"[T]he character of Mr. Obama, played by T.J. Wilkins, is the near-perfect embodiment of the American ideal — a noble, caring patriot who could catch a beat."

"(The only character more perfect, it goes without saying, is Michelle.) Part revival meeting, part endangered species preserve for normie Democrats who can afford theater tickets, by the end, the show prompted audience members to put their hands in the air. I was less ecstatic...."

Writes David Litt about a "Hamilton"-like theater production about Obama, in "The New Obama Musical Made Me Feel Old" (NYT).

As the headline suggests, Litt, a former speechwriter for Obama, goes on and on about himself, which makes me assume the play isn't much of a play. It's no "Hamilton"... and it actually begins with an announcement "This is not 'Hamilton.'" The name of the new musical is "44: The Musical."

I was a bit taken aback by "a noble, caring patriot who could catch a beat." I think "could catch a beat" means about the same thing as "had rhythm." That's a stereotype about black people that sophisticated people learned to stop vocalizing back in the 1970s.

Litt continues: "While I’m not proud to admit it, watching Mr. Obama receive the cherry-tree treatment awakened my inner curmudgeon.... 'This was so much more difficult than you make it look!' I inwardly grumped...." I'm not sure what "cherry-tree treatment" is supposed to mean. Treated like a legendary hero (George Washington)? That would make me grumpy too... except it wouldn't because I can see from a thousand miles away this show is not for me. It's hard to understand Litt, a person who would go to this show but is nevertheless displeased.