Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Encyclopedia
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is a rock musical
with music and lyrics written by Michael Friedman
, and a book by its director Alex Timbers
.
The show is a comedic Wild West rock musical about the founding of the Democratic Party
. It redefines Andrew Jackson
, America's seventh President, as an Emo
rock star and focuses on populism
, the Indian Removal Act
, and his relationship with his wife Rachel
.
. They sing about their eagerness to strip the English, Spanish, French, and, most importantly, the Native Americans
of their land in the US
. Along with this, they sing of the desire to bring political power back to the public and away from the elite ("Populism Yea Yea").
Jackson's childhood is shown in the Tennessee
hills during the late 18th century. His family and the local shoe cobbler dies of cholera and in Indian attacks. This leads him to join the military, where he is imprisoned by the British. Jackson begins to express his disdain for the US government’s lack of involvement with the people of the frontier and how he wishes someone would stand up to them ("I'm Not That Guy").
Jackson is then shown as a young adult, regaling his short meeting with George Washington
to local tavern goers. He is interrupted and attacked by several Spaniards. Jackson defeats them, but is injured in the process. A woman named Rachel
helps him to recover from his injuries. They fall in love during his recovery and eventually marry, though Rachel is not yet divorced from her current husband. ("Illness as Metaphor") At the end of the song, news comes that British, Indian, and Spanish forces are making advances into American territory. Meanwhile, the US government continues to do nothing to stop the attacks. Jackson realizes that if he wants this cycle to end, he must change things himself ("I'm So That Guy").
Jackson organizes a militia to remove Indian Tribes throughout the Southeast both by force and negotiation ("Ten Little Indians
"). John Quincy Adams
, Henry Clay
, John Calhoun
, and Martin Van Buren
are introduced as they express their concern over Jackson's unauthorized territorial expansion. Jackson rebuffs their pleas, explaining how he has driven out the French and the Spanish while acquiring more land than Thomas Jefferson
.
The Battle of New Orleans
transforms Jackson into a national hero. He becomes governor of Florida and decides to run for President in 1824. Although he receives the most popular and Electoral votes, he is not elected President due to the political maneuvering in the House of Representatives
. ("The Corrupt Bargain
"). Jackson spends the four years after the election at his home, The Hermitage
. He returns from political exile and forms the Democratic Party
. During the presidential election of 1828, Andrew Jackson becomes a surprise candidate. ("Rock Star") This is grueling both publicly and personally to Jackson and his family. Rachel, feeling as if she has no private life, questions Andrew's love for her versus the American People ("The Great Compromise").
Days before the election, a Senate
panel led by Clay
investigates Jackson's past wrongdoings and accuses Rachel of bigamy. Despite this, Jackson ends up winning the election and becomes the 7th President of the United States. However, the accusation of his rivals along with the stress of the election leads to Rachel dying of grief. He vows to use both his presidency and his wife's death as a mandate to "take this country back" ("Public Life").
Once in office, Jackson is faced with a plethora of problems, ranging from the National Bank
to questions about Indian relocation. Being the “People’s President,” Jackson begins polling the American Populace on all Executive decision. This draws the ire of Congress and the Supreme Court
. In response, Jackson consolidates Executive Power
thus making the Presidency more powerful than Congress
and the Courts. At first, his exhilarating cowboy-like governing tactics are met with great enthusiasm by the average citizen, but as the problems grow tougher, the public begins to resent being asked to make difficult decisions ("Crisis Averted").
As the American people gradually turn on him, Jackson takes stock of all that he has lost: his family, his wife, and now the love of the American public. He decides he must take ultimate responsibility for the nation's choices and declares that he alone will be the one to make the unenviable policy decisions regarding the Indians' fate ("The Saddest Song"). He summons Black Fox-- an Indian Chief who organized the remaining Indian tribes into a confederation against Tennessee settlers-- in order to make one last deal with the Native Americans still living in American Territories. Jackson implores Black Fox to peacefully move his people west of the Mississippi River
. Black Fox ask for time to consult his tribe, but Jackson violently snaps and decrees that federal troops will forcibly move the Indians West.
