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The Capitol Steps starting performing in 1981 when they decided that if Ronald Reagan, a one-time Holllywood actor, could be president, then politicians could become entertainers.
BEAVER CREEK, Colorado — Working under the motto “we put the MOCK in democracy,” The Capitol Steps have made a career of side-splitting song parodies, skits and satirical humor, spoofing all things political. They return to the Vilar Center tonight with a special election-year presentation, after selling out the theatre the last several winter seasons.
The Capitol Steps were born in December 1981 when, inspired by incumbent president and one-time Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan, a group of Senate staffers determined that if entertainers could become politicians, then politicians could become entertainers. The Washington D.C.-based troupe has recorded 26 albums to date, including their latest, “Springtime for Liberals.” They’ve been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS. The Capitol Steps “provides a happy evening for those who yearn for the lighter side of the news and derive pleasure from seeing the mighty made ridiculous,” wrote The New York Times.
“They’re the best. There’s no one like them, no one in their league,” said CNN’s Larry King, while former President George H. W. Bush said, “The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life.”
Most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill — some for Democrats, some for Republicans, and others for politicians who firmly straddle the fence.
“Genuine political satire, especially of the non-partisan variety, is such a rare commodity these days,” wrote the New York Post. “Reason enough to welcome ... the Capitol Steps.”
Says group co-founder Elaina Newport of their unbiased ridicule, “typically, the Republicans goof up, and the Democrats party. Then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That’s what we call the two-party system.”
The versatile cast members draw on popular show tunes as they set their sights on, among other topics, Donald Rumsfeld, the ozone layer, FEMA, immigration, the far right and Nancy Pelosi. The troupe’s material is updated constantly, whether to include “A Leader Like Barak” (to the tune of “Leader of the Pack”), “Stand by Japan” (to the tune of “Stand by your Man”) or “If I Were a Rich Mensch” (to “If I Were a Rich Man”).
“Those who complain that politicians and government are good for nothing are wrong,” says The New York Times. “Capitol Steps makes clear that more often than not, they’re good for a laugh.”
Tickets to The Capitol Steps are $48 and are available through the box office at 845-TIXS(8497) or www.vilarpac.org.
“They’re the best. There’s no one like them, no one in their league,” said CNN’s Larry King, while former President George H. W. Bush said, “The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life.”
Most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill — some for Democrats, some for Republicans, and others for politicians who firmly straddle the fence.
“Genuine political satire, especially of the non-partisan variety, is such a rare commodity these days,” wrote the New York Post. “Reason enough to welcome ... the Capitol Steps.”
Says group co-founder Elaina Newport of their unbiased ridicule, “typically, the Republicans goof up, and the Democrats party. Then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That’s what we call the two-party system.”
The versatile cast members draw on popular show tunes as they set their sights on, among other topics, Donald Rumsfeld, the ozone layer, FEMA, immigration, the far right and Nancy Pelosi. The troupe’s material is updated constantly, whether to include “A Leader Like Barak” (to the tune of “Leader of the Pack”), “Stand by Japan” (to the tune of “Stand by your Man”) or “If I Were a Rich Mensch” (to “If I Were a Rich Man”).
“Those who complain that politicians and government are good for nothing are wrong,” says The New York Times. “Capitol Steps makes clear that more often than not, they’re good for a laugh.”
Tickets to The Capitol Steps are $48 and are available through the box office at 845-TIXS(8497) or www.vilarpac.org.
If you go ....
What: Capitol Steps, political comedy and parody troupe
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $48. More information: Call 845-TIXS or visit www.vilarpac.org. |
