It all started in 1981 when some U.S. Senate staffers in Illinois Senator Charles Percy’s office created The Capitol Steps to provide Christmas party entertainment. Soon the group turned into a musical/comedy troupe who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. What started as “roasting the boss” quickly became a national touring act. After a three-year hiatus, The Capitol Steps are returning to the stage – fresher and crispier than ever – as The Capitol Fools!
“Laughter is the best way to kill tragedy, not only do we get people to laugh at difficult situations but realize that they want to laugh. It has been true for years – laughter makes trouble go away,” said Jack Rowles, a member of The Capitol Fools troupe.
He also touched on the political affiliation of the group and where they stand, “the important thing is that we don’t pick political sides. We skewer everybody. No one is safe from us, that way, nobody can say oh, you’re picking on the Democrats, or picking on the Republicans. We pick on everybody.”
All the jokes are more witty, lighthearted humor rather than jabs at the usual targets. The content of the show is mild enough to appeal to viewers on both sides of the political sphere.
In a Salon article, Brian Karm applauded the hilarious performance saying “The show left me feeling nostalgic for a future filled with education, science and a sense of humor. I wasn't alone… It gave me hope that the United States may yet endure — if we can laugh at ourselves.”
Known for hilarious song parodies, mind-boggling backward talking spoonerisms, costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and all-new song parodies reflecting the day’s news, the group’s humor is witty and wide-reaching. These “Fools” hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture with a unique brand of satirical humor, and they keep their material fresh, always adding in news topics quickly in response to the news headlines.
Some of the newsworthy skit topics you can expect include, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris reflect on the fact that their blend of “Elderly and Ovaries” makes them the perfect pair, an overpriced gas pump contemplating what kind of fuel he is and a bill’s journey to Capitol Hill is interrupted by a blustering and filibustering Mitch McConnell.
Grab your friend from across the aisle and come see The Capitol Fools work their hilarious magic on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 pm.