Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, 10/18-11/11

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) presents the second show of its fifteenth anniversary mainstage season, the award winning Broadway musical, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson is mad as hell and he's not going to take it anymore! This emo-rock musical reinvents the seventh president and the guy whose face you know from the twenty dollar bill as a complete and total rock star. Winner of the 2010 Outer Critic's Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson promises to entertain while taking audiences on a wildly exhilarating theatrical ride.

An audacious mix of historical fact and fiction, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson redefines America's controversial seventh president -- the man who invented the Democratic Party, drove the Indians west, and ultimately doubled the size of our nation -- with a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious emo-punk rock score.

Julie Herber, MET Associate Artistic Director, directs Alex Timbers' script with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman. "We're excited to be bringing this hard hitting historical musical to life just in time for the upcoming presidential election! The clever approach taken by show creators offers not only an entertaining look at the people's candidate, Andrew Jackson, but also a huge parallel to the climate of our nation's present political unrest", said Herber. In Herber's production of this "raucous combination political cartoon, rock concert, and extended Saturday Night Live sketch" (Backstage), Clay Comer straps on the axe to portray the show's title character. He is joined by Chris Thomas as Martin Van Buren, Jack Evans as James Monroe, Matt Lee as John Calhoun, Eric Jones as John Quincy Adams and Joe Jalette as Henry Clay. The ensemble cast also includes Thom Huenger, Evan Owens, Allison Lepelletier Duvall, Wilson Seltzer, Caitlyn Joy, Shea-Mikel Green and Alex Borso as Jackson's lovely leading lady Rachel. The talented ensemble will be backed up on stage by additional musicians including Musical Director, Alison E. Shafer.

Herber is confident the production will win over any undecided,"the show offers a little something for everyone including history, although some of the history may be re-interpreted for comic effect, great rock music by an incredible band led by Alison, plenty of sophomoric humor and a main character filled with charm, raucousness and a kick a@# agenda." Herber will be assisted by a production team that includes lights by Paul Shillinger, costumes by Dusty Shaffer, set design by JoAnn Lee, with props by Doug Grove and Katie Rattigan.

The show will run from October 18 through November 11 every Thursday through Sunday at the MET, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. The first Thursday performance will be a $10 preview night (cash only at door) and the first Sunday performance will be a gala night with a reception preceding the performance sponsored by The Cellar Door. Tickets are $15 (Thursdays) through $24 and can be purchased at 301.694.4744, marylandensemble.org or in person at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office. The show is recommended for ages fifteen and up as it contains mature language and situations.

This production is made possible in part through the support of MET's season sponsors including Comcast, The Frederick Gorilla, Key 103, Eagle 106.9, Ausherman Family Foundation, Mark A Pitts Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, The Gazette and both the Frederick and Maryland Arts Councils.

Now in it's fifteenth season the Maryland Ensemble Theatre produces thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools, theatre camps, challenging classes and the side-splitting Comedy Pigs.

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