The irreverent, 90-minute musical arrived on Broadway Sept. 20 and officially opened Oct. 13 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Despite almost unanimous critical praise, bolstered by a rave in the New York Times, Bloody Bloody will shutter Jan. 2, 2011.
The Broadway run was initially scheduled through Jan. 9, 2011; however, a new block of tickets were released through April 2011. When it closes, the musical will have played 120 performances.
Equal parts sketch comedy, underground rock concert and a revisionist history lesson, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson has book and direction by Alex Timbers of Les Freres Corbusier and music and lyrics by The Civilians' Michael Friedman. Scenic designer Donyale Werle transformed the entirety of the Jacobs Theatre into a heady mix of taxidermy, American memorabilia and dazzling lighting by Justin Townsend.
"We are so proud to have been part of this extraordinary production. The good news is that we believe Bloody will be done throughout the country in the years ahead. There is considerable interest already from resident theatres and also from London," said co-producers Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel.
Its Broadway life began after a 2008 world premiere at the Center Theatre Group and a run at the Public Theater last spring, where it was extended three times. Bloody Bloody earned a place as the second highest-grossing production in Public Theater history. The record holder is the Tony Award-nominated musical Caroline, or Change. Benjamin Walker, who originated the role of "Old Hickory" at the Center Theatre Group and subsequently Off-Broadway at the Public, repeats his work for the Broadway run as the skinny-jean-clad President. Walker has also appeared on Broadway in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Inherit the Wind, as well as the films "Kinsey" and "Flags of Our Fathers."
The cast also features Maria Elena Ramirez as Rachel, Jeff Hiller as John Adams, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe as Van Buren, Ben Steinfeld as Monroe, Greg Hildreth as Red Eagle, Darren Goldstein as Calhoun, Bryce Pinkham as Clay, Kate Cullen Roberts as Elizabeth, Kristine Nielson as the Storyteller, Cameron Ocasio as Lyncoya, Nadia Quinn, Emily Young as the Female Soloist and James Barry as the Male Soloist. Much of the Broadway cast originated their roles Off-Broadway and in the Center Theatre Group production.
The production has scenic design by Donyale Werle, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Justin Townsend and sound design by Bart Fasbender. Choreography is by Danny Mefford.
The Public Theater has teamed with Hair producers Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel, alongside producers Norton Herrick & Herrick Entertainment, Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley, Susan Gallin/Mary Lu Roffe/Jennifer Manocherian, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Nancy C. Paduano/Harold Thau and Toula C. Phillips for the Broadway run.
Following a sold-out run at Public LAB in 2009, Bloody Bloody returned to The Public for a full main stage production and opened to acclaimed reviews on April 6. It received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Best Book of a Musical.
Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records recorded the cast album of the musical, which can be ordered here.
Producers are offering a daily $20 ticket lottery for 20 seats within the first two rows at the Jacobs Theatre. Entries will be accepted 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Tickets range $51.50-$131.50. The performance schedule is as follows: Monday-Thursday at 7 PM; Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM; and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM.
For tickets visit Telecharge.com or phone (212) 239-6200. The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre is located at 242 West 45th Street.
Highlights from Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson:
