Bailiwick Chicago to Stage Chicago Premiere of BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON

On the heels of the opening of its critically-hailed hit production of "Passing Strange," Bailiwick Chicago announced today that the company has been awarded the producing rights for the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson," which, on Tuesday, May 3, was nominated for two Tony Awards (Best Book of a Musical and Set Design) and recently won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical.

In addition, it was announced that Kevin Mayes, who has acted as Executive Director since the new company's founding in 2009 has moved to the position of Artistic Director, and that Collective member Brian LaDuca will serve as Executive Director effective immediately.

"Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" was created by Alex Timbers (book) and Michael Friedman (music and lyrics) and tells the story of the United States of America's audacious and bold seventh president, the founder of the Democratic party who greatly expanded the size of the nation. Raucous, sometimes absurd and unceasingly brash, the show was first staged in New York by The Public Theater, then moved to Broadway in September 2010. Upon its Broadway opening, Ben Brantley of the New York Times called the production a "rowdy political carnival" adding "There's not a show in town that more astutely reflects the state of this nation than ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson'.... this shaggy, devastatingly insightful show is likely to remain a true reflection of these United States for many years to come."

"Following the incredible response we've received for ‘Passing Strange,' this is a defining moment for Bailiwick Chicago", said Mayes. "The fact that Music Theatre International and the writers of ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson' have entrusted us with the Chicago premiere of this ground-breaking show demonstrates that we are on the right path. Brian and I are committed to taking big risks by producing shows that no one else in Chicago is doing right now. We're confident that by keeping the artistic quality high and creating a unique audience experience, Chicago theatergoers will support us."

"I'm very excited to take on this role with the company," added LaDuca, "and am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Bailiwick Chicago Collective and its mission. Kevin and I are dear friends as well as close colleagues, and I'm looking forward to a wonderful partnership."

Specific dates and a director for "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" will be announced later in the year, along with the rest of the 2012 season.

Bailiwick Chicago's production of "Passing Strange" at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts,777 N. Green St., Chicago, plays through May 29. For tickets or more information call 312-733-6000 or visit bailiwickchicago.com.

Bailiwick Chicago strives to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others. Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of artists called the Collective, which is responsible for the artistic mission and vision of the company. The company's inaugural season included the Chicago premiere of Joe DiPietro's" F***ING MEN," the critically acclaimed production of "AIDA," and the U.S. premiere of the British musical, "DEPARTURE LOUNGE." For more information about the company, go to bailiwickchicago.com.

 

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