The eternal chasm between Democrats and Republicans led to an innately confrontational political landscape where disagreements reach diverse realms, from the economy and international relations to law enforcement and climate change.
Ignited by feelings of uncertainty and distress, many renowned historians have contemplated the nation’s future; drawing parallels between modern-day America and the country under Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, experts are aware that a possibility of civil war and other calamities is less far-fetched than may seem.
It’s no secret that people – specifically the majority – hold tremendous power. Despite that, a striking one in ten Americans distances themselves from the political world, refuses to vote, and turns a blind eye to disturbing public affairs news. On a mission to unite citizens and champion a movement focused on one goal – leveraging the country’s democracy to improve the current dynamics – Tony Zorc created Congressman Curly. Through this entertainment nonprofit organization launched in October 2023, he hopes to prompt effective action and bridge the centuries-old divide.
Relying on the power of creativity, Tony aims to address the nation’s pertinent political conflict through music, comedy, and film. This mission stems from personal experiences; when running – and eventually dropping out – as an independent presidential candidate for the 2024 US elections, he realized that culture plays a pivotal role in the issues plaguing the country. With that, he embarked on a path toward national unity; starting in Southern Florida, Washington D.C., and New York, he shares his novel approach to politics from the stage, humoring audiences and sparking important conversations as soon as the curtains open.
While film, music, and other forms of entertainment have served as mediums of expression for many years, their prominence in politics has been overshadowed. However, recent years’s empirical evidence has shown the rise of political comedy as a respected genre to educate the population on corruption, divisions, and other crucial aspects that create a thriving nation. In the Congressman Curly story, Zorc finesses political comedy with a unique flair; there, he plays the roles of both villains (US Congressman Curly, CEO Bo, and lobbyist Harry) and heroes (citizen Dan, Congressional candidate Dave, and political activist Tony) as they navigate a fictional movement, “Upgrade My Country.”
The story portrays Congressman Curly – the longest-serving US Congressman – who has represented the great state of Northern Virginia since 1978. The comedy delves into his duplicitous nature, showcasing both his public persona as an altruistic servant as well as the hidden truth—Congressman Curly is, in fact, one of the catalysts of the country’s division. In a powerful ending – a call to cease his reign and restore the human-centric values of the US government – Curly’s deceit is unveiled as he eventually loses power.
Recently, Congressman Curly – the nonprofit – has announced the release dates for its vibrant music catalog, where fans of catchy melodies will be able to indulge in more than 25 songs in various genres, from pop and rap to jazz, blues, and rock. Every four weeks over the upcoming two years, the organization will release the catalog as singles on the most popular streaming sites, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Now, citizens can access Beast Congressman and Ya Know I’m Busy, already available for the public to enjoy.
As the nonprofit gears up for more music releases, Tony Zorc fuels excitement by announcing more plans: “Singles and humor are not where our mission ends. We want to merge music with stand-ups, create short films that spark reflection, and even produce an off-broadway musical, with the launch planned for Q1 2026.” From music to film and comedy, Zorc’s mission remains the same: leveraging the creative realm to help Americans navigate the complexities of politics, focusing on bridging the nation’s division and stewarding a new era of unity.
