April 8, 2003

Capitol Steps make a mockery of democracy

The weapons deployed in this “attack” on Washington include song, dance and satire as the “Capitol Steps” bring their latest comedy-musical revue to California State University, Sacramento’s University Union Ballroom at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 1.

The five-member troupe, made up of former and current Congressional staffers, takes a humorous look at serious issues. Founded in 1981 at a Senate Christmas party, the Capitol Steps have appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including “Good Morning America,” “20/20,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.”

Their parodies targets the hypocrisy, pomposity, ineptitude and impropriety that permeate politics and current affairs. There is no lack of material, as evidenced by the troupe’s more than 20 albums.

The objects of their stinging song and dance assaults come from both the left and the right of the political spectrum, and everywhere in between. There are numbers on Bill Clinton (“Unzippin’ My Doo-Dah,” sung to Disney’s “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”), George Bush (“Don’t Go Fakin’ You’re Smart,” sung to Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart), Osama bin Laden (“Osama Come Out Tomorrow,” sung to “Tomorrow” from the Broadway musical Annie), and many others.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. Tickets are available at the CSUS Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323 and at www.tickets.com. For more information, call (916) 278-6997. For media assistance, contact CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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