While presidential candidates are feverishly analyzing the outcome of the South Carolina Democratic primary this Sunday, voters in State College can just sit back, relax and laugh at them.

Coming to the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., is musical political satire group the Capitol Steps, which finds humor at the expense of those working on Capitol Hill.

Started in 1981, the Capitol Steps travels the country performing hundreds of shows a year, said Mark Eaton, performer and writer for the Capitol Steps.

"Think Weird Al-meets-politics, and that's what we are. We try to take popular songs that most people know and make them silly," Eaton said, adding that the group performs at functions every weekend in Washington D.C. and has been to every state.

"We just made Wyoming last year," he said. "I think Dick Cheney was keeping us out."

Kristy Cyone, marketing and sales manager at the State Theatre, said the Capitol Steps came to the theater last year, and there were requests from the community to bring them back again this year.

"The Capitol Steps was on our list. We lucked out having them last year, and we loved it," Cyone said. "They were fantastic, and they wanted to come back again."

Eaton said the group owes its success to the fact that people love to laugh at politicians.

"I think you'll drive yourself crazy if you think too much about politics and are too serious. Like Puffy's 'Vote or Die,' I say 'laugh or go insane.' You need to find humor in it and always vote for the funniest candidate," Eaton said.

He said the show changes its material as the headlines change.

"Some songs have a longer shelf life than others, but the show is constantly morphing," he said. "And when there are changes in the administration, there is a huge overhaul of the show."

Cyone said ticket sales are going well, and she anticipates a packed house for both shows.

"The eight o'clock show sold out so we added the four o'clock. There are still tickets available, and we anticipate that show doing well, also," she said Jan. 18. "Even if you don't follow politics, you will still get the jokes and that is why the show has done so well. It's an insider scoop."

Eaton said the show has two goals: make audience members laugh and stay on top of the news.

"If we don't get [laughs], then we're doing something wrong. But more than that, I think it's a fun current events quiz," he sad. "It's a smattering of what's happening, and if you don't know about a subject or person, maybe it might prompt you to learn more."

Cyone said students who enjoy humorous fake news programs will enjoy the Capitol Steps.

"Comedy is enjoyed by everyone but especially the younger generation," she said. "I know how [students] enjoy the Daily Show and the Colbert Report. I think it will be an interest to students more so than they might think."