Caucus song and dance inspires song and dance

DES MOINES, Iowa - If you ever wanted proof that politics is theater, look no further than this city's hip East Village neighborhood, where "Caucus! The Musical" is opening.

East Village is nowhere near Broadway. But judging by the audience's reaction during the show's first preview Thursday, "Caucus!" might as well be playing on 42nd Street.

Written by Robert John Ford, "Caucus!" tells the story of the Wises, a farming family that becomes the subject of a newspaper series on a "typical Iowa caucusgoer," and the four candidates who end up splitting their vote. The two-hour show features songs such as the Cole Porter-tinged "Anything for a Vote," the witty "It's Time to Go to Iowa" and the tap-dance number "The Tough Question Sidestep."

WASHINGTON POST