Gershwin's Political Satires: A Timeless Laugh

Ever wondered what happens when politics and musicals collide? Well, it turns out you get a timeless dose of laughter, and that's exactly what's happening at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall this weekend. The Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Odyssey Opera are treating us to a one-night-only performance of two Gershwin musicals, "Of Thee I Sing" and its sequel "Let 'Em Eat Cake." These shows, written in the 1930s, are full of political satire that's as relevant today as it was back then. Gil Rose, the artistic director and conductor of BMOP and Odyssey Opera, found it amazing that these musicals still resonate so strongly with modern audiences. He didn't feel the need to change any of the lines from the 90-plus-year-old books to make them feel more current. The similarities between then and now are just too obvious to miss. In "Of Thee I Sing," a presidential candidate tries to win votes with catchy slogans and flashy events. After losing reelection, he's determined to stage a coup and paint the White House blue! The show follows the political adventures of John P. Wintergreen, who runs for president on a "love" platform with vice president Alexander Throttlebottom. It's a hilarious tale where the jabs at exaggerated political personalities feel fresh and relatable.

Baritone Aaron Engebreth, who sings the role of Wintergreen, believes these musicals give us what we often crave: the chance to laugh at the absurdity of politics. Back in the 1930s, it was easier to pull this off, as musical comedies weren't competing with the constant political analysis we have today. "Of Thee I Sing" was a hit in its time, running for 441 performances and even winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1932. Only nine more musicals have won since then. Its sequel, "Let 'Em Eat Cake," didn't see the same success and has become quite rare. Rose attributes this to the fact that it was too dark a comedy for audiences, especially with the political climate in Europe at the time. These political satires might not include the most famous Gershwin songs, but the music is still a treat for the orchestra. The original Broadway orchestrations are a delight to hear, and it's not your typical symphony orchestra sound. The performances promise to be energetic, with little room for downtime. Both Engebreth and Rose hope the musicals offer a refreshing break from our constant exposure to election news. Laughing at our political foibles can help open our minds to different solutions. Preparing both musicals for one night has been challenging, as cutting the score while keeping the humor intact was tricky. But Rose is optimistic that the total runtime of slightly over two hours will be filled with laughter. So, if you're feeling election fatigue, why not step back and enjoy a night of timeless political satire? It might be just the fresh perspective we need.

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