by Shera Cohen
If you’ve seen Capitol Steps, you need to see it again, and
again. Just as the news constantly changes, so must the skits in this extremely
popular, political lampooning of who’s who, all set to music. The performances
are satire with a capital “S”. The phrase, “ripped from today’s headlines”
describes Capitol Steps’ ever-changing and hilarious material.
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| Elaina Newport, back row, middle |
Who is behind the shenanigans in creating Capitol Steps?
Mark Eaton and Elaina Newport. Elaina credits her brother and his stash of “Mad
Magazine” as her impetus to become co-founder of Capitol Steps. In a recent
interview with Elaina, her sense of humor is both effusive and contagious.
The year was 1981, Republicans held the reigns and Reagan
was president. It was a different time, but not a different place – Capitol
Hill, Washington, DC. Elaina and a small group of friends were asked to write a
few scripts and songs for a Christmas party. The event was fun, and a one-shot gig.
The audience was bipartisan, and for the most part, got along.
“We kept getting invited to parties,” said Elaina, realizing
that lampooning politicians and other front-page personalities could quickly
get her and her troupe into a lot of trouble. “The more we were hired, the more
[our show] spread the risk around.” In other words, the group was democratic in
lambasting just about everyone, yet always with wit and a smile. No one was
sacred.
Sooner than she ever anticipated, Elaina gave up her day job
to become a full-time writer, producer, singer, comedian, lyricist, and manager
of what became titled Capitol Steps. Along with partner, Mark Eaton (whose job
description mirrors Elaina’s), the seriously ridiculous Capitol Steps has
spread its political humor across the U.S. for over 35 years.
Elaina’s favorite roles include Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth
Warren, Angelina Merkle, and Hilary Clinton. In any given show, the cast of
five plus pianist perform approximately 30 songs and become 60 characters, all
in 90-minutes. A crew of one helps the quintet quickly change costumes for this
fast-paced entertainment. “Our wig
person is the star of the show; there are at least three Trump wigs,” said
Elaina. Oftentimes, costumes and headwear are ill fitting or crooked, which
unintentionally adds to the fun.
When asked about the audition process, Elaina immediately
reacted, laughing. “That’s one of the fun parts [of this job]. They sing a song
beautifully, then we ask them to sing the same song as if he/she was Kim Jong-un.”
“Our audiences are fully prepared for this humor,” she said.
They come expecting to hear parodies and see caricatures, and that’s exactly
what they get. With politics at the top of every news report and above the fold
on newspapers, the humor of Capitol Steps is more apropos than ever.
What role would Elaina like to play? President! Not anyone
whose name we know, but the first female president. After a few decades
backstage and onstage for Capitol Steps, she still loves the fun. “But, if the
[current] Congress got quickly competent, then we would be out of a job, but
we’ll be okay.”
Capitol Steps will be performed at Cranwell Resort, Lenox,
MA from June 30 – September 1, 2018, nightly except Tuesdays. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND RESERVATIONS
