Shanice returns as Michelle Obama in 44: The Musical as D.C. run extends

By AI, Created 10:33 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Grammy-nominated singer Shanice is back as Michelle Obama in 44: The Musical, while the show’s Washington, D.C., engagement at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre has been extended through May 24, 2026. The production says strong ticket demand in the capital helped drive the extension after 14 of the first 18 performances sold out.

Why it matters: - The Washington, D.C., run is now the most successful engagement in the show’s history. - Strong audience demand in the capital has pushed the production to add more performances through May 24, 2026. - The show is playing at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre, putting a recent-history musical in the city where much of that history unfolded.

What happened: - Shanice has returned to 44: The Musical as Michelle Obama. - The extension moves the Washington engagement through May 24, 2026. - The production says 14 of the first 18 performances sold out. - The run added 16 performances after the early sales surge. - The show is at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre in Washington, D.C. - Tickets are available at 44theobamamusical.com.

The details: - Shanice originated the role of Michelle Obama and is also a producer of the show. - 44: The Musical has surpassed prior runs in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. - The production blends concert, comedy and cultural commentary to follow President Barack Obama’s rise and first term. - The show features 24 original musical numbers performed by a cast and live band. - The score mixes R&B, gospel and pop with satire and choreography. - Early local coverage has been positive. - DC Theater Arts called the production “a love note to the Obamas and an irreverent, satirical trip down memory lane,” and said it leaves audiences “feeling lighter and happier.” - Washington City Paper described the show as a lively, celebratory return to the Obama era.

Between the lines: - The audience response in Washington appears especially strong because the subject matter is tied directly to the city’s political memory. - The production is leaning into nostalgia and shared experience at a moment when that framing seems to connect with local audiences. - Eli Bauman, the show’s writer, composer and director, said Washington has embraced the production in a way that has redefined expectations. - Lead producer Monica Saunders-Weinberg said extending the run felt like the only option after the early sellouts.

What’s next: - 44: The Musical will continue its Washington run through May 24, 2026. - The production is positioned to keep building on the strong local response as more audiences get access to tickets. - Shanice remains part of the cast and producing team as the run continues.

The bottom line: - 44: The Musical has found its strongest audience yet in Washington, and Shanice’s return as Michelle Obama is central to that momentum.