“HOW OBAMA GOT HIS GROOVE BACK”: WORLD PREMIERE COMEDY ON AUGUST 18 AT FREMONT CENTRE THEATRE

            Just in time for the Republican and Democratic national conventions, City in a Swamp Productions returns to the Fremont Centre Theatre this August with a new comedy, How Obama Got His Groove Back. The show, written by Nicholas Zill and Derek Jeremiah Reid, directed by Derek Reid and assistant directed by Caitlin Hart, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the current occupant of the White House and his main rival.

            It turns out that even Presidents get the blues, or—in Barack Obama’s case—the blahs. Fighting the Republicans is getting old, and while Barack finds running for president exciting, being president has gotten pretty tiresome. Remembering how he thrilled audiences when he sang at the Apollo Theater and at a White House blues concert, Barack decides to embark on a career as a soul singer and music educator, putting the country in Michelle’s capable hands.

            Meanwhile, Mitt Romney tries to spruce up his persona with improv classes in the hopes of becoming funnier and more relaxed with average folks. An unexpected White House encounter between Barack and Mitt leads to some unusual jousting, giving Barack second thoughts about his change-of-career plans.

            Derek Reid and Caitlin Hart direct a cast that includes (in alphabetical order) Natascha Corrigan, Courtney DeCosky, Brent Pope, Constance Reese, Derek Jeremiah Reid (as Obama), Chris Smith and Phillip Wilburn.

               The writers are Nicholas Zill and Derek Jeremiah Reid , who co-wrote Oh, Momma! And Obama, which played at the Fremont in 2011. Zill also wrote—with contributions from Reid – the book and lyrics for Rock ‘N’ Ridicule, which played at L.A.’s Acme Comedy Theater in 2010.

            Director Derek Reid started doing comedy in Austin, Texas at Esther’s Follies. He studied at The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade. He has recently been the director of Hashtag, a mainstage featured sketch team, and a regular writer and performer in Top Story! Weekly both at the iO West Theater in Hollywood. He is the founder and creative director of Dead Honkey, a comedy group that has performed at Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York sketch festivals.     

            Assistant Director Caitlin Hart is a graduate of Aquinas College and completed training at Atlantic Theatre Company’s Conservatory. She is Co-Artistic Director of A-Z Productions. Her directing credits include Down in the Face of God, Springtime, Mud, The Drowned World, Phenomenon of Decline, The Next Available Operator and much more.

              Graphic design: Mike Rimbaud. Lighting design: Carol Doehring. Sound design: Grady Hutt. Wigs/ Hair design/ Make-up: Judi Lewin. Set design/ Properties: Marie Miller. Costume design: Lois Tedrow.

            City in a Swamp Productions is based in Washington, DC and specializes in producing political satire and musical comedy. How Obama Got His Groove Back is the company’s third show in the LA area. Information on past productions is at www.cityinaswamp.com. 

            Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave. (at El Centro), South Pasadena, CA 91030. Ample free parking behind theatre. Opens Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 8 p.m., runs through Sunday, October 7. Regular show times: Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 3. ADMISSION: $30. Students $25. Except Gala Opening Night Saturday, August 18, when all seats will be $34.99 (includes reception).

RESERVATIONS: (866) 811-4111, toll-free.  ONLINE TICKETING: www.fremontcentretheatre.com