The assassination of George W. Bush, of course.

Given Obama's continuing slide in the polls (in virtually every policy measure that he is advocating), one can only wonder if the producers dare bring "Hope!" stateside. Then again, why would they bring over a cast of pretenders, when we've got the real deal in Washington D.C.?