The Odd Couple: Blago and Shakespeare

By Suzy Evans in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 12, 2009 7:30PM

We can’t seem to get enough of the delicious Blagojevich scandal, and now, Blago will take his place on a stage where great works like Hamlet and that Scottish play have gone before. That’s right - apparently we’re not only likening Blago to Jesus (see show title) but also to the bard as Second City’s smash hit Rod Blagojevich Superstar will take the stage with Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier March 26 to May 3.

Chicago Shakes and Second City worked together on Hamlet! the Musical in 2001 and Romeo and Juliet the Musical in 2004, but Blago is the first non-Shakespearean to sing and dance with Second City at the pier. What started as a joke at a holiday party has become an Illinois phenomenon.

In order to keep up with the never-ending political saga, the show will incorporate Blago’s brother, his $100,000 book deal and of course, Roland Burris’s son; all while singing to newly-added tunes! However, before making its graceful return to the Chicago stage, the musical will travel to Springfield to charm all those hard-working officials who graciously impeached our fair ex-governor. They deserve a laugh after what they’re been through!

And if you’re just plain sick of Blago, the cast will improvise a 20-minute political comedy set based on audience suggestions at the end of each performance. Sarah Palin anyone?

Performances run March 26 to May 3 Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Tickets are $25 ($20 for groups of 10 or more) and you can get them on the theater’s website or by calling the box office at 312-595-5600