Near the end, the play reviews Jackson's legacy and the views attributed to him. Some believe he was one of America's greatest presidents, while others believe him to be an “American Hitler
”. The final scene shows Jackson receiving an honorary doctorate at Harvard. He reflects upon his achievements and his questionable decisions. The show telescopes out and we get a bird's eye view of Jackson's damning legacy and our collective culpability ("Second Nature").
Finally, the company gathers to sing "The Hunters of Kentucky
" before taking their bows.
Developed by New York-based experimental company Les Freres Corbusier
, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson had workshop productions in August 2006 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and in May 2007 at the New 42nd Street Studios, New York. It premiered in January 2008 in Los Angeles at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
, produced by Center Theatre Group
. The cast included Sebastian Arcelus
, Stephanie D'Abruzzo
, Kevin Del Aguila, Darren Goldstein, Greg Hildreth, Jeff Hiller, Adam O'Byrne, Maria Elena Ramirez, Kate Roberts, Jeanine Serralles, Ben Steinfeld, Robbie Sublett, Ian Unterman, and Ben Walker. Robert Brill was the set designer, Jeff Croiter the lighting designer, Emily Rebholz the costume designer, Bart Fasbender the sound designer, and Jacob Pinholster the video designer. Kelly Devine was the choreographer and Gabriel Kahane
the music director.
New York premiere
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson opened in May 2009 at The Public Theater
in New York in a concert version, and returned to run from March 23 (previews) to June 27, 2010. The cast included River Alexander
, David Axelrod, James Barry, Darren Goldstein, Greg Hildreth, Jeff Hiller, Lisa Joyce, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, Bryce Pinkham, Maria Elena Ramirez, Kate Roberts, Ben Steinfeld, Ben Walker, and Colleen Werthmann. Scenic design was by Donyale Werle, lighting design by Justin Townsend, costume design by Emily Rebholz, and sound design by Bart Fasbender. Danny Mefford was the choreographer and Justin Levine was the music director.
Broadway Premiere
The show premiered on Broadway
at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
, with previews starting on September 21, 2010 and opening night October 13, 2010. Many of the cast from the off-Broadway production reprised their roles, including Benjamin Walker
in the title role, Maria Elena Ramirez, Jeff Hiller and Lucas Near-Verbrugghe. Despite positive reviews and early Tony buzz, the musical closed on January 2, 2011, after 120 performances due to poor attendance.
Critics blamed the poor economy during the show's run and its unorthodox story and presentation for the show's failure to build popularity. The show, which cost $4.5 million, "will close at a loss", according to The New York Times
.
Outer Critics Circle Award
Drama Desk Award
Rock musical
A rock musical is a musical theatre work with rock music. The genre of rock musical may overlap somewhat with album musicals, concept albums and song cycles, as they sometimes tell a story through the rock music, and some album musicals and concept albums become rock musicals...
with music and lyrics written by Michael Friedman
Michael Friedman (composer)
Michael Friedman is an American composer and lyricist. He is a founding Associate Artist of The Civilians and an Artistic Associate at New York Theatre Workshop. He received a 2007 Obie award for sustained excellence. His musical Saved earned him a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Best Musical...
, and a book by its director Alex Timbers
Alex Timbers
Alex Timbers is a Tony-nominated writer and director and the recipient of Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as two OBIE Awards....
.
The show is a comedic Wild West rock musical about the founding of the Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. It redefines Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
, America's seventh President, as an Emo
Emo
Emo is a style of rock music and its associated subcultureEmo may also refer to:- Businesses :* Emo , an Irish oil company and filling station chain* Emo Speedway, a racetrack in Emo, Ontario...
rock star and focuses on populism
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
, the Indian Removal Act
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830.The Removal Act was strongly supported in the South, where states were eager to gain access to lands inhabited by the Five Civilized Tribes. In particular, Georgia, the largest state at that time, was involved in...
, and his relationship with his wife Rachel
Rachel Jackson
Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson, born Rachel Donelson, was the wife of the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson....
.
Synopsis
The show opens when the cast, dressed as 19th century American cowboys and prostitutes take the stage. They are led by Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
. They sing about their eagerness to strip the English, Spanish, French, and, most importantly, the Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
of their land in the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Along with this, they sing of the desire to bring political power back to the public and away from the elite ("Populism Yea Yea").
