Who better to make fun of politicians and their staffs than actual Congressional staff members? That's the idea behind "Capitol Steps," a comedy troupe formed 16 years ago that finally reached Off-Broadway Feb. 5, at the John Houseman Theatre. Originally intended to close March 23, Capitol Steps was extended through June due to "strong audience demand and critical reception." Upon closing June 29, Capitol Steps will have played 7 previews and 152 regular performances.
The troupe will then step to San Francisco for performances beginning July 10.
There are now more than 20 members of "Capitol Steps," with five performing at one time while the others are in rotation. Fifteen steppers will be coming to New York's John Houseman Theatre for the 7-week stint, including founding members Bill Strauss and Elaina Newpor for Republican Senator Charles Percy), Ann Schmitt (for Republican Senator William Roth), Jamie Zemarel (for Republican Congressman, Harris Fawell), Barie Biern (for Democrat Henry Waxman), and Mike Tilford of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The comedy troupe formed when Strauss and Newport were asked to entertain at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Christmas party. "Unable to find three wise men or a virgin for a nativity play, they decided to dig into the week's headlines and hot topics... Since then, they've been performing in Washington and around the country, satirizing the people...that once employed them." Their output includes 16 records, four released during the Clinton administration. Recent recordings include "Return To Center," "The Joy Of Sax," "A Whole Newt World," and "76 Bad Loans." Song parodies include "Return To Center (Viewpoint Unknown)" directed at President Clinton, and "Yasser, That's My Bibi," a duet for Yasser Arafat and Bibi Netanyahu. Material recently added (as of March 12) includes "Send In The Clones," "Deng's Getting Buried In The Morning."
An evening of musical comedy, Capitol Steps changes nightly to keep up with the news. The show is produced by Eric Krebs and Anne Strickland. For tickets ($40) and information call Tele-Charge at (212) 239-6200. --By David Lefkowitz
