REVIEW: Cranwell Resort, Capitol Steps

Capitol Steps, Lenox, MA

www.cranwell.com

through Labor Day Weekend, 2019

by Shera Cohen

If you have already seen Capitol Steps either in Lenox, or Washington, DC, or elsewhere across the country, there might be some hesitation – to attend or not to attend yet again. In the Spotlight has previewed and/or reviewed CS for at least 12 years.

Set reluctance aside, as each year’s, and oftentimes each month’s, CS performance is different. Why? Because the news changes daily, especially the news that seems the most ridiculous. No topic or personality is left unscathed by wit and jabs, all set to familiar music by the CS quintet; two women and three men.

Accompanied by an unnamed pianist, song styles range from Broadway one minute, 50’s music the next, Bee Gees’, and romantic serenades. The creative lyricists must have had fun rewriting “Stayin’ Alive” as sung by the aging Supreme Court Justices. The Judge Ginsberg actress completed the song by doing push-ups.

The evening was not all Trump-bashing, although there was certainly enough to go around. The four special ladies in Trump’s world also appeared: Kelly Anne, Sarah Saunders, Ivanka, and Melania. Each did her best to imitate and sound like her namesake, but that was hardly important. Wearing ill-fitting wigs and crass suits, it was obvious that no one onstage is to be taken seriously.

Other topical guests dropped in and out; i.e. Putin, Meuller, Bernie, Ben Carson and Queen Elizabeth. Topics were not solely about the comings and going on Capitol Hill, but included current hot button topics like health care, Native Americans, and TSA workers.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to credit any performer by name, because multiple troupe members are listed in the one program book that is utilized for every show in every location. But a comment on the Barak Obama actor is necessary. Obama always makes his way into a few CS skits. Past Obamas have been okay, but this year’s performer bears an uncanny resemblance, as well as the voice, and mannerisms of our past commander-in-chief.

PREVIEW: The Capitol Steps, The Lyin' Kings

Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA

http://cranwell-resort-store.mypinnaclecart.com/capitolsteps/capitol-steps-tickets/

www.capsteps.com

June 28-August 30, nightly at 8PM except Tuedsays

The Capitol Steps, the political musical satire group that has been putting the “mock” in democracy since 1981, returns to the Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA for the 12th summer with a new show based on their upcoming album, “The Lyin' Kings.” Performances run nightly at 8pm (except Tuesdays) at Cranwell's Harvest Barn. 

What better time to see the Capitol Steps than now, with the next Presidential election season approaching? The show will include the latest songs about the Democratic primary candidates (“76 Unknowns”) and the newest late-night thoughts from President Trump (“Tweet It”).  No one knows what 2020 will bring, but whether it’s Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Beto O’Rourke, the Capitol Steps can tell you what rhymes with it!  Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican (or somewhere in-between), if you’ve ever wanted to see Donald Trump sing a rock song, Bernie Sanders sing a show tune, and Vladimir Putin dance shirtless…this is the show for you!

The Capitol Steps’ upcoming performance of mostly new material and some old favorites “is cheaper than therapy”, says Elaina Newport, co-founder of the Capitol Steps. “No matter who is making the news, we all need a laugh.  And as fast as a politician can send a tweet, our writers text a new song or joke.  The material comes from both sides of the aisle – sometimes it seems like the politicians are trying to provide us with material!”

The Capitol Steps began in 1981, when a group of Congressional staffers got together to provide entertainment for a holiday office party on Capitol Hill.   Since then, they have provided their unique mix of musical and political comedy and satire to audiences coast-to-coast. Each show consists of about 30 songs and skits, with “more costume changes than a Cher concert,” as an audience member once remarked. The Capitol Steps perform in Washington DC every weekend, tour nationally throughout the year, and have appeared on “The Today Show,” “ABC News Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and on specials for NPR.

