Clinton The Musical
A satirical musical set in the '90s about the presidency of William Clinton and the various scandals and characters surrounding it.
... Read moreIt's 1992. Scrunchies are in and mullets are out. 'Baywatch' is a hit and Time Magazine's Man of the Year is Bill Clinton. He's optimistic, charismatic, and he's bringing "saxy" back. 'Clinton the Musical' is a satirical look at the 42nd President who upholds the ideals of Lady Liberty while simultaneously charming the pantsuit off her. With Hillary by his side, he's bringing new life to the party.
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- 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Already closed
- New World Stages / Stage 4 (Midtown W)
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Reviews (30)
16 Critics' Reviews
Smartly silly, hilariously impudent and sneakily compassionate, it is nearly guaranteed to leave you humming a bouncy, exuberant tune...'Clinton the Musical' isn’t the sort of show that the real-life subjects are likely to find entertaining, but for the rest of us, it’s 95 minutes of healthy catharsis." Full Review
"This uproarious musical romp deals with Mr. Clinton's duplicitous nature...'Clinton' was part of last year's New York Musical Theatre Festival, where it was hands-down the funniest show in the pack. It has been shaved down to an intermissionless 95 minutes. While many of the changes are smart , others are unfortunate...Director Dan Knechtges compensates for what has been lost by delivering a fast-paced production full of design surprises." Full Review
"Gently spoofing the foibles of the first couple while admiring their politics, the lively and fun 95-minute show is well timed. A tasty bit of junk food, Dan Knechtges' madcap mounting captures the same comical spirit as a 'Saturday Night Live' sketch...While the music is generally serviceable, the lyrics are frequently clever and the songs fulfill their purpose to give the talented players chances to give bust-out performances." Full Review
"Kenneth Starr steals the show as the Count Chocula of independent counsels. It’s a pity he isn’t the center of this broad, profanity-laden satire...Most of the humor is painfully dumb and crass." Full Review
"Every once in a while a reviewer feels the need to be kind. 'Clinton The Musical' has generated that feeling in me. So just let me be kind and say that the tuner at New World Stages is perfectly awful... Whatever they were thinking when they jerry-rigged this entertainment(?), they were a long distance from anything genuine." Full Review
"With a tale that the audience already knows what comes next isn’t quite the surprise. It’s how Hodges and director Dan Knechtges reveal it. And that’s what makes 'Clinton the Musical' a blast to watch. By establishing the saga as a typical piece of musical theater, equipped with a hero with a dream, a villain with an evil scheme, a volatile love plot line, and an assortment of zany characters, how reality fits into the musical themes is where the comedy shines." Full Review
"The 95-minute musical doesn’t offer much in the way of a fresh or incisive take on the Clinton White House years. Though it’s bolstered by some first-rate performers, 'Clinton the Musical' feels as if it has arrived from some far-off land where news of the Clintons has only recently been received. The Hodges were beaten to most of their punches eons ago by the likes of 'Saturday Night Live' and other comedy groups." Full Review
"Paul Hodge and Michael Hodge have kept their fiercely funny and taut grip on William Jefferson Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton. It also remains a spirited romp. This farcical assessment of their tumultuous eight years in the White House contains everything you really need to know about their serious intentions as well as their incredulous shenanigans." Full Review
"Just in time for Hillary’s announcement of a Presidential bid comes a smartly satirical reflection of the trials and tribulations of William Jefferson Clinton and his family that will leave audiences aghast and amused... 'Clinton The Musical' is everything great satire ought to be: clever, funny, well-acted, and above all, thoughtful. No matter what side of the aisle you favor, this is one wild party you won’t want to miss." Full Review
"Writers Paul Hodge and Michael Hodge leave no scandal or personage untouched in this cartoonish tuner that’s been directed and choreographed with hyperkinetic perkiness by Daniel Knechtiges. And though there’s a certain topicality to the proceedings, the show ultimately feels like a comedy sketch that has been stretched well beyond its breaking point." Full Review
