A critically acclaimed musical about Barack Obama is coming to Washington DC for the first time, with tickets still available for its limited run.

After making its world premiere in Los Angeles in 2024, “44: The Musical” had stops in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City.

Now it’s coming to DC for a 25-show run at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre just a few blocks away from Obama’s former home at the White House.

Here’s what to know about the musical and how you can get tickets.

What is ’44: The Musical’ about?

Told through the “hazy recollection” of Obama’s vice president, Joe Biden, the musical features original songs that capture key moments of Barack Obama’s presidency with satire, humor and a dose of political nostalgia.

“’44: The Musical’ is the story of Obama you won’t read about in history books… because history books are now banned in most states,” Shakespeare Theatre says on its website. “But also because ’44’ is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it.”

The musical features 24 songs through a wide range of genres, including R&B, gospel and pop, along with “a live-band driven score (that captures) the music, momentum and communal spirit that defined a generation.”

Characters in “44: The Musical” include Obama and Biden, Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama, Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz.

Runtime for the musical, written and directed by former Obama campaign staffer Eli Bauman, is two hours and 15 minutes.

When is ’44: The Musical’ coming to Washington DC?

“44: The Musical” begins its limited run at The Shakespeare Theatre on April 18.

There will be 25 shows, with the last two coming on May 10.

How can you get tickets to the Obama musical in DC?

You can purchase tickets for “44: The Musical” at ShakespeareTheatre.org.

As of April 10, all 25 shows had seating availability.

“The people of D.C. deserve an infusion of joy right now,” Bauman said in a press release. “With all the heaviness going on in our country, ’44’ is here to provide a fun night out — where a room full of strangers can laugh and reminisce about a time when the country felt full of hope, and when the biggest presidential scandal was wearing a tan suit.”

GOLD BAR, Wash. — Hikers, bicyclists and other park-goers can expect to see restrictions at state park trails and campgrounds as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reviews where it will reduce recreation access across the state.

The DNR explained the upcoming restrictions are because of state budget cuts combined with an ongoing lack of funding for maintenance and staff.

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Some park goers told KOMO News they are frustrated their tax dollars may not keep their favorite trails open.

Riding dirt bikes at Reiter Foothills State Forest is a family affair for the Millers.

“This is local, so it’s nice here. I love it here,” said Jacob Miller from Monroe.

“This is the first time I’ve gone riding somewhere that’s not my house,” Miller’s son Sterling added.

Excitement is building for more trips over the summer, but trails and campgrounds at state-managed areas are at risk of service disruptions and even closures amid a budget crisis.

“Keep the trails open. Let us play here. It really would suck if we don’t have that area anymore,” Miller’s wife Danielle stated.

The governor signed off on the final budget, which cuts $750,000 a year in funding to the DNR’s Recreation Program. It clears trails, cleans restrooms, and addresses ongoing public abuse of millions of acres of land.

The reduction comes in addition to millions of dollars in prior cuts made to the program’s operating budget for the 2025-2027 biennium.

A draft list of potential impacts includes late openings or closures to 13 campgrounds; seasonal bathroom closures at sites in the Snoqualmie area; and partial closures at the Reiter Foothills State Forest.

“I guess it just feels horrible, right? Because, we don’t have very many places to go,” Danielle stated.

These changes are expected even after the state boosted the price of the Discover Pass in October. That’s expected to generate $1.2 million for DNR, but a spokesperson says it’s not enough to cover a roughly $8 million gap.

Miller adds he’s confident avid trail-goers will find some sort of solution.

“The trails have been here before Washington state was involved,” Miller said. “They got involved and the trails are great now. But, there’s plenty of volunteers that are willing and able to [help]. I don’t think they need to be shutting down trails.”

DNR is identifying places that are the most expensive to manage and that would be easiest to close or reduce services. The agency expects to have an updated list of impacts in a few weeks.