Tickets for the Capitol Steps are available at Cranwell resort.

http://cranwell-resort-store.mypinnaclecart.com/capitolsteps/capitol-steps-tickets/

INTERVIEW: One-on-One with Capitol Steps’ co-founder Elaina Newport

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.

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

Capitol Steps 2017

One-on-one interview with Mark Eaton, co-writer

Cranwell, Lenox, MA

by Shera Cohen

Tell us a little about your background.  I started with the Steps back in 1993. I was still working on the Hill [D.C.] and joined the group as a part-time performer. I may have been the last staffer the Steps could find who could sing and dance. Then I lost my mind in 1999 and decided to do this full-time.

Which comes first, the lyrics or the music?  You just never know which will come first. You might have a couple ideas for a song, and have to hit the rhyming dictionary which might then spark a cover tune for the idea and lyrics. Other times you might be driving and hear a song come on the radio, and your brain instantly changes The Byrds “Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man” into “Hey, Mr. Tangerine Man.”

How do you know when you come to that thin line between humor and blasphemy? Fortunately for us the audience is the ultimate arbiter of what is or isn’t funny, and what ultimately stays in the show. We have written plenty of things we think are outlandishly funny only to perform them before stunned audiences.

But we aren’t trying to be outrageous or blaspheme anybody. We are trying to be equal opportunity offenders who go after both sides of the aisle in an attempt to make people laugh. Because if we don’t laugh at some of this stuff, we will certainly cry about it.  

When do you feel it’s time to retire one sketch and replace it? The show changes as the headlines change. There are sometimes songs/skits that are gangbusters, but only for a brief time. The story is gone too quickly. And others we are forced to retire simply because we’ve done them so long the audience may have seen it a couple times. But fortunately for us there is never a lack of material. The American voters have been very kind to us in that regard.

I would imagine that working as a writing team is difficult. What is the process? The hardest thing is keeping up with the craziness of D.C. But unlike the way most folks imagine it, we don’t sit around a table and spitball ideas. Elaina Newport (one of the founders) or I am typically to blame for the material. We might write an entire song, send it to the other person and ask “what do you think?” We might tinker with a different joke or leave as is. Other times we might not have more than an idea for a chorus or half a song that doesn’t have a solid ending. The other person might punch it into the end zone.

Do you have particular characters in mind when the actors/singers are cast? When we have auditions we do require performers to be able to do some “voices” and, more importantly, be able to sing in that voice. If you can talk like Donald Trump, but can only sing like Pavarotti, it would be confusing! So somebody might be singing “My Way” for their audition, and we might yell “now sing it as an angry terrorist.”

Is there a conscious effort to balance White House stories with global issues? Absolutely. As mentioned before, we try to go after everybody.   There is way too much going on – besides at the White House – that deserves to be mocked.

Are there any anecdotes to tell us? One of our favorite stories was performing for George Bush, Sr. at the White House. Well, the staff told us to not do any material about him. We had plenty of material to do such as VP Dan Quayle. After the show, the President walked to the stage and announced, “Now I want to see the stuff about me,” and returned to his seat. Well, we scrambled about and did all the material about him, and he loved it. He got it! Being made fun of goes with the territory when you enter politics.

Performances: June 30 – September at 8pm, except Tuesdays

For further information check www.capitolsteps.com

Capitol Steps It’s a Very Political Year – Interview with Jack Rowles

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA

July 1 – September 2, 2016

By Shera Cohen

Jack Rowles

In the Spotlight (ITS) had the pleasure of interviewing actor/singer/comedian Jack Rowles. Jack is one of the mainstays of Capitol Steps, having been with the troupe for 15 years. This presidential nomination year also marks Jack’s 10th season at Cranwell.

ITS: Describe a typical performance. Is each night unique?

Jack: Each night is unique. Each audience has its own personality. For example, with a Capitol Steps show it seems that most audiences have the personality of my mother. She laughs at everything, and her laugh is one of those annoying cackles that comics love! (intended affectionately)

ITS: How politically savvy were you prior to Capitol Steps?

