The careers of all 43 Presidents of the USA, from George Washington to George Bush, covered in an hour and a half.
The DeKalb School of the Arts is a specialist high school in Georgia which only selects students who have attained both high academic and artistic standards.
43 Plays For 43 Presidents is a rapid survey of the lives and presidencies of each of the 43 men (no women) who have held the office so far. The presidency is symbolised by a star-spangled jacket that each president wears. Sometimes they fight for it; at other times they take it unwillingly and give it up gladly. Several are assassinated while wearing it.
The play begins with George Washington, who is still seen as the near-perfect president. It then moves rapidly through all the other well-known or lesser-known names. Benjamin Franklin appears, damning Thomas Jefferson with faint praise, or perhaps more accurately, self praise; William Henry Harrison becomes president largely because of his reputation as an Indian slayer; the civil war tears the country apart and Lincoln is assassinated. The most moving segment is probably that for John F Kennedy, who is symbolised by an empty jacket, lying on the floor. Finally, for the 2000 election, there is an all-out brawl until a smiling George Bush emerges wearing the jacket.
The play works well as both entertainment and information, although two minutes for each president is only enough for the most basic facts. The performers tackle it with great energy and enthusiasm, acting, singing and dancing well. A very successful production and a company to watch out for.
