BWW Reviews: BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON Is A Bloody Good Time

When it comes to U.S. Presidents, no one was as bad-ass as Andrew Jackson. To put things in perspective, the most memorable element of Obama's inauguration was Aretha Franklin's hat, and even that's been long forgotten. Jackson's inauguration was an out of control riot that almost burned down the White House. When the party you threw 184 years ago is still talked about, you know it was pretty epic.

By all accounts, Jackson was a rebel, so it's not surprising that Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, now playing at San Antonio's Woodlawn Theatre, imagines our 7th President as the rock star of his generation. What is surprising is how fun it is.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson packs Old Hickory's entire political career into two hours, covering everything from the Trail of Tears to his delicate relationship with the Washington elite. But the story itself isn't quite as interesting as the way it's told. Alex Timbers's book is packed with sketch comedy episodes and Michael Friedman's songs have an edgy, punk rock feel. Given the raucous rock and roll tone, one can't help but think that the show's giving a one finger salute to American politics as it explores Jackson's life.

That's okay though. It seems Jackson probably gave the same salute at some point. As Jackson, Anthony Cortino has the perfect mix of machismo, arrogance, and grit. He certainly gives a commanding presence to the Commander in Chief. As Jackson's wife, Rachel, San Antonio newcomer Elise Eversole is brilliant. At first, she plays Rachel as innocent, somewhat dim, and overly prim and proper, but she really lets loose in her angst-ridden solo, "The Great Compromise." Sharon Newhardt is wonderfully funny as the crippled and overly excited Narrator, and the 11 person ensemble is outstanding. They attack Michael Friedman's punk-rock score with energy to spare, and all are given several moments to shine. Allen Dearborn is particularly amusing as the twinkie-eating Marten Van Buren and Robby Vance is wonderfully over the top as the weasel pelt-wearing Henry Clay.

Director Matthew Byron Cassi does an outstanding job with the demands of the show. Between its historical elements, political commentary, rock score, bawdy humor, and occasional send-ups of more traditional musical theater, there's a lot going on in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, but Cassi gets it all in and makes it look easy. He does play up the rock edge of the show a bit, which is a wise move. Doing so allows for some rock concert style lighting by Matt Smith and an ingenious set by Benjamin Grabill that mixes old, rustic American touches with far more contemporary elements.

While politics may not have universal appeal, poking fun at politics sure does, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson pokes fun at American government in a way that is silly, satirical, and wonderfully clever. This is a historical biography that can please people who hate historical biographies and a musical that can please people who hate musicals. It's smart. It's rowdy. It's bloody fantastic.

Running time: 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission. NOTE: Recommended for mature audiences only.

BLOODY BLOODY Andrew Jackson plays the Woodlawn Theatre at 1920 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, 78201 now thru December 1st. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Tickets are $15-$23. For tickets and more information, visit www.woodlawntheatre.com.

Pictured: Anthony Cortino (Center) and the cast of BLOODY BLOODY Andrew Jackson.

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