ARIZONA NEWS

‘Ghost of John McCain’ comic musical gets thumbs down from Arizona political icon’s daughter

Apr 5, 2024, 4:25 AM | Updated: 8:32 am

Late Sen. John McCain, shown giving a thumbs up during his 2008 presidential campaign, is the subje...

Late Sen. John McCain, shown giving a thumbs up during his 2008 presidential campaign, is the subject of a new musical called "Ghost of John McCain." (AP File Photo)

(AP File Photo)

PHOENIX – A new comic musical called “Ghost of John McCain” will debut in New York this summer, but the late Arizona political icon’s daughter isn’t happy about the project.

“This is trash — nothing more than a gross cash grab by mediocre desperate people. I hope it bombs,” Meghan McCain said Tuesday in post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The new production is set for an off-Broadway run at the Soho Playhouse from Sept. 3 through Nov. 5, which is Election Day.

“The timing for this production is extremely relevant. Our goal is not to be just another poker turning up the heat, but to bring some relief, relevance and comedy to everyone in the body politic,” Jason Rose, co-lead producer, said in a press release.

“We may be in a presidential election year, but this is an evergreen story anchored by the tension and dynamic between two titans of the past century. The musical is surreal.”

Why is Meghan McCain panning “Ghost of John McCain” musical?

Perhaps the reason Meghan McCain isn’t thrilled about the use of her father’s image is that the “Ghost of John McCain” takes place inside the mind of former President Donald Trump.

Trump often clashed with the longtime senator and has made disparaging remarks about him multiple times, both before and since McCain’s death in 2018.

In the play, McCain finds himself trapped in Trump’s mind in the afterlife. Hillary Clinton, Eva Peron, Teddy Roosevelt and Lindsey Graham also appear as characters in the story.

Meghan McCain added context to her concerns in a Wednesday X post, saying she didn’t know the people who made the stage show and calling it “disrespectful to my family and father’s memory” and “just as gross as what Trump has done himself.”

New comic musical has ties to Arizona politics beyond John McCain

“Ghost of John McCain” is directed by Catie Davis, whose credits include work as associate director for the Broadway hits “Beetlejuice” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”

Rose conceived the new political satire along with another late Arizona political icon, Grant Woods, who died in 2021. Woods, a former state attorney general and top aide for McCain, was a longtime Republican who became a Democrat in 2018 in response to the direction Trump was taking the GOP. Outside of politics, Woods was an attorney and aspiring playwright.

Rose’s work may be familiar to Valley theater fans. His Scottsdale company, Quixote Productions, created two topical plays that premiered at Phoenix Theater Company in recent years, “¡Americano!” and “Tiananmen.” ¡Americano! went on to an off-Broadway run.

Max Fose, who worked as a consultant for McCain, is co-lead producer for “Ghost of John McCain.”

“Having served for nearly two decades, I believe Sen. John McCain would laugh at this entertainment and be grateful his legacy continues to spark important conversation from the serious to the absurd,” Fose said. “This musical will remind America our democracy is worth fighting for.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people...

Kevin Stone

Suspect opens fire at unsheltered people at Tempe park, injuring 2

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people in Tempe, authorities said.

34 seconds ago

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials are trying to educate passengers on how to at properly travel with firearms.

1 hour ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

2 hours ago

I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project...

Danny Shapiro

New lanes open to motorists as part of I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is one step closer to completion after new lanes on the highway recently opened, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

2 hours ago

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people i...

Bailey Leasure

Suspects’ car crashes while fleeing police-involved shooting in Phoenix

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people injured.

10 hours ago

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix Tuesday, authorities said....

Bailey Leasure

North Phoenix collision leaves 1 woman dead, another hospitalized

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

‘Ghost of John McCain’ comic musical gets thumbs down from Arizona political icon’s daughter