You're Welcome America

You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush is a comedic Broadway play written by and starring American comedian Will Ferrell as George W. Bush, which ran from February 5 to March 15, 2009.[1] The play is directed by Ferrell's long-time comedy partner, Adam McKay, who previously worked with him on his comedy films Anchorman and Talladega Nights. According to a review at The Improper.com, "Combined with lewd humor and an uncanny cast of characters to help him drive home his alter ego's West Texas mannerisms, Ferrell’s showpiece is a true delight."[2]

You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W Bush
Poster for You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W Bush
Written byWill Ferrell
CharactersGeorge W. Bush
Date premieredFebruary 5, 2009 (2009-02-05)
Place premieredCort Theatre
New York City
Original languageEnglish
GenreComedy

The play is based on Ferrell's George Bush impression, which originated from the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL). The first appearance of Ferrell's character appeared in the show's 26th season, which took place during the controversial 2000 United States presidential election.[3] The play carries over some qualities of Ferrell's character that replicates the same comedic element as seen on the popular late night show.

The play broke the house record at the Cort Theater, taking in $846,507.05 for the week that ended on February 15, 2009.[4] The show was broadcast live on the HBO cable channel,[2] as well as in Canada, on March 14, 2009, at 9:00PM EST.[5][6] It was released to DVD on November 3, 2009.[7]

Plot

The play starts off with President Bush (Ferrell) telling the audience that this is his final farewell to the country. He then makes jokes about his life, such as his college years at Yale, his nickname “Gin and Tonic,” being born in Connecticut, his business that went bankrupt, and the Texas legislation which he as Governor signed into law that designated a day as "Jesus Day." Some of Bush's stories are humorous but false, such as having a sexual relationship with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and being AWOL from the Air National Guard. Bush's Secret Service agent Jerry dances onstage (sometimes with Bush's pilot) while Ferrell is offstage changing costume. Bush confronts a heckler in the third row, who is actually part of the cast. The play also acknowledges the hard decisions Bush faced during his term, such as deciding to send troops to the Middle East.

Significance

The play, which took place a few months after Bush left office,[8] was meant as a final farewell not only to the former president himself, but also to Ferrell's impression of the former president.

Cast

Staff

DVD notes

Husband and wife performers Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates are visible in the audience. Also visible in the audience are Edward Norton, Adam Levine, Common, and Serena Williams.

Awards and nominations
Award Category Nominee(s) Result
Gold Derby Awards Best Variety Special You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush Nominated
Online Film & Television Association Best Variety, Musical or Comedy Special Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Jessica Elbaum, Marty Callner and Randall Gladstein Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special Marty Callner Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special Will Ferrell Nominated
Tony Awards Best Special Theatrical Event You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush Nominated

References
  1. Brantley, Ben (5 February 2009). "The Comedy of Ineptitude, Political Division". The New York Times.
  2. "The Improper.com". Archived from the original on 2009-06-07. Retrieved 2009-03-10.
  3. Saturday Night Live (12 September 2013). "First Presidential Debate: Al Gore and George W. Bush - SNL". Archived from the original on 2021-12-15 – via YouTube.
  4. Patrick Healy. "You’re Welcome Broadway: Ferrell’s ‘Bush’ Breaks House Record", The New York Times, February 17, 2009
  5. Richard Ouzounian. "Will Ferrell's masterful and frightening portrayal of Bush." March 03, 2009, Toronto Star "Archived copy". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) 2
  6. "Ohio.com - 'Breaking Bad' opener tonight". Archived from the original on 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2009-03-10.
  7. "Will Ferrell: You're Welcome, America. A Final Night with George W. Bush".
  8. "George W. Bush - U.S. Presidents - HISTORY.com". HISTORY.com.
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