“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” Wins the Popular Vote

By Shannon O’Connor 11-5-2012   

“History just got all sexy pants.” That is the tagline for the play “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” and it says it all.

The SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production is filled with uproarious humor, intense stage combat, melodramatic sequences, and fist-pumping musical numbers. It entertains audiences and also provides them with a small history lesson.

After the electrifying opening number “Populism, Yea Yea,” the musical jumps right into Andrew Jackson’s childhood. The story follows Jackson through his birth into the world of politics and through his time as the seventh president of the United States.

The musical serves as a humorous and highly sexualized rendition of Andrew Jackson’s life. When he first appears on stage, he is wearing a pair tight leather jeans. Also as the rest of the production plays out Jackson’s personal exploits including his scandalous relationship with his wife Rebecca are spotlighted.

However “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” has the underlying purpose of conveying to the audience that early American politics were not perfect. Tte production gets to the core of the issues surrounding American politics through  humor and song.   There is the hilarious musical number describing “The Corrupt Bargain.”  Then Jackson sings the heart-pumping anthem “Rock Star,” in which he rants about “there being no place in America for a celebrity of the first rank.”

Gus Curry’s portrayal of Andrew Jackson as an immature, ambitious and rowdy upcoming politician was spot-on. Curry managed to remain likeable and create a charismatic Jackson.  He has an incredible singing voice, natural comedic timing, and brought the dramatics when needed.

Another notable star is Amy Jo Jackson who played multiple parts as a member of the ensemble cast. Her hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Ten Little Indians” was an awe-worthy moment in the show.

The choreography was a highlight. Every step was precise and every motion was in sync from the dancing to the fight scenes. The bar fight sequence was the most impressive. Almost a dozen actors participated in combat and nobody made a wrong move.

Filled with rocking anthems, laugh-out-loud humor, and a whole lot of history, the Speak Easy Stage Company’s production of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” was a crowd-pleaser. The production runs through November 17th.