ATERAHME LAWRENCE
Special to The Leader
“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” is the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series’ next big show. Making its debut in 2010, this comedic historical rock musical takes on the infamous legacy of the 7th president of the United States.
Jackson was best known for being a president for the common man who fought for the democracy of the American people.
He represented more than just democracy and national patriotism. Jackson stood for the expansion and freedom of America as well as all of its dark history and contradictions.
“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” is an emo-pop rock musical that will force everyone who watches it to lift up a mirror to our America and take a nice smack in the face from Andrew Jackson himself.
Fredonia Theatre and Dance faculty and director of the production Jessica Hillman McCord hopes that we feel challenged to think about this musical.
The importance of theatre isn’t in its ability to entertain, but rather its ability to give lessons and transform the sometimes harsh reality of our world into the spectacle that is performance art.
Although it’s in the title, I’m gonna provide you with a content warning anyway. There will be blood, blood and even more blood.
This isn’t a gorey production, but definitely not one for people with a weak stomach, or a weak mind. Knife and gun violence should be expected and the cast definitely won’t be holding their tongues.
Also, expect some not-so-casual punches about the historic American displacement and genocide of its indigenous people. Aside from that, you’ll definitely laugh, probably gasp and, most importantly, think.
“It is very much about today; the racism, bigotry and discrimination, [and how] it is destructive,” said McCord.
The musical will show everything from the young years of Jackson to his eight year term of presidency and all that transpired on American soil during that time.
Senior BFA musical theatre major Noah Barnes plays the lead role of Andrew Jackson. He has had several roles in Fredonia Mainstage musicals and says that this one is important, especially since it’s his last production as a student. He suspects the audience won’t like his character, and actually hopes that they don’t.
To him it’s the message of the musical that is most important. Seeing an audience that leaves the performance reflecting, thinking and changing the world around them is the best reward of playing the memorable Jackson.
Historical accuracy is an important aspect in getting this message across, although Jackson is charming, youthful, supported and loved by those around him, every person is three dimensional.
On the other hand he can be callow, careless and worst of all impulsive.
As an audience member of this upbeat musical, it can be easy to get lost in the true facts of the content being presented.
But the ugly truth is that the early years of America as a country were dark and Jackson was responsible. The Trail of Tears, an American genocide, issues like discrimination, racism and bigotry are all present in this satirical production.
Hillman-McCord made sure that the message would not be lost, but rather punched and poked into you as you watch, listen and laugh. The message you ask?
“This is what happens with discrimination and hate. And unfortunately history has a way of repeating itself,” said Jong Sang Rheu who plays Indian chief “Black Fox,” a powerless leader in the face of historical forces he can’t control.
If you want to be entertained by the amazing talent at Fredonia, educated and enlightened, this show is for you. Although there are many reasons why you should come out and see “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” the lessons it teaches is by far most important.
“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” will be up in Bartlett Theatre in the Rockefeller Arts Center from Nov. 30 to Dec. 8. Ticket Pricing is as follows: General Public $30.00, SUNY Students $12.00 and for a Non-SUNY Student/Child $22.00. You can purchase tickets online or at the Fredonia Ticket Office.
The show is an hour and a half with no intermission. There will also be a Talk Back with the cast, director and the Native American Student Union on the Saturday of opening weekend following the show.