Jackson's childhood is shown in the Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
hills during the late 18th century. His family and the local shoe cobbler dies of cholera and in Indian attacks. This leads him to join the military, where he is imprisoned by the British. Jackson begins to express his disdain for the US government’s lack of involvement with the people of the frontier and how he wishes someone would stand up to them ("I'm Not That Guy").
Jackson is then shown as a young adult, regaling his short meeting with George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
to local tavern goers. He is interrupted and attacked by several Spaniards. Jackson defeats them, but is injured in the process. A woman named Rachel
Rachel Jackson
Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson, born Rachel Donelson, was the wife of the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson....
helps him to recover from his injuries. They fall in love during his recovery and eventually marry, though Rachel is not yet divorced from her current husband. ("Illness as Metaphor") At the end of the song, news comes that British, Indian, and Spanish forces are making advances into American territory. Meanwhile, the US government continues to do nothing to stop the attacks. Jackson realizes that if he wants this cycle to end, he must change things himself ("I'm So That Guy").
Jackson organizes a militia to remove Indian Tribes throughout the Southeast both by force and negotiation ("Ten Little Indians
Ten Little Indians
"Ten Little Indians" is a children's rhyme. The song is usually performed to the Irish folk tune "Michael Finnegan". It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 13512.-Lyrics:The modern lyrics are believed to be public domain and are as follows:...
"). John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
, Henry Clay
Henry Clay
Henry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives...
, John Calhoun
John Calhoun
John Calhoun may refer to:*John C. Calhoun, seventh Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator*John Calhoun , American computer programmer*John B...
, and Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States . Before his presidency, he was the eighth Vice President and the tenth Secretary of State, under Andrew Jackson ....
are introduced as they express their concern over Jackson's unauthorized territorial expansion. Jackson rebuffs their pleas, explaining how he has driven out the French and the Spanish while acquiring more land than Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
.
The Battle of New Orleans
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815 and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. American forces, commanded by Major General Andrew Jackson, defeated an invading British Army intent on seizing New Orleans and the vast territory the United States had acquired with the...
transforms Jackson into a national hero. He becomes governor of Florida and decides to run for President in 1824. Although he receives the most popular and Electoral votes, he is not elected President due to the political maneuvering in the House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
. ("The Corrupt Bargain
Corrupt Bargain
The term Corrupt Bargain refers to three separate events that each involved a United States presidential election and a deal that was struck that many viewed to be corrupt from many standpoints, such as in the Election of 1824 controversy over the House of Representative's choice for president with...
"). Jackson spends the four years after the election at his home, The Hermitage
The Hermitage (Nashville, Tennessee)
The Hermitage is a historical plantation and museum located in Davidson County, Tennessee, USA, east of downtown Nashville. The plantation was owned by Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, from 1804 until his death at the Hermitage in 1845. Jackson only lived at the property...
. He returns from political exile and forms the Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. During the presidential election of 1828, Andrew Jackson becomes a surprise candidate. ("Rock Star") This is grueling both publicly and personally to Jackson and his family. Rachel, feeling as if she has no private life, questions Andrew's love for her versus the American People ("The Great Compromise").
Days before the election, a Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
panel led by Clay
Henry Clay
Henry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives...
investigates Jackson's past wrongdoings and accuses Rachel of bigamy. Despite this, Jackson ends up winning the election and becomes the 7th President of the United States. However, the accusation of his rivals along with the stress of the election leads to Rachel dying of grief. He vows to use both his presidency and his wife's death as a mandate to "take this country back" ("Public Life").
Once in office, Jackson is faced with a plethora of problems, ranging from the National Bank
Second Bank of the United States
The Second Bank of the United States was chartered in 1816, five years after the First Bank of the United States lost its own charter. The Second Bank of the United States was initially headquartered in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, the same as the First Bank, and had branches throughout the...
to questions about Indian relocation. Being the “People’s President,” Jackson begins polling the American Populace on all Executive decision. This draws the ire of Congress and the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
. In response, Jackson consolidates Executive Power
Executive (government)
Executive branch of Government is the part of government that has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state bureaucracy. The division of power into separate branches of government is central to the idea of the separation of powers.In many countries, the term...
thus making the Presidency more powerful than Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
and the Courts. At first, his exhilarating cowboy-like governing tactics are met with great enthusiasm by the average citizen, but as the problems grow tougher, the public begins to resent being asked to make difficult decisions ("Crisis Averted").
