CENTERblog

"As promised, Capitol Steps, 'put the mock' into democracy..."
by Terra Laughton - West High School

In almost three decades, Capitol Steps has remained as energetic and witty as when it began. If only we could all say the same for ourselves.

The Capitol Steps production in the Atwood Concert Hall on the evening of January 23rd, 2009 was political satire at its best: fast-paced, varied, and impressively current. In the program, a disclaimer explained that their show is constantly changing based on the scandal of the day. No one in the audience Friday night would doubt that fact.

On a basically bare stage, five performers played dozens of characters ranging from Vladimir Putin to Hillary Clinton to George W. Bush. The cast didn’t limit themselves to domestic and international politicians, however. They happily depicted a middle aged secretary addicted to her Facebook, airline stewardesses desperately trying to make a salary by begging for tips, campaigners infatuated with Barack, and Americans that will drive their 5mpg SUV because they can, darn it!

The show remained engaging throughout, partly because the songs that carried the show were intermixed with short stand-up bits and even some occasional pantomime. The cast’s creative use of props, portable scenery and costume changes provided an eyeful while our ears frantically attempted to make sense of the hilarious lyrics fired offstage.

The fact that the cast has actually worked on Capitol Hill, in the offices of eleven US Senators and seven members of the House, makes their talent all the more inspiring. One singer’s beautifully strong voice stood out. She was the performer whose characters included Kim Jong Il and a woman obsessed with prescription drugs.

Since the numbers were self-contained skits, the performers were able to, at times, communicate directly with the audience. They thanked our state for providing them with so much material for their show. This was after Sarah Palin, donned in a bullet belt, had explained to us, through song of course, that she would much prefer to shoot at a Target than to shop at one.

Every moment a cast member spent on stage was filled with some sort of spirited contribution to the scene or musical number. Although the performers’ choreography was slightly off from time to time, even their exits had flair. The piano accompanist onstage matched the casts’ energy ounce for ounce.

As promised, Capitol Steps, effectively “put the ‘mock’ in democracy” Friday, much to our side-stitched delight.

Capitol Steps
Anchorage Concert Association
Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7:30 P.M.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall