BWW Reviews: BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON at the Know Theatre

Andrew Jackson is currently presiding over the Know Theatre in a raucous, rocking musical now through May 12^th.  Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson tells the story of Jackson's life, starting with his young life and continues through his bid for presidency and his subsequent controversial term.  Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson examines the attraction and terrors of American populism through the story of the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation, and signed the Indian Removal Act that started the Trail of Tears. 

The show takes Jackson's reputation as a rebellious and controversial president and runs with it.  While set during the 1800's and loosely following real life events, the show mixes in modern slang, vocabulary, and a costuming, bringing together the time periods of then and now.  And somehow, it's a hit.  Part of the appeal of the show is the high energy punk rock score and the ensemble does an amazing job with it.

BBAJ  stars Kellen York as Jackson, with other familiar Know faces, Torie Wiggins, Annie Kalahurka, and Chris Wesselman.  New to Know are Rachel Christianson, Datus Puryear, Chance Kilgour, Drew Bowen, Kathryn Boswell, Kelsey Crimson, Matt Hill, and Darius Brown.  It's a large, loud and incredibly talented cast, accompanied by a local house band, The Dukes are Dead. 

With creative blocking and a pretty cool scenic design, the large cast doesn't overwhelm the small theatre.  The strong creative team at the Know Theatre leads the musical into an amazing regional premiere performance.    

BBAJ takes you back to a different time period, yet also makes you reflect on the American government, both then and now.  But it'll also make you laugh, which is always important when dealing with politics.

The Know Theatre has created the Club of Jacksons in honor of the show, which is it's first community-sourced production sponsorship opportunity.  Donate $20 (with your picture if you'd like) on the wall at Know Theatre and your name will be listed on the website.  Additional benefits of higher donations is available on their website at http://www.knowtheatre.com

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the week of the performance (beginning Mondays at noon). Season subscription five-show flexible passes are available for $75 and guarantees the advance ticket price all season long. Tickets can be purchased by visiting knowtheatre.com or by calling the box office at 513.300.KNOW (5669)

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