The Capitol Steps Brings Laugh Therapy to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts

[March 30, 2018] 

Laughter unleashes stress-busting hormones and the floodgates will be opened starting at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 13 when The Capitol Steps arrives in Bloomington, to inoculate those who are feeling like an emotionally-numb basket case. Yes, timely laugh therapy comes in the form of a mix of song and stand-up; providing a healthy dose of daily news, spit-roasted and mocked. The show also includes one of the best Donald Trump impressions since Alec Baldwin on ‘Saturday Night Live.”

No matter who is in the headlines, everyone could use a laugh. The show transcends all political views. Steps cast members regularly hear patrons saying things like, “I needed that right now,” or “Your show was the perfect remedy for the anxiety I’m feeling every day!”

The Capitol Steps have appeared on “The Today Show,” “ABC News Nightline,” “CBS Evening News Hour,” and on NPR specials for more than 35 years. The Capitol Steps radio special, “Politics Takes A Holiday,” airs on show sponsor WGLT-FM Radio and wglt.org during holidays and other specials or downloads are available at www.capsteps.com/radio.

How do these seasoned performers keep up with barrage of changing news, sometimes occurring just minutes before the show? Co-founder Elaine Newport often emails and texts new lines or lyrics based on today’s breaking-news-in-overdrive reality so the show is fresh … really fresh!

Fun Facts About Capitol Steps:

• The Capitol Steps made its first appearance in Bloomington-Normal at Illinois Wesleyan University's Shirk Center in 2001.

• The show was included in the BCPA’s inaugural season line-up in 2006.

• The troupe began when IL Senator Charles Percy’s staff performed parody songs at staff Christmas party in 1981. Percy gave his blessing to continue performances and after 1988, the troupe expanded the show beyond Washington, D.C.

• For more on the capitol steps: www.capsteps.com

Tickets are available from the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts Box Office. Telephone [phone] or visit online at www.arts blooming.org.  Discounts available for groups of 15 or more.

[Colleen Reynolds]