As the American people gradually turn on him, Jackson takes stock of all that he has lost: his family, his wife, and now the love of the American public. He decides he must take ultimate responsibility for the nation's choices and declares that he alone will be the one to make the unenviable policy decisions regarding the Indians' fate ("The Saddest Song"). He summons Black Fox-- an Indian Chief who organized the remaining Indian tribes into a confederation against Tennessee settlers-- in order to make one last deal with the Native Americans still living in American Territories. Jackson implores Black Fox to peacefully move his people west of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
. Black Fox ask for time to consult his tribe, but Jackson violently snaps and decrees that federal troops will forcibly move the Indians West.
Near the end, the play reviews Jackson's legacy and the views attributed to him. Some believe he was one of America's greatest presidents, while others believe him to be an “American Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
”. The final scene shows Jackson receiving an honorary doctorate at Harvard. He reflects upon his achievements and his questionable decisions. The show telescopes out and we get a bird's eye view of Jackson's damning legacy and our collective culpability ("Second Nature").
Finally, the company gathers to sing "The Hunters of Kentucky
The Hunters of Kentucky
The Hunters of Kentucky, also called The Battle of New Orleans and Half Horse or Half Alligator, was a song written in 1821 to commemorate Andrew Jackson's victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
" before taking their bows.
Production history
World premiereDeveloped by New York-based experimental company Les Freres Corbusier
Les Freres Corbusier
Les Freres Corbusier is a New York based theatre company, founded in 2003 by three then-recent Yale graduates – Alex Timbers, Aaron Lemon-Strauss, and Jennifer Rogien. It is currently led by Artistic Director Timbers.-Productions:...
, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson had workshop productions in August 2006 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and in May 2007 at the New 42nd Street Studios, New York. It premiered in January 2008 in Los Angeles at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
Kirk Douglas Theatre
The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located in Culver City, California and in 2004, was acquired by the famed Center Theatre Group. The theatre is the most intimate of the group's three stages and seats 317 patrons at max occupancy.- History :...
, produced by Center Theatre Group
Center Theatre Group
Center Theatre Group is a non-profit arts organization located in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the largest theatre companies in the nation, programming subscription seasons year-round at the Mark Taper Forum, the Ahmanson Theatre and the Kirk Douglas Theatre...
. The cast included Sebastian Arcelus
Sebastian Arcelus
Sebastian Arcelus is an American actor. He has made a career in theatre on Broadway, regionally, and internationally. He made his Broadway debut in Rent, first as a swing, covering the male ensemble roles as well as Mark and Roger, and then as Roger...
, Stephanie D'Abruzzo
Stephanie D'Abruzzo
Stephanie D'Abruzzo is an American actress and puppeteer.-Early life:D'Abruzzo grew up in McMurray, Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh suburb she has described as a "plastic bubble kind of town." She graduated from Peters Township High School, where she was active in the theater program, and attended the...
, Kevin Del Aguila, Darren Goldstein, Greg Hildreth, Jeff Hiller, Adam O'Byrne, Maria Elena Ramirez, Kate Roberts, Jeanine Serralles, Ben Steinfeld, Robbie Sublett, Ian Unterman, and Ben Walker. Robert Brill was the set designer, Jeff Croiter the lighting designer, Emily Rebholz the costume designer, Bart Fasbender the sound designer, and Jacob Pinholster the video designer. Kelly Devine was the choreographer and Gabriel Kahane
Gabriel Kahane
Gabriel Kahane is an American composer and singer-songwriter living in New York City. He is best known for his 2006 piece, Craigslistlieder.-Biography:...
the music director.
New York premiere
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson opened in May 2009 at The Public Theater
Public Theater
The Public Theater is a New York City arts organization founded as The Shakespeare Workshop in 1954 by Joseph Papp, with the intention of showcasing the works of up-and-coming playwrights and performers. It is headquartered at 425 Lafayette Street in the former Astor Library in the East Village...
in New York in a concert version, and returned to run from March 23 (previews) to June 27, 2010. The cast included River Alexander
River Alexander
River Alexander is an American actor born in Southwest Ranches, Florida.-Career:River Alexander began his professional acting career in 2010 with a production of Caroline, or Change...
, David Axelrod, James Barry, Darren Goldstein, Greg Hildreth, Jeff Hiller, Lisa Joyce, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, Bryce Pinkham, Maria Elena Ramirez, Kate Roberts, Ben Steinfeld, Ben Walker, and Colleen Werthmann. Scenic design was by Donyale Werle, lighting design by Justin Townsend, costume design by Emily Rebholz, and sound design by Bart Fasbender. Danny Mefford was the choreographer and Justin Levine was the music director.
Broadway Premiere
The show premiered on Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre is a legitimate Broadway theatre located at 242 West 45th Street in midtown-Manhattan.Designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp, it opened as the Royale Theatre on January 11, 1927 with a musical entitled Piggy...
, with previews starting on September 21, 2010 and opening night October 13, 2010. Many of the cast from the off-Broadway production reprised their roles, including Benjamin Walker
Benjamin Walker (actor)
Benjamin "Ben" Walker is an American actor, best known for his film appearances in Kinsey , Harlon Block in Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers, and his critically acclaimed portrayal of Andrew Jackson in the Off- and On Broadway incarnations of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.-Education and...
in the title role, Maria Elena Ramirez, Jeff Hiller and Lucas Near-Verbrugghe. Despite positive reviews and early Tony buzz, the musical closed on January 2, 2011, after 120 performances due to poor attendance.
Critics blamed the poor economy during the show's run and its unorthodox story and presentation for the show's failure to build popularity. The show, which cost $4.5 million, "will close at a loss", according to The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
.
Musical numbers
- Populism, Yea, Yea! – Company
- I’m Not That Guy – Andrew Jackson
- Illness As Metaphor – Andrew Jackson, Rachel, Monroe, & Male Soloist
- I’m So That Guy – Andrew Jackson & Company
- Ten Little Indians – Female Soloist, Rachel & Female Ensemble
- The Corrupt Bargain – Female Ensemble (Toula, Elizabeth, & Naomi), John CalhounJohn CalhounJohn Calhoun may refer to:*John C. Calhoun, seventh Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator*John Calhoun , American computer programmer*John B...
, John Quincy AdamsJohn Quincy AdamsJohn Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
, & Henry ClayHenry ClayHenry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives... - Rock Star – Male Soloist, Andrew Jackson, & Company
- The Great Compromise – Rachel, Male Soloist, & Monroe
- Public Life – Andrew Jackson & Company
- Crisis Averted – Male Soloist, Male Soloist, & Company
- The Saddest Song – Andrew Jackson, Monroe, Black Fox, and Company
- Second Nature – Male Soloist
- The Hunters of Kentucky – Company
Reception
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson received mostly positive reviews. The New York Daily News called it "Bloody entertaining", calling Benjamin Walker "magnetic and energetic" and applauding the show for its lightweight and silly atmosphere. The New York Times noted that "there is no show in town that more astutely reflects the state of this nation than Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson". However, the Hollywood Reporter criticized the play for its immaturity, remarking that "although the show attempts at times to delve into Jackson's complex personality and the corruption that marred his presidency, it does so with the sort of snarky silliness that mars the worst "Saturday Night Live" sketches", and calling the portrayals of Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun "rendered with all the subtlety of a vaudeville routine".Awards and nominations
2011 Tony Awards- Best Book of a MusicalTony Award for Best Book of a MusicalThe Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical is awarded to librettists of the spoken, non-sung dialogue, and storyline of a musical play. Eligibility is restricted to works with original narrative framework; plotless revues and revivals are ineligible...
(nomination) - Best Scenic Design of a MusicalTony Award for Best Scenic Design of a MusicalThis is a list of winners and nominations for the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for outstanding set design of a play or musical. The award was first presented in 1947...
(nomination)
Outer Critics Circle Award
Outer Critics Circle Award
The Outer Critics Circle Awards are presented annually for theatrical achievements both on and Off-Broadway and were begun during the 1949-1950 theater season. The awards are decided upon by theater critics who review for out-of-town newspapers, national publications, and other media outlets...
- 2010 Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical (winner, tie)
Drama Desk Award
Drama Desk Award
The Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
- 2010 Outstanding Music (nomination)
- 2010 Outstanding Book of a Musical (winner)