Jack: Prior to Capitol Steps I was mainly familiar with that news story about Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. After 15 years with the group, I can name every Senator and Congressman dating back to 1963, give or take a few in the Dakotas.

ITS: How easy or difficult is it to add new scripts and become new characters?

Jack: Sure, we need to learn new material on a regular basis, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR! But that's the easy part. Coming up with the new material is the hard part. Our writers, Elaina Newport and Mark Eaton, are the brains and brilliance behind this zany entertainment. After every show we meet the audience in the lobby. Our audiences are not shy about offering their opinions on everything, which can sometimes be as funny as the show. But, the most common comment about our show is, "The writing is hilarious and brilliant." I agree.

ITS: What are your favorite roles?

Jack: Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin, Mitt Romney, and the Pope. Only because these are a few of the characters I am playing in our current show. And, this particular year is being referred to as the Golden Year in Political Satire. It's a great time to be in The Capitol Steps!

ITS: Do you have input in the show's preparation?

Jack: I've contributed only two jokes. I know, not very impressive. BUT, both of those jokes were Killer! Otherwise, I think each performer comes up with a funny, fresh take on today's political figures.

 

ITS: Do you think of yourself as an actor, singer, comic, or all three?

Jack: I like to think of myself as all three, but what really matters is how others see me. Recently, I met a lovely couple on a flight home from a show. After talking and laughing with them for a bit I mentioned that I'm a performer. The woman then blurted out, "What are you? A comic?" So, I guess I'm mainly a comic.

 

ITS: Are there any onstage or backstage anecdotes you would like to talk about?

Jack: Jerry Springer came to our show. He sent word ahead that he'd like to make a guest appearance. He's a huge fan. So, we added him to one of the songs. After his bit, I was lined up to do the next song. WELL, I guess I was totally star struck, because as soon as I went on stage I had no idea what my first line was. I think I was taken by how different he was from his TV persona. Or, I was worried that he might ask me if I had fathered the child of my cousin's ex-girlfriend. 

Performances are held every day except Tuesdays at 8pm. For information call: (413) 881-1636 or go to http://www.cranwell.com/dining#item-6

Interview with David Kane: Capitol Steps much forgotten pianist

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA

www.cranwell.com/capitol-steps-return-2015

through August 31, 2015

by Shera Cohen

In the Spotlight approached this article of the annual comings and goings of Capitol Steps (bringing DC to Lenox) with a Q&A to its accompanist. Sure, the singers/comedians get all of the laughs and applause. It's time that the pianist, the guy squished into the corner of the stage at Cranwell, receives credit for keeping this 90-minute show musically paced at near break-neck speed. Below is our conversation with David Kane.

Spotlight: Describe a typical performance. Is each night unique or the same? Is it fun?

Kane: It is generally fun -- it's a comedy show! Some aspects are similar as we tend to do the same show over a week. Variables include errors from the cast or myself (hopefully, not too many of those!), age/mood/size of the audience and the day of the week as well, but in all in all there is a general and agreeable consistency to the shows.

Spotlight: Do you have input in the show's preparation?

Kane: I have little input with the music selection -- which is a good thing since I'm a jazz musician at my core. I have occasionally made lyric suggestions that have been incorporated in the show, but generally speaking, most of the humor comes from our crack team of writers.

Spotlight: Do you feel a bit left out of the "action" and humor, literally being on the sidelines at your piano?

Kane: Nope. I have my hands full at the keyboard as most of the time I'm emulating a band, trying to remember each performer's key and following the idiosyncratic tendencies of each performer. I'm content to leave jokes to the professionals.

Spotlight: How did you get this gig?

Kane: I had myself recently carbon-dated and concluded that I have been with the Steps for 18 years or so. I was foolishly recommended by one of our other pianists, who should have known better, Lenny Williams. The rest is history.

Spotlight: Besides Steps, what else would we read on your resume? 

