Rush hour

After the success of Rod Blagojevich Superstar!, Second City Theatricals went back to the well for more tuneful political skewering. This time, it’s using Rent, Wicked and Spring Awakening, among others, to parody Rush Limbaugh’s ascension to conservative dominance. We asked cast members for the scoop on their skewered political counterparts.

MARK SUTTON AS RUSH LIMBAUGH
What preparation went into channeling Limbaugh?
I listened to him to try to get his voice down a bit, but it’s hard to listen for more than five minutes because he usually says something that drives me crazy. I also say one thing every day that I don’t really believe but that I know will piss someone off.
Is your portrayal sympathetic?
Physically, the portrayal will be more sympathetic in that the audience will see a much more handsome Rush.
Did researching Limbaugh yield any new discoveries?
I tried to find out more about him, I really did. But he’s done a masterful job of creating his persona, and the only things you can find are the things that fit that persona. And he’s not taking my calls.
Given that this is a musical, what Broadway characters evoke him?
He’s like the judge in Sweeney Todd, someone who’s bitter and insecure, who holds grudges and tries to get his way all the time.
Has the Limbaugh camp commented on the musical?
He had a very comment-laced no comment. He likened Second City to the Weekly World News. If Rush does come and sits in the front row, I’ll donate my pay for that night’s show to the Haitian relief effort.
Are you anticipating any hate mail?
I might need a bodyguard. Some of the responses to my blog would be comical if not for the fact that the people writing them are serious. I guess the word comedy escapes some folks.

COLLEEN MURRAY AS HILLARY CLINTON AND ANN COULTER
How’d you get into your characters?
I did research, watched video footage and spent lots of time trying out faces in front of the mirror. The wigs help a lot. Hillary’s short and sensible hairdo made me want to reform health care, and Ann’s long blond wig made me instantly channel the right-wing word of the Lord!
Do you see similarities between the two women?
Only that they are both women and they are both in politics. That’s where the similarities end.
Favorite moments with your characters?
My favorite moments include teenage headgear, shoulder-padded pantsuits and full-on emotional breakdowns.

KEVIN SCIRETTA AS BARNEY FRANK
Barney Frank likes to describe himself as a left-handed, gay Jew. Was he difficult to channel?
Not at all! I just hope Barney doesn’t mind being played by a right-handed, straight Catholic.
Are there any qualities in Frank that remind you of yourself?
His sense of humor, for sure. He utilizes it incredibly well. His town-hall appearances alone are clinics in how to handle hecklers/insane audience members.
Was it hard nailing down Frank’s thick accent?
A little bit, and only because whenever I play someone who lives in Boston, I inevitably sound like a Red Sox fan who’s been drinking for seven hours.
The odds that he’ll come see the show?
It’s a definite possibility. Rahm Emanuel, Blagojevich and Obama have all showed up. I’d say Vegas sets the odds at 3 to 1. Place your bets wisely.

Rush Limbaugh! The Musical opens Sunday 31 at the Second City e.t.c.

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