'Political Idol' to Open July 23rd

Hot off sold-out runs in Washington D.C., Chicago and New York, "Political Idol," a hilarious spoof of the upcoming presidential elections returns to Off-Broadway's Triad Theatre opening on Wednesday, July 23 (7PM) for a four week run. In this new updated version, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain hold auditions to select Vice Presidential running mates, while at the same time sparring with each other over the economy and foreign policy.  Produced by the FREEDOM TOAST company, the shows plays to sold-out houses and keeps the audience in stitches!

New this summer, Broadway performer Frank Harts joins the Political Idol cast in the roles of Barack Obama, Charlie Rangle, Condoleeza Rice and others.  Noted for his portrayal of George Murchison opposite Sean "Diddy" Combs in the Tony Award-winning revival of A Raisin In The Sun, the Julliard alum is also featured in the new Che Guevara biopic Guerrilla, and has numorous television credits, including the voice of Diddy on MTV TV "Funhouse."

Political Idol is based on the parodies of Marc Emory, muse and founder of The Freedom Toast, who originated the idea at a Renaissance Weekend gathering (the annual retreat for innovative leaders from diverse fields) where he was encouraged to record some of his twisted takes on popular songs. "It just became this thing that we kept doing, that kept getting bigger," says Emory, son of longtime Washington newspaper correspondent and former Gridiron Club president, Alan S. Emory. Robert Yarnall is co-author of the book and lyrics.

Armed with irreverence, wit, and spot-on impressions of Barack Obama, John McCain, Al Gore,Hillary Clinton, George and Laura Bush, Charlie Rangle, Mitt Romney and Dick Cheney, this quartet of seasoned entertainers turn familiar songs into show-stopping political parodies. Directed by Julie Blanciak the company features: Lara Buck, Joseph DiSalle, Frank Harts and Robert Yarnall. Chris Berg will serve as musical director.

The show features almost 2 dozen lyrically altered songs, from Obama singing "Change Is Cool" (Chain of Fools) to McCain singing "John McCain" (Purple Rain), to Ricky Martin and Charro singing "Lovin' Barack Obama," sung to the tune of Ricky Martin's Livin' La Vida Loca. Other stand-outs include "We're Bringin' Ronnie Back" (Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back) and "Give My Regards To Bagdad" (Give My Regards To Broadway).

Three CDs of The Freedom Toast songs are available on iTunes, including "Sing Along with the Candidates 2008," "Sing Along with the Democrats" and "Sing Along with the Republicans."

"Political Idol" will play Sunday's and Wednesday's at 7PM through August 13th at The Triad Theatre (158 West 72nd Street ~ between Broadway & Columbus Avenue).  There is a $15 Food/Drink minimum and a $25 music charge. For tickets and reservations call TheaterMania (212) 352-3101 or online www.theatermania.com

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