New Obama Musical Releases Inauguration Track

Obama On My Mind receives its world premiere at the fringe Hen and Chickens theatre from 5 to 21 March 2009 (previews from 3 March) – and its advance title track, sung by R&B singer Ruby Turner, has been recorded and released to mark the occasion of Obama’s inauguration today in Washington DC.

Obama On My Mind – which has a book, music and lyrics by Teddy Hayes – is billed as a “politically inspired romp” and features over 14 songs which “integrate pop, gospel, jazz and soft rock” to tell the story of the race for the White House.

Writer Hayes, a British-based American, was inspired to pen the show after becoming involved in canvassing overseas Americans to vote for Obama. “The process of electing a President is very different from Britain,” he says. “It’s a long 15-month campaign with a lot of back-biting and conflict as the campaign impacts on personal lives and vice versa.”

Obama On My Mind is directed by Tim McArthur, with musical direction by Chris Jerome. Casting is still to be announced. It’s produced at the Hen and Chickens by Trilby Productions.

To listen to the musical’s title song, “Obama On My Mind”, click here.

– by Theo Bosanquet