By Ali Ikram
He might have hit choppy waters in the US in handling the financial crisis and health care reform, but Barack Obama is still a hit around the world.
So much so in fact, the US president has inspired yet another musical.
From Germany, the country to thank for David Hasselhoff's chart-topping recording career, comes Hope: Das Obama Musical.
"I was never really interested in politics, but then there was the year 2008 that I really felt a politician touch me," says producer Roberto Emmanuele.
Touched indeed. An early review has called it "cringe-making" and so silly it has to be seen to be believed.
Michelle and Barack duet, with the future president sporting a fetching sweater, John McCain is a suitably reptilian Republican, while mid-debate Hillary Clinton belts out a ditty entitled 'Ready On Day One', in which she sings the immortal couplet, "I'll know what to do/I am a Clinton too".
"Well, we expect it will be a big success and it will tour all around Europe," says Jimmie Wilson, who plays Obama. "A tour is planned. The first tour will be in Germany, but ultimately we hope it will be worldwide."
That might have to wait - the American writer of the show says he is nervous about taking it to the US, given the president's low approval ratings. He chose to hold the premiere in Germany as the country is still in the grip of Obamamania.
"I think the singing skills of the mother and the daughter were very good, and I think the voice and the character of Barack Obama was also played quite good," said one theatregoer.
"I think it was very close to reality and I liked it very much, but I would have expected a bit more singing and less speech," said another.
Perhaps surprisingly, this is not the first Obama stage spectacular - there are two others, Obama: On My Mind and the Kenyan production Obama the Musical.
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