Review: ROCK THE PRESIDENTS is a Rockin' Ride Through Presidential History

As our presidential election (thankfully) moves into its final days, the Orlando Repertory Theatre is currently serving up a delightful injection of fun and patriotism that might just do the trick to get your spirits up about exercising your civic duty. Directed by Jeffrey M. Revels, ROCK THE PRESIDENTS runs through November 13th, and no matter what the outcome next Tuesday, this silly, informative 55-minute musical will have you tapping your toes and thinking about the best that America has to offer.

On a cool, slick set by Brian Dudkiewicz, which looks reminiscent of that for an MTV "Rock the Vote" event, three super talented actors serve as presidential stewards traversing through time to "preserve, protect, and defend those who preserve, protect, and defend."

Whitney Abell, Adam Ignacio, and Fredy Ruiz lead this high-energy revue full of varying musical styles from hip-hop to rock to power ballads. The book and score, by Dwayne Hartford and Sarah Roberts, is a cooler cousin of the SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK tunes that many of us grew up on. While there probably aren't any songs in ROCK THE PRESIDENTS that are quite as catchy as "I'm Just a Bill" or "The Preamble," the infectious personalities of the three stars make this trip through history an exciting and entertaining one for audiences of all ages.

The show's 18 songs chronicle all 44 (or is it 43?) United States presidents, paying particular attention to George Washington, "John and Tom," "Calvin Coolidge," "Benjamin Harrison," Harry Truman, "Ronald Reagan," and more. However, rightfully so, the trio spends time singing about some of our lesser known presidents, our remarkable first ladies, and even some of the animals that have taken up residence in The White House.

While the cast's voices were a bit tired when I saw the show on Sunday evening, their beautiful harmonies routinely generated goosebumps, certainly thanks in no small part to Music Director Megan Tsurumaki, and there were more than a few moments when I found the show surprisingly emotional. Also, Spencer Morrow's choreography supplied an extra dose of fun to the proceedings.

Though ROCK THE PRESIDENTS won't make you forget other politically-themed musicals like "1776," ASSASSINS, and that new one called HAMILTON, with the use of fun videos and LED lights (Projection Design by Limitrope Films & Anthony Runfola. Additional Projection Design by Anthony Narciso. Lighting Design by Ryan Mueller), the musical is a wonderful way to introduce children to the joys of both musical theatre and our democratic process; it probably wouldn't hurt if a candidate or two took in the show on their numerous trips through the Sunshine State over the next week as well!

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What did you think of this rockin' ride through presidential history? Let me know on Twitter @BWWMatt. And, "Like" and follow BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below.

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Banner Credit: Adam Ignacio, Fredy Ruiz, and Whitney Abell. Photo Credit: Michael Cairns | Orlando Repertory Theatre

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