Musical Comedy Chronicles John McCain and Trump Set to Premiere

For most, off-Broadway musicals and political campaigns seem worlds apart. However, three Arizona figures linked to politics have combined both in a musical about Sen. John McCain. The creative minds behind “Ghost of John McCain” are Jason Rose, a seasoned Republican public relations specialist, Max Fose, a former McCain aide, and Lynn Londen, a businesswoman and owner of AZTV.

In this production, McCain’s spirit finds itself trapped in the mind of former President Donald Trump. Rose likens the creation of the musical to running a political campaign. “It’s about managing a concept instead of a candidate, tracking ticket sales instead of polling, and facing profit or loss rather than electoral outcomes,” Rose explained.

The musical features a “Greek chorus” comprising figures like Hillary Clinton, Lindsay Graham, Kanye West, and Eva Perón, who are all portrayed as being trapped in Trump’s mind. The production debuts in New York City at the SoHo Playhouse on Sept. 3 and runs until Nov. 5, highlighting the current political landscape by adding Vice President Kamala Harris into the script.

Fose, who worked closely with McCain during his Senate tenure and 2000 presidential campaign, was particularly enthusiastic about the creative project. “The script fascinated me, offering a blend of McCain’s story with contemporary political dynamics,” Fose stated.

Londen’s motivation is similarly rooted in strong political ties and a personal connection to McCain. “McCain was a dear friend to my late husband, and his influence remains significant in our lives,” she shared.

Fose believes McCain would have appreciated the balance of humor and seriousness in the show. “McCain had a robust sense of humor. He would have loved both the comedic and serious elements,” Fose remarked.

Despite Meghan McCain’s public disapproval, the production team maintained ongoing communication with other McCain family members, ensuring the integrity of McCain’s legacy. “We’ve handled McCain’s memory with immense care,” Fose said. Rose added, “People familiar with the script believe it’s unlike anything they’ve seen.”

Although there are no immediate plans to bring the show to Arizona, its creators are hopeful. Should the off-Broadway run succeed, “Ghost of John McCain” could reach a wider audience. Rose believes that both politically aware and indifferent viewers will find the musical engaging.

“You don’t need political knowledge to enjoy it. It has universal appeal,” Rose concluded.