Malik Hardy ’26
Major: Business administration
Minor: Africana studies
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

I attended trade school before coming to college, so my path to Washington and Lee University looked different from many students’. Before enrolling at W&L, I studied at the Apprentice School, where workers help build nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy. After spending a year in the shipyard, I realized I wanted to pursue something broader, not just for myself, but for the people around me. I was motivated by the opportunity to explore paths that hadn’t always felt accessible to me and to make the most of them. W&L offered me the chance to do exactly that while receiving an education that would help me grow both academically and personally.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L?

When I first arrived at Washington and Lee University, I planned to major in computer science, not business. But after taking a few classes in the business school, I realized they offered something I had always been looking for: the opportunity to work closely with people and solve real problems together. Through experiences in areas like budgeting and sales, I discovered how much I enjoy understanding people’s needs and finding ways to connect with them. I especially fell in love with sales because it combines strategy, communication and empathy in a powerful way.

Where is your “home” on campus?

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership has always felt like home to me. I naturally gravitated toward the people there because I’ve always cared about building community and supporting others. That space gave me the opportunity to do both, and it became a place where I truly felt connected and supported.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?

One of my most meaningful experiences has been helping reactivate a dormant fraternity chapter on campus (the Beta Beta Nu chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.) with a close friend, Alan Haigler ’26. I’ve served as vice president for the past two years and have watched the chapter grow to more than 20 members. Together, we’ve contributed over 500 service hours and raised thousands of dollars to support initiatives across Rockbridge County. Seeing something we rebuilt create real impact on campus and in the community has been incredibly rewarding.

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?

While I wouldn’t point to one formal mentor, Dean T (Dean for Student Engagement and Leadership Tammy Futrell) has been an incredible source of support for me during my time here. She has consistently encouraged me academically and personally, and we bonded early on through our shared background. She’s someone who genuinely cares about my success and well-being, and I’m grateful to have had that kind of support throughout my college experience

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class has been my philosophy course with President Dudley. The structure of the class is highly discussion-based, which makes it different from a traditional lecture course. We regularly engage with one another’s ideas, challenge perspectives and explore questions without clear right answers. It created a space where everyone could think deeply and learn from each other’s viewpoints

What are your hobbies/interests and how has W&L helped you pursue them?

I enjoy photography and working out. I spend several hours a day training, and photography has become a creative outlet where I’m always trying to improve my skills and learn new ways to capture meaningful moments.

Being at W&L has connected me with people from a wide range of backgrounds who have helped me grow both as a photographer and as an athlete. I’ve learned new techniques, gained feedback from others and found encouragement to keep developing both interests in ways I might not have explored otherwise.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?

Knowing that I will be a first-generation college graduate is my greatest accomplishment. It’s something that means a lot, not only to me but to my entire family. We’ve talked about this milestone for months, and seeing it become a reality has been incredibly meaningful. I hope the work I’m doing now helps shine a light for students like me who once weren’t sure whether college was even a real possibility.

Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L? Where did you go, and how was your experience?

I studied abroad in Paris, where I took a course on Black Writers and the Allure of Paris with the Hills (Provost Lena Hill and professor of Africana studies Michael Hill). Seeing Paris as a place where many found the freedom to develop their voices and their work, the trip gave me a deeper appreciation for their experiences and influence. I also had the chance to mountain bike in Marseille, which made the experience even more memorable.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success?

W&L’s small class environment has strengthened my confidence in public speaking and storytelling. Being in discussion-based classrooms where participation is expected pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop communication skills I know I’ll carry with me after graduation.

Who or what inspires you?

My mother inspires me the most. Watching her work hard to raise and support my siblings and me instilled strong values in our family. Seeing her perseverance motivates me to keep pushing myself and make the most of every opportunity I have. She’s the person I look to through everything, and her support means the world to me!

What do you like about being a DIII athlete?

Being a Division III athlete has allowed me to continue playing the sport I love (football) while also focusing fully on my education. It’s still highly competitive, but it creates the balance I was looking for between athletics and academics.