Susan Granger’s review of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” (Bernard B. Jacobs Theater 2010)
Part irreverent history lesson, part raucous rock musical, it purportedly traces the rise and fall of Andrew Jackson, the hot-tempered seventh President of the United States. Beginning with an exploration of his bitter roots deep in the Tennessee hills, it traces how his mom and dad died and how young Andrew loathes his life. As he ages (but never matures), his rancorous wrath is aimed primarily at arrow-wielding Indians, those pesky Native Americans who protest having their native land stolen from them. Meanwhile, he’s fallen in love with Rachel who, inconveniently, is married to someone else. As a military leader, General Jackson distinguishes himself at the Battle of New Orleans, banishing the British and earning a groundswell of popular support as an ‘outsider.’ While his initial quest to overcome the establishment in Washington, D.C., is defeated, he prevails, founding what is now known as the Democratic party.
Developed by the New York-based experimental Les Freres Corbusier, it had several workshop productions before premiering in Los Angeles in 2008 and opening in concert version at the New York Public Theater in 2009. Many in that off-Broadway cast reprise their roles, including energetic Benjamin Walker in the title role, along with Jeff Hiller, Maria Elena Ramirez and Lucas Near-Verbrugghe.
Taking is cue from the “Rock Star” theme song, Walker childishly struts around the stage in tight black jeans, while the rest of the cast looks as if it was assembled from a sophomoric high school production inspired by a satirical “Saturday Night Live” skit.
With a pop score by Michael Friedman and profanity-laden book by Alex Timers, who doubles as director, it’s far more interesting to look at than to listen to since scenic designer Donyale Werle has assembled a myriad of Andrew Jackson memorabilia.
Bottom line: This raw, vulgar, boisterous blast is – so far – the greatest disappointment of the season.