The 2021 Wharf Revue was delayed by COVID-19.
It also, in its 21st year, left its home at the Sydney Theatre Company to strike out on its own.
But its creators and performers - Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott, joined by Mandy Bishop - showed no signs their energy or satirical flair had flagged at the media call on Monday.
It took place just hours before the evening's preview performance of the revue, Can of Worms, at the Canberra Theatre.
The Banana Boat Song's recurring "Day-O" became "Scooo-mo!" in Phillip Scott's paean to the Prime Minister in The Wharf Revue: Can of Worms.
The number also incorporated the music of the Mexican Hat Dance and a plaintive tune adapted from Les Miserables for a multicultural mashup.
One of the crew, gauging the media's reaction, assured Scott, "They loved it" to which he muttered, "I can think of one person who might not."
Welcome to the Rock from the musical Come From Away took on a sinister tone in the Wharfies' rewritten version, warning asylum seekers they wouldn't leave Christmas Island.
"This country wasn't built by people just turning up out of nowhere!" was one line.
Biggins said the Wharfies were glad to be premiering the new show at the revue's "spiritual home" of Canberra.
He said former US president Donald Trump would present the Von Trump Family Singers doing their thing to The Sound of Music.
Other well-known figures, past and present, will make appearances.
"Kevin Rudd will be poking his nose in."
The newly independent revue expanded its touring schedule, including Queensland and Tasmania, and hoped to go even further next year.
The co-producer, Jo Dyer, had produced the Wharf Revue in its younger days and had registered the name, so there was no trouble there.
Biggins said the break from the STC had been amicable.
"They've been very co-operative," he said.
"They've helped us with sets, props and costumes."
The Wharf Revue: Can of Worms is on at the Canberra Theatre from November 9 to 13 and 15 to 20, 2021. canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 62752700.
