Chicago's Second City Touring Company blew into town at the Woolly Mammoth with Barack Stars (to 8/2), the latest iteration of its political send-up of their favorite son first fleshed out in Between Barack and a Hard Place. Like the previous version, Mr. Obama ("I am Barack") is always inspiring but difficult to pin down.  Played by Sam Richardson, who has the clipped cadences and magisterial presence down, the comedy revue delivers its varied, at times disjointed message, through a series of sketches and songs, with a dash of improvisation. Under the even-handed and brisk direction of Marc Warzecha, the show situates us immediately with the players of Chicago-style politics: there's a member of the cast blessing himself at the mention of six-time elected Mayor Daley, a nod to the corrupt governors (and other elected officials), and always a laugh at Rod.  Could they all be hoping to extend their run until the 2016 summer Olympics, the equivalent of a modern-day Gold Rush?  

The title is a bit of a misnomer since the show features our forty-fourth president in only a handful of episodes, veering mainly to lesser lights surrounding him - friend and foe alike - from whose dull luster Mr. Obama couldn't help but shine, along with topical issues of the day.  In fact with the loosing of political enforcer Rahm Emanuel, played with ferret-like ferocity by Seth Weitberg, the show suggests that it's important to maintain the status quo.  Mr. Emanuel, introduced with a SNL-like overdubbing and 4-fingered posturing, comes in for the roughest treatment of the night; mainly it's good fun as the usual suspects are marched out: from the loquacious Vice President Biden (Tim Sniffen) and thousand-yard-stare Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to the clothes conscious Sarah Palin and cigar chomping, pill popping talk show host Rush Limbaugh who does a nice bump and grind with Ann Coulter. 

A number of amusing vignettes unfold: a chain gang singing of "Crises" which Mr. Obama inherited, a demythologizing and outing of Lincoln, an improv search for solutions as trench coat wearing political operatives Lilly Allison and Brooke Bagnall discuss the ways of coming in from the cold, and a full cast breakout of "Dirty Dancing" - Middle East Meets Midwest - with purdah-clad female leads. Teacher Abby McEnany explains it all to students exploring subconscious racism in one sequence and hidden fears in another as the bogeyman of public opinion gets ready to give them the hook: many are called but only One Is Chosen. Also look for the talented Mr. Weitberg, playing a Southern politician (Trent Lott?), to offend a new minority with every PR apologia - with sound bites and muggings for the camera - in a continuing series of fence mendings turned sour.      

The set designed by Sean Joseph Urbantke was standard comedy club fare with a brick wall backdrop, though centrally enhanced by a faux White House portico.  Jesse Case, the musical director, accompanied the send-ups and occasional guitar strumming.         

The show has the feel of a musical waiting to jell.  Some of the skits don't quite hang together and need to be cut or rearranged; and if the revue format doesn't lend itself to a theme, it might better segue from one number to the next, building in intensity.  And it's sometimes hard to tell from costuming when Mr. Richardson is part of the supporting cast and not the president. Still it's entertaining summer fare and a break from some of the heavy themes of late. Have your photo taken with Michelle (courtesy of Madame Tussaud's), grab a drink and head inside (beverages are now allowed in the house), and get ready for a fun evening.

Sound check: Moderate with some high sound levels at times

Program notes: Average

Applause meter: Recommended, 3+ hands

Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes with an intermission

Photo credit: Colin Hovde