One of the unwritten rules of American politics is that the vice president should never outshine the president. Eli Bauman’s 44: The Musical, tonally-strangely both an uproarious spoof and also very earnest tribute to Barack Obama, shatters that tradition, with the character of Joe Biden (Chad Doreck) spectacularly dominating the stage as the star of an uneven show, which is playing at the Daryl Roth Theatre through Dec. 7.

Far from being a musical for Obama fans, 44—taking its name from Obama’s status as the 44th president—is the ideal night out for any “46” supporters, who want to see the best of Biden’s reputation and image restored after his 2024 election loss and ejection from the White House.

On stage, the charismatic and glisteningly buff Doreck leaps about, dances like a crazy

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