Kane: I trained as a classical performer/composer and as a jazz saxophonist though I know better than to play saxophone now. I've worked in a wide variety of situations from symphony orchestras to Greek wedding bands, and I even recorded a Zydeco album years ago. I love all music and have been fortunate to play a little bit of just about everything.

Spotlight: Do you ever get so caught up in the audience's laughter that you laugh miss a beat?

Kane: Humor tends to lose its impact with repetition, so while I will know the upcoming punchlines, I find it useful to identify with the audience's enjoyment and that makes it more fun for me. It's like seeing a funny movie with a friend that you've already seen before -- you feed off of their reactions.

Spotlight: Do you think you would ever want to be one of the comedians/singers?

Kane: No way! Sometimes I imagine I could up there and be funny but, truth be told, the thought terrifies me. In very rare instances there will be a mismatch between our show and an audience where they're not enjoying the humor as much as they could be. It is at those times I'm happy to be cowering behind the relative safety of my piano.

Spotlight: Are there any onstage or backstage anecdotes you would like to talk about?

Kane: Sharing life on the road with a bunch of comedians for 18 years has surely generated an impressive pile of anecdotes over the years. It would be difficult to single out one or two. Rather than leave you empty-handed, I will relate one of my worst moments on stage. During a show many years ago, during intermission, our leader needed to substitute a different song than had been listed. He asked my if I remembered the song "Women's Room Line," a song we used to do all the time but hadn't done in a while. I said, "I don't think I remember it well enough" as the song had some complexities which eluded my recall at that moment. Unfortunately, the backstage environment was noisy at that moment and he thought I said, "I remember it well enough." This led to an uncomfortable moment when the singer, one of our pluckier performers, came out and started singing "Women's Room Line" to my utter shock and horror. Since she had already started singing I was forced to try and play the song which at that point, I remembered approximately 10% of. This led to a bizarre rendition where I played the wrong chord, she tried to adjust to my chord which led to me playing even worse chords, and so on. Somehow, we got to the end of the song and the audience dutifully applauded despite the fact that from their perspective, they had just listened to the equivalent of an Arnold Schoenberg atonal song with oddly satirical lyrics. After the show, our leader said, "We shall never speak of this again." I'm hoping that with the passage of the years, finally the truth can be told without me losing my job. This is certainly a much more palatable anecdote than the time when I got sick onstage in full view of the audience at the Chicago Field Museum. I will not speak of this again.

DC Humor in Lenox

Interview with Bari Biern of Capitol Steps

Capitol Steps, Cranwell Inn, Lenox, MA

through September 2, 2014

Bari Biern

Bari Biern has been "stepping" since 1993 and has appeared in several Capitol Steps off-Broadway runs. She currently reviews plays and videos for Metro Connection on WAMU-FM. She is also a playwright/lyricist.

Spotlight: Are you essentially an actor, singer, comic, or pretty much all three?

In this group, you have to be all three, as well as a quick-change artist!

Spotlight: How politically savvy were you prior to Capitol Steps? Now?

My dad was a party precinct chairman when I was little, so I used to go with him when he distributed literature around the neighborhood during the campaign season. I guess I could claim that I was politically savvy at age seven but, truth be told, I really went along because he bought me Pez at the drugstore when we were finished. Today, being politically savvy is an ongoing part of my job. After all, that's where we get all our material.

Spotlight: What are your favorite roles? Do you enjoy performing as the opposite sex or a different ethnicity?

Wow, there are so many! I guess, if I had to pick just a few, I'd include Monica Lewinsky, Hillary, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and, of course, Dick Cheney's heart.

As for playing the opposite sex, I think I do a killer Jim Lehrer. Morgan Duncan, who plays President Obama in the current Cranwell cast, was a mighty foxy Condoleezza Rice!

Spotlight: How fun is it to work as a team?  Do you ad lib or ever surprise each other onstage?

I see us more as a big happy dysfunctional family. Do we ad lib? Yes, although generally, not intentionally. It usually happens when someone's fake mustache falls off.

