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Celeb-In-Chief: 'President Harding Is a Rock Star'

Photo courtesy Amanda Williams WARREN G. HARDING was widely considered to be one of our worst presidents. He boozed and gambled his way through the White House — oh, and did we mention the numerous affairs he allegedly engaged in?

Harding rocketed to the presidency in a landslide often attributed to his glowing media coverage. The press took up his slogan of "Return to Normalcy," and championed his campaigning methods, while movie stars of the day agreed to stump for him. It was the beginning of the celebrity candidate phenomenon, though it's likely that today's press wouldn't ignore his drinking problems and various extramarital dalliances.

It's from this undeserved fame that Landless Theatre Company drew the concept: Harding as an actual rock star, complete with jumpsuit, keytar and cocaine. This isn't history, but it's massively entertaining, well-produced and excitingly performed. Plus, Napoleon does cocaine! You won't see that at the Shakespeare Theatre.

» DCAC, 2438 18th St. NW; through Nov. 30, $18. (Woodley Park)

Photo courtesy Amanda Williams

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