1812 Productions' 'This Is the Week That Is,' 2015 edition

Last Thursday's performance — because it changes nightly, it's hard to make definitive statements about the production — was a nice mix of familiar and new.

As a veteran theatergoer, I'm tickled by each year's clever twist on the inevitable curtain speech. This time, the ensemble play presidential candidates at a debate, each vying to make the same messages — donate to 1812, turn off your phones — sound unique (and, just like the candidates, failing miserably).

Serious issues

They can't deal with current events without delving into some heavy territory, which they manage skillfully. Their three Big Issues are Race, Guns, and Star Wars. They hilariously show why race is so difficult to discuss, and don't shy away from the gun debate while still finding lots of laughs (one of my favorite lines, said by Aimé Donna Kelly as Ben Carson: "gun laws are relatives of other guns.") The fact that Star Wars is, indeed, omnipresent this holiday season makes it a fair target for satire.

One favorite technique they employ is to parody TV reality shows: "Keeping Up with the Caucasians" imagines a multiracial couple dealing with an old white racist ghost, and "Project Run the Country My Way" imagines the presidential race as Project Runway, complete with a fashion show.

Other targets are equally obvious, but no less fun. Childs plays Hillary Clinton trying to show her human side by playing Twister with an audience member and belting "Maybe This Time." Donald Trump's Christmas party is appropriately shameless.

One of the most devious parodies, however, skewers the presidential candidates with their own words, set to music. In this election cycle, reality trumps satire.

It's important to mention that the production around them is first-rate, from Lance Kniskern's sleek sets and Drew Billiau's colorful lighting to Jorge Cousineau's expertly integrated videos and Lauren Perigard Kaisoglus's inventively silly costumes (her elaborate Star Wars collection outshines the skit itself, alas).

Old favorites return

Some familiar characters make welcome appearances: Childs's Patsy, Shunk Street stoop philosopher, explains politics. Kelly's "Hello, Bitches!" parodies talk show television. Dave Jadico ventures out for a man-on-the-street interview, but his microphone won't reach past the lobby. Much of the second act is anchored by Sean Close, whose droll delivery and self-deprecating reactions at the news desk make every item (updated daily) funny, even when our response is a groan. Alex Bechtel provides peppy accompaniment and is the music director, and Justin Jain plays a variety of roles, including a hilarious Marco Rubio.

As always, the finale is a rousing rock song — Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" — played and sung by the ensemble. To my annual surprise (the closing song has always worked for me, especially on an emotional level), it both ends the show on a rousing note and articulates more serious feelings of defiance against the world's absurdities. It's a bold and brave choice, and whatever they may lack musically, their passion is undeniable.

I'm sure 1812 is tempted to retire This Is the Week That Is after ten years, but I hope they won't — there's always something new that deserves their comic insight, and they've cultivated an adoring crowd (including me). Plus, next year is the 2016 presidential election and, of course, the beginning of the 2020 presidential election cycle. Don't abandon us now, 1812!

Illustrator Mike Jackson attended a later performance; to see his sketchbook, click here.