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Will Ferrell Brings Back Bush Impression in "You're Welcome America"

Jaunted's Ellen managed to score a ticket to the new Will Ferrell show on Broadway while it's still in previews. Here's her review.

One of the first entries on the blog at WhiteHouse.gov yesterday was President Barack Obama's call for "A National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation" on the occasion of his inauguration. As Will Ferrell took the stage last night at the Cort Theatre and, as former President George W. Bush, basked in what he mistook for enthusiasm about his two terms, we wondered if it was such a good idea to go back into the past.

Oh, there's time to heal later. "You're Welcome America" is a ribald wound-salter and, in terms of the Bush legacy, everything Oliver Stone's tepid "W." wasn't. The largely solo show incorporates several of Ferrell's "SNL" impersonations as Bush, including the classic brush-clearing moment, but sandwiches it in between acres of new material -- like a slideshow rundown of the Bush administration's co-conspirators, none of whom come out remotely well. (But if anyone's going to sue it'll be Condoleezza Rice.)

"You're Welcome America" isn't perfect -- the five or so transitions where Ferrell isn't onstage are a drag despite the antics of his pet Secret Service agent (Patrick Ferrell). But if you're a fan, it's definitely worth your while. After all, Ferrell rarely performs live; he made an exception for last year's Funny or Die Tour, but that played to Radio City-sized crowds. At the end of the night, we were really ready to put the Bush years behind us.

Currently in previews; opens February 5, running through March 15. Prices range from $61.50-$116.50. If you go for the cheap balcony seats, try to get in the first four rows so you'll be able to see the video screens.

Related Stories:
· Last Chance For Several Mainstage Hits This Month [Jaunted]
· Lest We Forget: Ferrell Keeps W. Onstage [NYTimes]
· Broadway coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Harvard Gazette]