Wed Sep 25 02:00:00 UTC 2024: ## “Ghost of John McCain” Haunts Off-Broadway with Political Satire

**New York, NY** – The off-Broadway musical comedy “Ghost of John McCain” has finally arrived after months of buzz, largely fueled by Meghan McCain’s pre-opening anxieties. While the show offers a modestly entertaining, albeit overcooked, 90-minute political satire, its concept centers on the frazzled mind of Donald Trump – a chaotic landscape populated by various figures, including the late Arizona senator himself.

The play, which takes place entirely within Trump’s psyche, imagines a three-star hotel lobby filled with figures like Hillary Clinton, Eva Peron, Taylor Swift, Joe Biden, and a combined Melania-Ivanka entity referred to simply as “Daughter-Wife.”

John McCain, played by Jason Tam, is portrayed as a sprightly hero, his death lending him a renewed aura of heroism. He, along with other characters, has become a resident of Trump’s ever-churning mind, constantly vying for attention in the envious and petty psyche of the 45th president.

Adding to the chaotic ensemble is a teenage version of Trump, convincingly played by Luke Kolbe Mannikus. This inner-child Trump acts as both a tormentor and a sycophant to his adult self, offering a glimpse into the insecurities and bravado that define the former president.

While the concept itself may feel stretched, “Ghost of John McCain” shines when Mannikus’ Kid Trump takes center stage. The play also delves into genuine political insight, such as when the young Trump and McCain engage in a debate, donning each other’s masks and reciting their opponent’s actual quotes, exposing their inconsistencies and self-contradictions.

The play culminates in a revelation that breathes new life into the story and its characters, suggesting that they, along with the audience, are trapped in this hellscape – a scenario that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Ultimately, the play offers a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on the current political climate, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and an understanding that “the great work begins.”

“Ghost of John McCain” runs at Off-Broadway’s SoHo Playhouse Theatre, offering a unique and entertaining take on the complexities of modern political discourse.

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