The Capitol Steps Bring Political Satire to Chandler Music Hall

"The Capitol Steps are what Washington would be like if everyone were funnier and could sing," said humorist P.J. O’Rourke, and they are coming all the way to Randolph to prove the point.

This troupe of Congressional staffers-turned-comedians who travel the country satirizing the very people and places that once employed them, will appear at Chandler Music Hall Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Experts at digging into the headlines and hot topics of the day, their unique brand of satirical humor crosses party lines. Their song-parodies play as well in middle America as they do on Pennsylvania Avenue, and thanks to an ever-changing menu of political scandal, controversy and misstep, they always have plenty to sing about.

Since their inception in 1981, the Capitol Steps have recorded 23 albums, have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS, and can be heard nationwide four times a year on National Public Radio.

The only group in America that attempts to be funnier than Congress, The Capitol Steps monitor events and personalities on Capitol Hill, in the Oval Office, and in other centers of power and prestige around the world. They take a humorous look at serious issues, while providing a laugh for millions. Their most recent release, "I’m So Indicted!" covers the latest scandals from Korea to K-Street and from Kurdistan to Katrina.

According to their web page, liberal conspiracy theorists are convinced that Republicans are manipulating oil prices at will to influence the election, President Bush gave Americans the hard truth during his last State of the Union speech, and the Capitol Steps will perform "Addicted to Oil" to the tune of "Addicted to Love."

Perhaps Benedict XVI just needs a new speechwriter, suggests The Capitol Steps. When the pope spoke in Germany recently, his "critique of modern reason" and call for a "genuine dialogue of cultures and religions" drew less attention than his historical quotations about Islam. Several fire bombings, shootings and church-burnings later, the pope ended the controversy with an apology. The tune of "It’s Not Easy Being Green" will cover the topic of "It’s Not Easy Being Pope.

"If you were one of the few empty seats when they performed at Chandler last year, do yourself a favor and reserve your ticket now for the funniest show of the year," urges Chandler’s Executive Director, Becky McMeekin.

Tickets can be ordered by calling 728-6464, or via e-mail at tickets@chandlermusicalhall.org.

This performance is presented by Chandler Center for the Arts and sponsored by Kimball, Sherman & Ellis, Gifford Medical Center and The Herald of Randolph.

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