According to Executive Director Elaine Merchant, “We were fortunate to get this group just before the presidential elections in 2004. The crowd absolutely loved them. With another election looming, we decided it would be good to have them back. It’s an all new show, and I’m sure we can look forward to another great night of fun.”

In this politically charged season, they constantly update their material, and they bill themselves as “equal opportunity offenders.” No matter whether Republicans or Democrats hold office, there has never been a shortage of material according to Capitol Step Producer Elaina Newport.

“Typically the Republicans goof up and the Democrats party. Then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That’s what we call the two-party system.”

Known for putting the “mock” in democracy, the troupe was born from a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. While not all current Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.

The Capitol Steps are based in Washington, D.C. but most of their performances are presented out-of-town or performed for out-of-towners. They have entertained for the past 5 Presidents, and according to the Steps, “The only complaints we receive are from politicians and personalities we do not include in our program.”

Tickets are $27 and are available at the box office, 270 W. Center St., Downtown Marion. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Patrons may charge by phone at 740/383-2101 or online at www.marionpalace.org.