Watch: Jason Tam Sings the Surprisingly Emotional ‘Wait’ From Irreverent Political Satire The Ghost of John McCain
The new show begins previews Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse September 3.
Earlier this week, we got a glimpse of Newsies star Ben Fankhauser in a dog collar singing “Good Boy” as Lindsey Graham. Now, upcoming Off-Broadway musical The Ghost of John McCain is showing an altogether different side: genuine pathos. Hear Jason Tam in the title role sing “Wait” above.
The irreverent new political musical begins performances at Soho Playhouse September 3 ahead of a September 24 opening night. The limited engagement will continue just past election night, with the final performance set for November 10.
Joining Tam and Fankhauser in the cast are Luke Kolbe Mannikus as Donald Trump, Aaron Michael Ray as Donald Trump’s Brain, Zonya Love as Kamala Harris, and Lindsay Nicole Chambers as Hillary Clinton, Daughter-Wife, and Sexy Lady Fox News Anchor. Understudies Anthony Zambito, Gisela Adisa, and Joshua David Robinson round out the company. Casting is by Jason Thinger.
Featuring a book by Scott Elmegreen and a score and lyrics by Drew Fornarola, the work is a psychological exploration of power, rivalry, and the human condition. When the late solider-turned-senator awakens in the afterlife, he finds himself trapped inside the mind of President Donald Trump, alongside a quasi-Greek Chorus of other public figures, including Hillary Clinton, Roy Cohn, Eva Perón, Teddy Roosevelt, Robert Jordan, and Lindsey Graham. In order to escape, the motley crew is forced to engage in a high-stakes debate over life, legacy, and “American values.” Catie Davis will direct.
The production features choreography by Sunny Min-Sook Hitt, scenic design by Lawrence E. Moten III, costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg, hair and wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan, lighting design by Colleen Doherty, and sound design by Daniela Hart for Uptown Works NYC. Vadim Feichtner is music directing.
The musical previously had an NYC reading in January.
The Ghost of John McCain is produced by Quixote Productions and Max Fose.
For tickets and more information, click here.
