Capitol Steps comedy troupe pokes fun at politics

Carroll County Times
11/13/2008

When President Bill Clinton claimed "he did not have sexual relations with that woman," Newport wrote songs.

When President George W. Bush made stuttering a habit in press conferences, Newport took note.

Newport is one of two primary writers for Capitol Steps, a Washington, D.C., troupe that has been mocking public figures for 25 years.

During that time, leaders have changed and the issues making headlines have come and gone.

Newport said one thing has remained constant: Politicians have made frequent missteps, giving Newport no shortage of material for poking fun.

But when the Capitol Steps return to the area for two appearances raising funds for The Arc of Carroll County, they will arrive at a time when the reeling economy is making headlines and President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to enter the White House.

Not exactly funny stuff.

"[John] McCain and [Sarah] Palin would have probably been funnier," Newport allowed.
But Newport must make do with what she has, trying to create humorous parodies and songs for not-so-funny individuals or events.

Rather than try to make fun of Obama following his emotional Nov. 4 victory, Newport made light of the support he received from Hillary Clinton.

"Hillary had to grit her teeth and campaign with him," Newport said.

So the Capitol Steps perform "Ebony and Ovaries," a song mocking the relationship between the two.

Rather than take on the economy, the Capitol Steps take pot shots at Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

The performers will sing "Monster Cash," to the tune of "Monster Mash."

"Sometimes we encounter an issue and wonder: 'Will people laugh at this?'" Newport said. "But people do wind up laughing."

Newport said election figures will be the focus for most of the show at Century High School.

Everyone is fair game: Palin, McCain, Obama and Clinton.

And the appearances will come just a few weeks after an election.

"They find a way to take very gentle swipes at a lot of things and put a spin on it that's amusing," said Donald Rowe, the executive director for The Arc of Carroll County. "Their wit and candor and timing is amazing to me. I don't know how they do it year after year.

Rowe said the Capitol Players have performed at Arc fundraisers for six years and always draw sizable crowds.

He expects a near-sellout at the Winters Mill High School event.

Each year, most of the Capitol Steps content changes.

Newport said the Capitol Steps write, on average, one new song a week.

Newport said Obama might be tough to make fun of at first, but she has her sights set on his running mate.

"We are putting most of our hopes in Joe Biden," Newport said. "We see some potential there for material."

Reach staff writer Brandon Oland at 410-857-7862 or brandon.oland@ carrollcountytimes.com.

If you go

What: Capitol Steps performances, fundraisers for The Arc of Carroll County

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and 3 p.m. Nov. 23

Where: The performance on Saturday is at Winters Mill High School, 560 Gorsuch Road, Westminster.

The Nov. 23 performance is at Century High School, 355 Ronsdale Road, Eldersburg.

Tickets: $20 for each show

Information: 410-848-4124 or www.arccarroll.com

 

More on the Capitol Steps

Here's a look at Capitol Steps, a political satire troupe that has been poking fun at politicians for 25 years:

The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who were searching for a way to liven up a Christmas party.

The troupe continued to perform and started to satirize the people and places that employed them.

Many of the Capitol Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers. They have worked in some 18 congressional offices, representing 62 years staff experience.

Capitol Steps has recorded 27 albums, including its latest, "Springtime for Liberals."

Elaina Newport is an original Capitol Steps member and still writes songs and parodies.

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