East Carolinian

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff photo

Media Credit: staff photo

Step aside McCain and Obama. There's a new politician in town.

Fresh off the scandal that rocked the White House, presidential candidate John P. Wintergreen promises love for the American people.

Where can you catch his platform and see him in action? At the McGinnis Theatre at ECU, of course.

From Oct. 2 - Oct. 7, the ECU/Loessin Playhouse will feature "Of Thee I Sing," a musical comedy that focuses on Wintergreen and his journey to Washington.

Featuring a cast of 43, the largest ever on the McGinnis stage, "Of Thee I Sing" is the only musical to win a Pulitzer Prize.

"Of Thee I Sing" focuses on John P. Wintergreen, the newest candidate for the presidency. After the current president is accused of an affair, Congress sets out to find a replacement. For Wintergreen, his only qualification is his "presidential"-sounding name, so a political party sets out to find a platform for the ideal candidate.

So, what do they do?

Since Wintergreen is a bachelor, they decide to base his campaign around love. Desperate to get him into the White House, an Atlantic City beauty pageant commences, with Wintergreen set to marry the winner. When he falls for someone else and refuses to marry the contest winner, the public easily turns against him and declares impeachment.

ECU student Von Lewis stars as Wintergreen, the fallen candidate.

"I think anyone that comes to see the show is going to love it," said Lewis. "All of the political jokes are hilarious and I absolutely love that I get a chance to play this part; it is such an honor."

The musical comes at the right time as the election season sets in. Jeffery Woodruff, the managing director for the ECU School of Theatre and Dance, believes that anyone who attends the show will understand why.

"It's right on with the current political season," said Woodruff. "I think it reflects in a comical way how politics haven't changed and I definitely believe that people will enjoy it."

While the show is not intended to offer a critique on the current state of politics, "Of Thee I Sing" intends to offer insight into the state of affairs in 1931 and the contemporary scenarios seen in politics.

The show will run from Oct. 2 - Oct. 7 in McGinnis Theatre. Tickets for students are $12 in advance; all other tickets cost $17.50.



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

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