Barack Obama Musical '44' Comes to DC for Limited Run

Tickets still available for 25-show engagement at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Klein Theatre.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shimmering, glittering sequin fabric illuminated by dramatic studio lighting, capturing the glamour and energy of a Broadway musical production.The vibrant, high-energy production of "44: The Musical" brings a sense of political nostalgia and communal celebration to Washington, D.C.Washington Today

A critically acclaimed musical about former President Barack Obama, titled "44: The Musical," is coming to Washington, D.C. for a limited 25-show run at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Klein Theatre. The musical, which features original songs capturing key moments of Obama's presidency, is told through the "hazy recollection" of former Vice President Joe Biden.

Why it matters

The musical's arrival in D.C. provides an opportunity for political nostalgia and levity, as the show's writer and director notes that "with all the heaviness going on in our country, '44' is here to provide a fun night out" for audiences.

The details

"44: The Musical" features 24 original songs spanning a range of genres including R&B, gospel, and pop, with a live-band driven score. The musical's characters include not only Obama and Biden, but also Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama, Mitch McConnell, and Ted Cruz. The show's runtime is two hours and 15 minutes.

  • The musical begins its limited run at the Shakespeare Theatre on April 18, 2026.
  • The final two shows will be held on May 10, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, whose presidency is the focus of the musical.

Joe Biden

The former Vice President under Obama, whose "hazy recollection" of the Obama presidency frames the narrative of the musical.

Eli Baum

The writer and director of "44: The Musical," who is a former Obama campaign staffer.

Shakespeare Theatre Company

The theater company hosting the limited run of "44: The Musical" at its Klein Theatre in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“The people of D.C. deserve an infusion of joy right now. With all the heaviness going on in our country, '44' is here to provide a fun night out — where a room full of strangers can laugh and reminisce about a time when the country felt full of hope, and when the biggest presidential scandal was wearing a tan suit.”

— Eli Baum, Writer and Director of "44: The Musical"

What’s next

Tickets for the 25-show run of "44: The Musical" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Klein Theatre in Washington, D.C. are currently available for purchase on the theater's website.

The takeaway

The arrival of the "44: The Musical" in the nation's capital provides an opportunity for audiences to engage in political nostalgia and find levity in the retelling of the Obama presidency, at a time when the country faces significant challenges.