In “You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush,” Will Ferrell, as Bush, twists and turns on his way through a monologue reflecting on the former president's early life and White House years.

Ferrell wrote and stars as Bush in this 90-minute satiric biography, which opened Thursday at the Cort Theatre. The actor, a former "Saturday Night Live" regular and now a full-fledged movie star, seems totally at ease on a big Broadway stage.

Essentially a one-man show, with a few other players turning up in silent cameos (brother Patrick Ferrell is a constant presence, standing by as a brawny Secret Service agent), “You're Welcome America” offers fresh ammunition to those who would cast Bush's detractors as petty, snooty and redundant.

In other words no one escapes Ferrell's sharp, often naughty sense of humor, starting with members of the Bush clan. Fans of Bush's mother, Barbara, will not be too pleased with his steely description of the family's matriarch, despite the fact that one shouldn’t expect the show to be a revelatory one at least regarding interestingly hidden facts about Bush’s life. But it has what it takes to charm because it is a show that concerns us.

For instance, in a remarkable improvised segment, Ferrell showcases Bush’s famous ability to bestow instant nicknames upon all he meets, with nothing but a first impression to go on. He calls on audience members, asks for a Christian name and occupation, and brands them, Texas-style.
Will Ferrell definitely could well win both a Tony Award and an Emmy Award for playing former president Bush in this new Broadway show.