Spotlight: Please describe the rehearsal process. Do you learn the new lyrics and sing the songs with the pianist first or later on?

We usually try out new numbers at our home performance space in DC, the Ronald Reagan Center. Generally, we'll have a few days to learn the lyrics before the show. Since we cover familiar songs with parody lyrics, we often already know the tune, which is a great time-saver. Then, we put the number on its feet at sound check, around 90-minutes before the performance. We sing it through a few times with the pianist to determine the best key and tempo. Then we try it out on mic and add choreography if we don't think it will make our heads explode.

Spotlight: How easy/difficult is it to add new scripts constantly and become new characters?

There's no fancy-schmancy acting "method " that quite covers but we do. Often, we need to work hot button issues into the show very quickly, sometimes even the same day! So, we have to be able to think and work fast. It's sort of like developing a special creative muscle -- the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

Spotlight: Have any of the politician/celebrities you have played ever seen you perform?

Yes, indeed, from presidents to pundits to politicians from the top of the heap to the bottom of the barrel.

Spotlight:  Is there any anecdote you would like to tell us?

There was a number in our show called “Pack the Knife," about a nun trying to get through a security line at the airport as a TSA agent is frisking, manhandling, and harassing her. Meanwhile, everyone else is being waved through. A Viking with an axe, Darth Vader and other menacing characters all breeze past the checkpoint. The frustrated nun disappears and returns with a suitcase that says, “Acme A-Bomb” on it and no one stops her, of course.

But try getting through a real checkpoint with that prop was the real problem. Once, on our way back to Washington from Charleston, SC, a security screener discovered the Acme “suitcase,” which is actually just a flat cardboard sign cut and painted to look like a suitcase. Instantly, we were whisked out of line to a private holding area. A state trooper watched our every move. No one was permitted to budge, not even for a bathroom break. Twenty minutes later, the FBI arrived. Fortunately, one of the agents was a Capitol Steps fan. Moments later, the agent released us with a wink, a smile — and an autographed CD for his daughter.

Capitol Steps

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA

www.cranwell.com

through September 1, 2013

by Shera Cohen

Each year’s cast of characters is essentially the same: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Queen Elizabeth, et al. Most of the music is the same: Broadway, 50’s, TV tunes, and a lot of Disney. These constants let the audience know that no matter what the year on the calendar is, Capitol Steps is always there to lampoon.

What changes, not only from year to year but often from month to month, are the skits. New in 2013 is the Paula Deen controversy, Al Gore’s financial deals, Eric Snowden, Twinkies, and Kate Middleton about to give birth. By the time this review is posted tomorrow, that sketch might already be passé.

Their slogan is, “Who put the MOCK in democracy?” Catch the show.

Capitol Steps

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA

http://www.capsteps.com/live/cranwell2013.html

July 5, 2012 - September 1, 2013

Capitol Steps, once again, thankfully steps onto the stage at Cranwell. You don't have to go to D.C. to see the real politicians, just travel to Lenox to laugh at their clones in action. The Capitol Steps' members pan current news in a Jon Stewart-like manner yet to song and dance. The costumes and props are pathetically and purposely cheesy in the numerous and fast skits. Each year, the script changes just as the news changes, oftentimes daily.

CS performs six days a week. Check their website or call 413-881-1636 for details.

Capitol Steps

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Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA

www.cranwell.com

through September 2, 2102

by Shera Cohen

The following are just some of the very important reasons why audiences should participate in the laughs at Capitol Steps.

Cranwell Resort in Lenox is the locale; lush site, free parking, and air conditioned.

Another Capitol Steps? How often can a person see it? The answer is once a year, at least. After all, the news changes constantly, and Capitol Steps keeps up.

Pianist is the forgotten guy at the piano in the corner; he’s a great musician playing from rock ‘n roll, to country, to jazz, keeping the show fast and fun.

I have seen Capitol Steps about 8 times, and have no doubt that I will enjoy it at least 8 more times in the future.

