"Baum for Peace"

It's obvious that Terry Baum is an engaged citizen and a fierce advocate for her community. What's not so obvious is why her 2004 run for Congress as a Green Party candidate was worth turning into a musical performance piece. Feeling frustrated with the "dumb damn Dems" after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Baum found solace in Ralph Nader's party of choice, and valiantly attempted to give voice to those she considered underrepresented. Her journey from outraged citizen to inspired politician at times has real resonance — on the night I attended, you could practically see the audience searching for a voting booth when Baum pleaded for a move toward proactive political action. However, this well-meaning comedic show too often falls prey to an overreliance on Baum's abundant charisma and on an overly indulgent crowd. The aging baby boomers and easygoing, like-minded lefties smiled through the sloppy musical accompaniment, trite lyrics, and story that's pinned to an undramatic plot point involving voting-card etiquette. The audience members seemed to be applauding having their own views reflected back at them. Angels in America, Death of a Salesman, A Raisin in the Sun— truly great political plays such as these strive to make decisive, effective theatrical statements in the face of opposition. They never rest on the presumption of a friendly crowd with low standards. Baum for Peace is a call for political commitment that needs to commit itself to the theater.