A satirical rock musical set shortly after the fall of Saddam Hussein, The Deciders takes a comic look at the self-absorption of those in power. Determined to cement himself in the history books as a winner, Dubya plots to restore order in Iraq by restoring Saddam to power. But there’s a catch: In return for his help, Saddam demands that his musical be mounted on Broadway. Worrying only about themselves, both leaders ignore the needs of their people. Written and composed by Mitch Kess (with help from Carly Sheehan and Charles Bascombe), The Deciders treats very serious issues with laid-back humor. The major players—Saddam, Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice—are limned with enjoyable sketch-comedy broadness. Erik Hogan is especially entertaining as Bush: He has the walk down, and pokes fun at the president’s easily mocked mannerisms as well as anyone on TV.—Jamie Falkowski, Associate Online Producer