Thirty years ago is when Capitol Steps began their long and continuing run of spreading mirth throughout the land.

Original material is written constantly to keep up to date with the news of the day, needless to say.

Laughs, and many more laughs are assured; although having read a newspaper or watched MSNBC in the last 12 months might help.

Songs are familiar, but with specially written lyrics to fit the segments; they are a hoot.

Tale told backwards in with consonants are juxtaposed in phrases (trust me, you have to hear it) are hilarious; i.e. “pea tardy” is “tea party.” This is the funniest segment of the performance.

Election year brings out the best and funniest performances; no one can ignore Obama, Romney, et al.

Politics, professionals, and just about everyone else whose names you have heard of are equally, yet humorously bashed in song.

September 2nd is the final date to see this hilarious show.

Capitol Steps 2011

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA
www.capsteps.com
through September 3, 2011
by Shera Cohen

It should be no surprise that In the Spotlight’s reviews of Capitol Steps tend to be repetitive. Year after year, it’s the same show, format, music, and usually the same ensemble. But, this is a good thing, a very good thing. Take a solid production template and tweak it with new material and Capitol Steps can be enjoyed again and again.

Past Spotlight reviews (written by this critic) included adjectives and accolades like: satirical, humorous, irreverent, lively, hilarious, energetic, and a treat. The quintet of comedians/singers (3 men, 2 women) and one pianist give a 90-minute, non-stop, laugh-a-thon on news headlines, primarily focusing on happenings in DC (thus, Capitol Steps). No one is safe from salacious lyrics set to familiar Broadway and pop music tunes. Donned in cheesy costumes and wigs, the actors do their best to look like Obama, Hillary, Bill, Joe, and Sarah. Immediately and “magically” they transpose into Quadafi, Charlie Sheen, Donald Trump, various Cabinet members, and all of the current Republican Party candidates. Yes, all…the actors take dual roles.

The topics are predictable in dozens of mini-scripts: the national debt, the Tea Party, airport pat downs, tree huggers, and homeland security. The troupe laughs at the audience and vice versa. There are just too many songs to remember, but “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Korea” (think “Sound of Music”) is an example. Every show ends with a hilariously long monologue by one of the quintet. He essentially speaks backwards, juxtaposing letters, in fast motion. With twisted malaprops (isn’t that redundant?), it takes a keen ear to catch every joke. Yet, when it seems nearly impossible to understand this speedy repartee, it’s ultimately clear and very, very funny.

Things are simple at a CS show: the set is a backdrop of the logo, the stage is an elevated platform, the room is a large windowless basement, the seats provide poor sight lines, but on a 90 degree day it’s pleasantly air-conditioned. Forgive and forget the amenities of which there are next to none. Just as the news changes daily, Capitol Steps is the show to see repeatedly.

Capitol Steps 2010

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA
www.capsteps.com
through September 5, 2010
by Shera Cohen

The 2009 flyer for Capitol Steps quotes accolades from numerous sources, one being, "Some people in Washington are confused…the Capitol Steps are not." That was stated by former Vice President Al Gore. Little did Al know that he would be the brunt of the somewhat risqué humor by CS exactly one year later. But he isn't alone, as numerous senators and Tiger Woods get theirs - jibes, laughs, and teases to the tunes of recognizable popular songs. For instance, "Eye of the Tiger" becomes "Fly of the Tiger."

CS is irreverent, humorous, fast, satirical, and up-to-date. No one is safe from being made fun of. Needless to say, whoever lives at the White House becomes a pawn. Past residents as well: Bill and Hillary, George W. The major factor that makes CS a success is the continuously changing scripts. CS in 2009 is not the same as 2010. The show in April was probably be very different from July's production.

Three men, two women, and one pianist are CS. Their costumes are cheesy, the wigs are worse, choreography is pathetic, and the basement theatre location is uninviting. None of that matters. Actually, all of it matters, because the worse the accoutrements, the better the show and the bigger the laughs. Surprisingly, the players' voices are top notch. None will take the Metropolitan Opera stage, but they sing a mean "Evita" parody.

