Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson: "Life Sucks" - - and his life in particular

Stage Setting with Moose, center.

Above: "Elitist f*cks"

Bloody great stage and lighting design at The Bernard Jacobs Theater

A very entertaining musical, it is more of a rock opera about Andrew Jackson, if you will, then a deep, dramatic contemplation of our 7th Presdient, but it is a lot of fun.  Some of the stage direction and choreography felt a bit haphazard, whether intentionally or for ironic purposes was hard to divine, and the non-musical segments similarly had a few less than inspiring moments. But, overall, "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" with terrific music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, written and directed by Alex Timbers, is an all-American hoot. Not sure if the Tea Party culture was a direct inspiration, but the timing, and sentiments regarding American populism hit just the right note of satire and sincerity.  It's move from the Public Theater to Broadway, with great set design and lighting, is striking and fun (note the Moose above hanging from the ceiling).  Benjamin Walker, as "Andrew F*ckin' Jackson" (as he sings in "I'm Not That Guy") is, no offense to Old Hickory's hatred of national banking, right on the money. Irreverant, bawdy and with not a lick of pretension, it toys with American history, but not enough to hurt, before it ties a firecracker to its tail and kicks it right into the gutter.

It is currently in previews at the Bernard Jacobs Theater, with a scheduled Broadway opening for October 13.  This is a great show, with an intriguing set, energetic performances by the entire cast, an onstage house band that covers the landscape between sincere guitar strumming ballads to hard rockin' numbers.  A recent NY Post item discussed possible financial woes; still, the show on Friday played to a packed and cheering house.  We missed this at the Public and were glad to catch up with it on the Great White Way. Catch it while you can.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson official site here.

More on the real President Jackson here.

The soundtrack also is available on Ghostlight Records. Sample tracks here