The Inner Circle show roasts de Blasio, political scene

While New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio neither declined nor confirmed his presidential aspirations during the annual Inner Circle show, he at least gave his waffling a winking nod – comedically leaving a skit just as a character raised the question of whether he’d run for the White House. Far more laughs came during the main show, where a cast of dozens of current and former City Hall reporters sang and danced their way through the parody musical event, now in its 97th year.

The gala, whose proceeds support a variety of local charities, took place on Saturday, April 27, at the New York Hilton Midtown. “This is a great tradition. Everyone makes fun of each other, and fun of themselves, more importantly,” de Blasio told PIX11.

Gym rat and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, played by former Newsday reporter Molly Gordy, stares down President Donald Trump, played by CBS 2 reporter Jennifer McLogan.

De Blasio, costumed as “secret Santa,” performs his traditional mayoral rebuttal with “Come From Away” actor Caesar Samayoa, dressed as “snakes on a plane.”

The Inner Circle’s de Blasio, played by PIX11’s James Ford, and first lady Chirlane McCray, portrayed by Politico New York’s Madina Touré, are thinking about renting out rooms in Gracie Mansion – and calling it AirBdB.

See the resemblance? De Blasio and “de Blasio” make peace backstage.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, played by CBS 2’s Hazel Sanchez, is flanked by dancers welcoming “the dawning of the age of the socialists.”

Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch, portrayed by City & State’s Jeff Coltin, is skeptical of the plan of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, played by WCBS 880’s Rich Lamb, to replace the NYPD with robots.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, portrayed by freelance reporter Polly Kreisman, and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, played by Philip O’Brien of Con Edison, tell Trump there’s “No Wall for You.”

Gov. Amazon Cuomo, played by The Chief-Leader’s Richard Steier, gets advice on getting his anger out from Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, portrayed by NBC 4’s Melissa Russo.

Who runs the world? Gays! So says New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, portrayed by PIX11’s Dan Mannarino, out and proud in front of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., played by NY1 Noticias’ Jonathan Inoa and New York City Councilman Rubén Díaz Sr., played by Robert George of the Daily News.