In addition to the usual subjects personalities mentioned earlier are VP Joe Biden, Senator Scott Brown, Nancy Pelosi, Sarah Palin, leaders of numerous countries (Korea was especially memorable), and an unintelligible Bob Dylan. CS also takes pot shots at news of the day: border crossing, airport regulations, the oil disaster, and the U.S. census.

Every show ends with a hilarious long monologue by one of the quintet. He essentially speaks backwards, juxtaposing letters, in fast motion. It takes a good ear to catch every joke, but getting only half puts any audience member in proverbial stitches.

Capitol Steps

Cranwell Resort, Lenox, MA
www.capsteps.com
through September 6, 2009
by Shera Cohen

Lightning, thunder, near-hail size rain, and a dark sky at 6:30pm in July were reasons not to venture out for any cultural activity. However, the show was Capitol Steps, and even though this reviewer has seen CS a half dozen times in the past, every show is new. Get the raincoat and run from the car to the vestibule of Cranwell.

A quintet of comedians/actors (2 women, 3 men), plus one pianist are the members. While material, both in stories and songs differ from week to week, the show's format is constant. The purpose: lambaste politics, celebrities, and current events to the tunes of familiar music with clever and oftentimes uproarious lyrics, while wearing incredibly awful costumes. Each of the five play numerous roles as one skit immediately follows the next, giving the audience little time to breathe between laughs.

No one is off limits to receive a jab. Of course, those in government receive the brunt of the satirical lyrics; i.e. Obama, the Clintons, Biden, Pelosi, McCain, and even George W. The latter never knew that the White House had a library. An example of the to-the-minute CS's script was the rifle-packin' ex-governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin.

Starting with three songs to the tunes of "Mama Mia," the troupe's other background music included Broadway and 50s/60s sounds. Octomom was picked on for "littering," Susan Boyle had not yet discovered make-up, Korea's leader needed a haircut, and auto company execs bemoaned their decreased bonuses. The greening of America was set to song, as was the topic of prescription drug commercials.

A constant treat in each show is the backwards, twisted malaprops of contemporary politics. The first letter of a word is juxtaposed with that of the next word. Just when it seems impossible to understand this very fast repartee, it's all clear and very, very funny.

One word of advice is to arrive early for two reasons: pick your seat in the least cramped aisle, and CS is often a sell-out.

Capitol Steps

Capitol Steps
Cranwell Resort, Lenox
through August 31
By Shera Cohen

The presidential campaign is perfect timing to see Capitol Steps – a parody on the news of today for the sheer purpose of laughs. Each summer, Cranwell hosts these zanies as they take the headlines and rewrite them into new lyrics to familiar songs.

A quintet of exceptionally talented comedians/actors/singers takes the small stage.

The emphasis is on comedians, however it must be noted that each is a skilled vocalist as well. Humor is the key to getting to the audience’s non-stop laughter. The troupe is lively, energetic, not subtle, and work up a visible sweat. Pianist Marc Irwin is a whiz at the keys, as he musically holds the program together.

Combine “Saturday Night Live” with “Mad TV” and “South Park” (yes, it is a bit adult-rated) and there you have Capitol Steps. Add on the ugliest and cheapest costumes, wigs, and a mustache made of duct tape; props that look stolen from an elementary school playground; and the show gets better and better with each vignette.

No celebrity or political figure is sacred: Obama, McCain, Hillary and Bill, Gore, Huckabee, et al. No subject is taboo with the funniest being the mangled lyrics of “What Kind of Fuel Am I,” the Chinese president’s take on the Olympics, and the ozone problem sung in-the-round. Of course, GW was the brunt of many skits, including one spoken backwards.

For those who have seen Capitol Steps and think there is no reason to go again, there is. As the news constantly changes so do the segments, music, and lyrics of this show. If you’ve seen it once there’s plenty of reason to return.