The University got a taste of political sarcasm when the CapitolSteps visited the Union Theatre Monday night.
Jason Meier, assistant director of Union programming, said theCapitol Steps is a musical political satire group.
They have been to the University four times since they wereformed in 1981, Meier said.
The last time they came was in 2000-the last election year,Meier said.
“They are the perfect blend of politics and politicalissues,” Meier said.
The show began with two performers singing a song about tax cutsto the tune of “I Like Big Buts.”
The group made fun of many political figures in song, includingPresident George W. Bush, Sen. John Kerry, Hillary and Bill Clintonand Rush Limbaugh.
The group got much applause from the audience when one memberdressed as Kerry and sang a song about his purple heart to”Achy Breaky Heart.”
Another crowd favorite was an “Airport Security”skit in which the security guard would not let a nun throughairport security because her bag beeped when she went through themetal detector.
While checking the nun’s bag, he let a Viking with an ax,Darth Vader, Michael Jackson and a nun with a bomb kit through thedoor.
The crowd also enjoyed John Edwards singing to “I’mSo Pretty,” and Crocodile Dundee singing “God Bless MySUV.”
Delores Williams, a performer in the group, said the crowd atthe University was very informed.
Williams came with the group when they visited the University in2000, and said the crowd was excellent both times.
Andy Clemence, another Capitol Steps performer, said sometimeswhen they perform at universities the crowds do not get everyjoke.
“We do a lot of private shows and sometimes the jokes goright over the audiences’ heads,” Clemence said.
Williams said the group tries to incorporate as much recent newsin the skits as possible.
“Our motive is to stay current,” Williams said.”Whenever something new happens in the news, we think of anew sketch for it.”
Williams said before she got involved in the Capitol Steps, shewas a singer in the Army.
“I met the pianist at an audition, and he told me aboutthis audition and thought I would be good at it,” Williamssaid.
Williams said the group started 22 years ago at asenator’s office Christmas party.
She said most of the members are people who have worked onCapitol Hill in the past.
The Capitol Steps who entertained the University are not theonly members of the group.
Clemence said there are enough members to divide into fourgroups, so they can be in four places at once.
“They mix us up so we’re not with the same peopleevery night,” Clemence said.
Clemence said auditions for the group are not frequent.
“A lot of times, the owners will come up to us and ask usif we have any recommendations for new members,” he said.
Williams said since they are together so often, it is veryimportant for the cast to get along with one another.
Mike Loomis, a Capitol Steps performer, said he has beeninvolved with the group for 17 years.
He said he heard about the auditions when he was working for aformer Colorado senator.
“I tried out and got lucky,” Loomis said.