In the heart of New York's theater district, a provocative new play is stirring up controversy and challenging audiences to reconsider the legacy of one of America's most prominent political figures. "The Ghost of John McCain," set to open on September 24, 2024, at the SoHo Playhouse, presents a surreal afterlife comedy that places the late John McCain in an unexpected purgatory: the mind of Donald Trump.
The play, conceived by Grant Woods, McCain's former chief of staff who passed away in 2021, has evolved into a satirical exploration of American politics. It features an ensemble cast portraying figures who have occupied Trump's thoughts, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and even pop star Taylor Swift.
At its core, the production aims to highlight McCain's bipartisan efforts and his complex relationship with Trump. The storyline draws inspiration from McCain's real-life experiences, including his nearly six-year imprisonment at the infamous Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. In the play, McCain faces a similar challenge: to gain freedom by appeasing his captor, this time by declaring Trump the greatest president in history.
The show's creators, including writer Scott Elmegreen and director Catie Davis, defend their work as a respectful tribute to McCain's legacy, emphasizing his well-known sense of humor and frequent appearances on late-night television. They argue that the play's irreverent tone aligns with McCain's public persona and his ability to laugh at himself.
However, not everyone shares this view. Meghan McCain, the late senator's daughter, publicly criticized the production, calling it a "gross cash grab by mediocre people." This reaction has sparked a debate about the boundaries of political satire and the portrayal of public figures in art.
"Trash. Nothing more than a gross cash grab by mediocre people."
Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, "The Ghost of John McCain" has generated significant buzz. The producers, including Jason Rose and Max Fose, both with ties to McCain's political career, remain optimistic about the show's potential to resonate with audiences and possibly make the leap to Broadway.
The play's ultimate message, according to its creators, is one of unity and finding common ground across political divides. By placing diverse political figures in a shared predicament, the production aims to highlight the importance of bipartisanship and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
As the curtain rises on this unconventional portrayal of John McCain, audiences will have the opportunity to judge for themselves whether the play succeeds in honoring the senator's legacy while delivering a poignant commentary on contemporary American politics.