Comedy relief is a necessity in the political world. Just look at how big shows like the Colbert Report and the Daily Show are. Now, humor for the politically active is coming to HSU in the form of the Capital Steps.
Capital Steps, a comedy troupe, consists of many former congressional staff. They are bringing their brand of political humor to the Van Duzer Theatre this Friday. They perform skits based on the current political climate in the country including Off-Broadway musical numbers and spoken-word comedy. Each of their performances has five performers and one pianist. In one skit, two of the comedians impersonate President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and perform “Ebony and Ovaries” to the tune of “Ebony and Ivory.”
“I really like the impressions,” said Miguel Henderson, an HSU student and fan. “Some are really exaggerated.”
During their performances, they sing and dance to familiar tunes including a version of “Mamma Mia” called “Obama Mia.” In one act they dress up as Supreme Court justices and perform “Staying Alive.” The troupe always updates the satire and adds new skits. Writer Mark Eaton said, “Cast members always have to keep on their toes.”
The Capital Steps started in 1981 during a Christmas party. When they could not perform a nativity skit, they decided to make fun of their boss. Since then, the troupe has grown into 25 cast members in all. All together, the cast has held a variety of positions on Capitol Hill, such as legislative assistants, staff directors, lobbyists and press secretaries. It is also a pretty even political view.
“We’re a little like America,” said Eaton. “Half liberal, half Democrat and some in between.”
Another type of skit they have is the Lirty Dies. These are spoken words and commentaries on scandals past and present done in an original way. It is called a “spoonerism” when they switch around the letters in the beginnings of the words to add a comedic spin such as, “One day, J.O. dehaved bastardly.”
“He and his bright Wonco were cased by the chops all over the A.L. weefrays” and “Haris Pilton is fitch and ramous for being...Haris Pilton, who’s fitch and ramous. Heiress is a Paris.”
Eaton said that the goal of the Lirty Dies is to make it sound as dirty as possible without being dirty. “That’s why sex scandals are always great.”
The Capitol Steps are always on tour across the country and radio stations feature their skits when they travel. Here, it can be heard on KHSU.
Bill Hurd, a press secretary for the Capitol Steps, said, “It’s really for the politically minded and the politically active.” Audiences who lean in any political direction can enjoy it as well. “It’s as applicable in D.C. as it is in Arcata,” he said.
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