On November 4, 2008, American history changed forever when Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States. Hands down, he was one of the best U.S. leaders we have ever had! He kept us unified and supported ALL citizens, no matter where they came from or who they loved, something we desperately need today.

I have been following the campaign trail of 44 The Musical, a new Off Broadway show about President Obama's time in the oval office. Starring T.J. Wilkins (Season 6 NBC's The Voice) as President Barack Obama & Shanice (R&B Singer) as First Lady Michelle Obama, 44 The Musical has finally arrived in NYC after record runs in Philadelphia, Los Angeles & Chicago.

When I was given the opportunity to speak with T.J. Wilkins, I jumped at it because I was fascinated to learn what T.J. has discovered about our GREAT former President.

In this interview, T.J. answered my call to share:

• Why has stayed with 44 The Musical 
• How he prepared to play President Obama
• What 44 The Musical shows us about Obama that we didn't see living through his presidency
• The skills he acquired from being on NBC's The Voice that has helped in musical theatre
• So much more

Connect with T.J. Instagram

Connect with 44 The Musical: Website, Instagram, Facebook

Barack Obama's election changed history. 44 The Musical is the story of Obama you won't read about in history books...because history books are now banned in most states. But also because 44 The Musical is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it... 

44 The Musical is a melting pot of music that delivers everything you'd come to expect from a Musical about the Obama Era - Sarah Palin scream-singing "Drill Me Baby" like Ozzy Osbourne, President Obama crooning "How Black Is Too Black?" over a smooth Motown groove, and of course,“Filibusters,” a hardcore hip-hop jam where Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz rap “Green Eggs and Ham” in its entirety.

44 The Musical is playing a limited run, through December 7, 2025 at the Daryl Roth Theatre in NYC! Click Here for tickets! 

1. After successful runs in Philadelphia & Chicago, 44 The Musical is now coming to NYC for a limited engagement. You are reprising your role of President Obama. What makes you want to stay with this show? I love this show. I love the story, I love the music, I love being able to be a part of something truly special. To be telling the story of America's first Black President while also being able to inspire audiences on a nightly basis is purely magical.

2. What do you relate to most about President Obama? The Swagger! President Obama was one of the coolest presidents we've had in a long time and I think that's what makes him so relatable.

TJ Wilkins in 44 The Musical
Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

3. What is one characteristic of his that you yourself are glad you don't possess? The need for an occasional cigarette. My voice couldn't take the smoke!

4. How did you prepare for this role, playing such a high powered and revered public figure? I spent time watching footage of President Obama to study his movements and speech cadence since they're so distinct. Being able to embody the character while also having it be grounded was important.

Most times when portraying public figures it's easy to want to play a caricature so I had to be quite mindful of my approach to this role. I also read his books, Dreams From My Father and The Audacity of Hope to understand Barack, the man, who by all accounts is witty, complex, and quite the idealist.

TJ Wilkins (center) and the cast of 44 The Musical
Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

5. Which characters do love interacting with in the show that has now made you want to meet them in real life? That's easy, Michelle Obama. She's the only person cooler than Barack.

6. What do you feel 44 The Musical shows us about Obama that we didn't see living through his presidency? 44 The Musical shows us the humanity of Obama the man. A husband, a father, a friend. In the show, we get to see just what kind of effect that the office of the President can have on one, especially being a Black man.

We don't run from or gloss over the topic of race, we acknowledge it. We get a glimpse into what it must have been like to have "date night" in the White House or even what it may have been like to have some conflict at home between Barack and Michelle. 44 The Musical does a great job of really humanizing all of our politicians which in turn makes them relatable and that to me, is special.

TJ Wilkins, Shanice in 44 The Musical
Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

7. In addition to musical theatre, you reached the Top 12 of Team Usher on Season 6 of The Voice. What skills, if any, did you acquire from being on The Voice, that you feel have helped you in musical theatre? Vocal stamina! Outside of being on The Voice, I've had the opportunity to tour with The Jacksons and Michael Bublé. Being on The Voice means you're singing all the time, even when the cameras aren't rolling, so vocal stamina is a must.

Also, being on The Voice taught me how to stay composed when all eyes are on me. Being on that show taught me how to trust the work, which is exactly what you've gotta do in musical theatre.

8. What is something we didn't get to talk about during this interview that you'd like my audience to know about you? In addition to being in 44 The Musical, I am a recording artist, with my latest release being Yesterday, Today, Forever which is available everywhere music is sold or streamed. Folks can also follow me on all social media platforms @iamtjwilkins

T.J. Wilkins

More on T.J. Wilkins:

T.J. Wilkins, an LA native was named Top 12 overall as a member of Team Usher on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice. He’s been featured on TV and Film for FOX, ABC and Nickelodeon.

He’s overjoyed to be leading in the hit stage musical 44 as President Barack Obama.