"It’s certainly the right time for this scathingly funny show...There is plenty of material that will get laughs from Republicans, Democrats and people of all political parties. Audiences never know which side the show is on, but we know most of what we’re seeing is sophomoric and hysterical simultaneously...No matter which side you’re on, 'Clinton The Musical' will get your vote as one of the spring’s best spoofs of Washington politics." Full Review
"History never looked so hilarious...Sure to be a hit with '90s nostalgics, the humor will no doubt pull millennials in as well. It is a hysterical and toe-tapping romp through a recent time in history, and this reviewer feels the show is destined for Broadway." Full Review
"This brilliant comedy is filled with moments that made me and the entire audience laugh out loud and ask ourselves, 'Can they say that?' It captures so much that we love about musical comedy. Despite it’s minor flaws of production here and there, it is a divine vehicle for amazing performances and some of the best musical comedy New York has seen in quite some time." Full Review
"'Clinton The Musical' is a deliciously ribald take on the Clinton-Lewinsky (oral) sex scandal...The brisk, 92-minute, one-act musical offers a flamboyant take on the tabloid-ready Clinton-Lewinsky ’90s sex scandal." Full Review
"This satirical, musical take on Bill Clinton’s presidency from 1993 to 2001 hits American politics right on its semi-bulbous nose. Backed by a stellar cast of singing reporters, dancing Senate cardboard cutouts and a special appearance by that unforgettable blue dress, 'Clinton the Musical' is a wildly fun reminder that politics are an absurd battle of wills." Full Review
"'Good evening,' says the former first lady. 'I’d like to tell you the story of my first presidency.' The line might sound like a lukewarm zinger but it sets the tone for sharper jabs that will be flung...This production reopens a closet of skeletons the Clintons would like for America to forget: These scandals unfold through a score of tongue-in-cheek ditties worthy of 'Avenue Q.'" Full Review
14 Members' Reviews
See it if you enjoy political satire. Even if you're pro or con -Clinton you'll enjoy this show. It has a surprise heart and insight.
Don't see it if political subjects or lampooning Washington isn't for you. This is political hypocrisy on parade.
See it if You like political humor that brings out the hysterical side of the Clintons
Don't see it if You want to see a serious show
See it if You find the story ofbill and monica amusing. Good acting by all actors
Don't see it if You are a woman lib type
See it if You enjoy political satire, you like the Clintons, you don't like the Clintons, you appreciate great music, you're heartily sick of politics
Don't see it if You are the enemy of fun, or want a serious take on the Clinton presidency
See it if you're a true political junkie - this is the perfect year to take a second look at the Clintons
Don't see it if you're Donald Trump
See it if you enjoy political humor; you remember the Clinton presidency; actors did as well as they could with the material
Don't see it if you are looking for thought provoking theater
See it if It was light, fluffy fun. The songs were catchy and I liked the cast. Was it great? Not by a long shot but easy way to pass the time.
Don't see it if You don't want to relive the Clinton years. Don't like BJ jokes or semen stained dresses.
See it if Funny, clever, entertaining. Surprisingly good!
Don't see it if you're a republican.
See it if You like political satires & interested in the Clintons story. Fav moment: Lewinsky sings "I'm f**king the f**king President" #CatchySong
Don't see it if You don't like over-the-top campy shows or are too young to remember Bill's run as president.
See it if you're looking for something silly, you're nostalgic for the 90's & you happen to like political humor.
Don't see it if you're looking for a decent story (the plot is really silly & slapped together) or if you have an aversion to some raunchy, irreverent humor
See it if Too topical to have closed so early! Kevin Zak as Kenneth Starr kills it! Sums up Monica Lewinsky with torch songs. How perfect is that?
Don't see it if if you're Gloria Steinem or Madeline Albright. As much as I loved the Clintons, they are not exempt from a wicked satire. Not after 8 years.
See it if you remember the Clinton administration and just want to see a lighthearted, but hilarious trip through the 90's.
Don't see it if you're going to pick apart the details. I think you should see it no matter what your political affiliation.
See it if You aren't easily offended
Don't see it if If you are easily offended
See it if You want some politically accurate comedy
Don't see it if You are wanted some family time together with the kids.