Taking Jabs at World Politics
by Diane Alter
Today’s political landscape has made poking fun at politics “grate” again. Indeed, and the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series does its part with a comedic/musical performance from The Capital Steps at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 4 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
“The Capitol Steps are thrilled to bring their latest show, “The Lyin’ Kings,” back to Martha’s Vineyard for a third straight year,” said cast member Mark Eaton. “What better time to see the Capitol Steps than now, with the next Presidential election season approaching?”
The show will include the latest songs about the Democratic primary candidates (“76 Unknowns”) and the newest late-night thoughts from President Trump (“Tweet It”).
“No one knows what 2020 will bring, but whether it’s Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Beto O’Rourke, the Capitol Steps can tell you what rhymes with it,” Mark continued. “Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or somewhere in-between, if you’ve ever wanted to see Donald Trump sing a rock song, Bernie Sanders sing a show tune, and Vladimir Putin dance shirtless, this is the show for you!
The Capital Steps was created some three decades ago as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the people and places that employed them.
The group debuted in December 1981 when some staffers for Senator Charles Percy were planning entertainment for a Christmas party. Ronald Reagan was president when the Steps began. As such, Steps co-founders Elaina Newport, Bill Strauss and Jim Aidala surmised that if entertainers could become politicians, then politicians could become entertainers.
Their first idea was to stage a nativity play. But that idea was kiboshed when the group couldn’t find three wise men or a virgin in the whole of Congress.
So, it was on it Plan B.
The group then decided to peruse the daily headlines and created song parodies and skits which conveyed a selective brand of satirical humor that was as popular in Peoria as it was on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Today, not all current Steps members are former Capital Hill staffers. Yet most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill, some for Democrats, some for Republicans, and others for politicians who firmly straddle the fence.
And no matter who holds office, there’s never a shortage of material.
Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded over 35 albums. Their latest is titled “Make America Grin Again.”
Featured on every major television network, The Capital Steps are also heard twice a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their “Politics Takes A Holiday” radio special
While based in Washington, DC, most of The Steps shows are out-of-town or for out-of-town audiences.
The Capitol Steps’ upcoming performance of mostly new material and some old favorites “is cheaper than therapy.”
For additional details and ticket information visit www.mvconcertseries.com
