Capitol Steps Delight Crowd at Robinson Secondary

The Capitol Steps, a musical, political sketch comedy ensemble, had the audience in stitches at Robinson Secondary School Sunday night for the duration of their 90 minute show.

The performance was actually designed to be a fundraiser for “Rambunctious Theater” a group that isn’t affiliated with the school system but is a part of the Robinson community of students, teachers and parents.  Rambunctious Theater is performing the show Funny as a Crutch Off-Broadway this summer and then they’re headed to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Chip Rome, Director of Theater Arts at Robinson Secondary says bringing in professionals like members of The Capitol Steps to the school, is a great way to show students how it all comes together.  Rome says theater and young people go together very naturally.

“Teens are at an emotionally volatile time in their lives and theater gives them a vehicle for channeling that,” Rome said.  “It teaches discipline and focus and is a way for them to discover consequences of high risk situations in a safe environment.”

The Capitol Steps were thrilled to be a part of a fundraising effort aimed at young performers.

“It’s the next generation of The Capitol Steps,” said member Felicia Curry.  “It’s been around for 30 years and we want to keep it for the next 30.”

The Capitol Steps emerged first at an office Christmas party and 30 years later, the group has performed at venues and on national broadcasts across the country.  Right now, about 25 members rotate in an out of shows that feature sketches and popular songs re-written to poke fun and politics, current events and popular culture.

Sunday night’s show featured familiar political faces like President Barack Obama, Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee just to name a few.

Songs like “Strangers on Your Flight” poked fun at TSA issues and “Welcome to the State of Arizona,” had a go at border security.  Everything from Charlie Sheen and Facebook to the situation in Libya and Egypt was fair game.

Sunday night’s crowd laughed and cheered throughout the performance and members of The Capitol Steps think they know why.

“It’s Washington D.C., it’s the center of everything,” said Jack Rowles, “they need a tension break.”

For more information about Robinson Secondary School’s upcoming performances, click here.