rOcKS @ 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson'

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/8/10 at 11:13pm

I'm gonna try to keep this short.

It's still a ton of fun and it really fills the Jacobs exceptionally well. Loved the way they transformed the theater with the lights and giant horse hanging above the orchestra.

The theater was full; the audience a bit muted. There were people laughing at the jokes, for sure (and most of the time, I was one of them), but there were definitely a lot of people who either didn't seem to "get" it or who just weren't enjoying it.

It's NOT a masterpiece or a perfect show by any means (that transition from farce to serious drama is extremely abrupt and some of the jokes fall flat) but it is fun. Ben Walker carries this show on his shoulders; his voice is gorgeous, he's got great stage presence, and he is turning in an undeniably charming performance...I hope he gets a Tony nod.

Funny moment: one of the legs on the desk broke off and they had to replace the leg with a paint can. So funny.

Anyway, I recommend it, but I have a feeling it won't last very long. I hope I'm wrong but I just am not really sure who they are trying to attract to see this show. But odds are, you'll have a good time. I know I did. It is one of the few shows on Broadway that is truly unlike anything else running. It is a REAL original musical, in more ways than one. So, if only for that reason, see it if you can. My TDF seat was second row mezzanine by the way; wonderful view.

*** out of ****

[binau]

Posted: 10/8/10 at 11:24pm

How accessible is the show for those that don't know anything about American history?

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 12:00am

Very. I mean, it helps to know a little bit of history (and I'm sure the Jackson/history-buffs probably get more out of it), but you should enjoy it regardless. In my mind, any good show shouldn't have any prerequisite readings or knowledge to make it "work." And BBAJ certainly works without being informed beforehand on the extensive history of Jackson's presidency.

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 12:06am

I just got off of the phone with a friend who saw it last night. He said he is glad he saw it but he was kind of over it about a half hour in. He said the music was more incidental and expected it to be more of a "musical" than it was.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 5:34pm

This is DEFINITELY not going to make it past January.

Even my travel agent that books my HS trip for me knows of the 'rumors'. She never knows of the rumors.

I just hope it lasts to the end of the month as that's when I'm catching it!

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 5:52pm

rOcKS, I agree with everything you said. While it's not the best thing I've seen, I had so much fun at this show and found it to be quite unique. And yes, Walker is absolutely fantastic in this. I'm hoping that at least he is remembered come Tony time, even if the show doesn't last that long.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 6:47pm

...What 'rumors' are you talking about? LOL

Far as I'm concerned, the piece was extended three times at The Pub. Deservingly making the move. Give it a chance, people. It's theatre. Stranger things have happened...

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 6:54pm

But it was NOT selling out in its last leg at the public.

I loved the show...cant wait to see it again. I expect it to make it TO January...just not past it.

(But I agree with the above statement...it's not a great show, but a great time.)

[iagowasframed]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 7:00pm

I loved this at the Public and it will always be special to me because it's the one musical my son loves(doesn't share my love of the theater). But when I heard it was going to Broadway I was skeptical. I want it to succeed and run for years, but I just can't imagine that happening. It was on TDF all the time at the public, and that was the perfect fit for it. So I'll root for it, but unfortunately I don't see a long run in it's future.

[Kad]

Posted: 10/9/10 at 7:14pm

They need to step up advertising, I think. Get some more TV appearances. Once the reviews come out, it will be clearer what direction it's heading in.

[bbajfan]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 10:33am

It's one of those shows that the more times you see it, the more you like it, or the more interesting you find it. There is so much content locked up in all those songs, that you don't get it all at once. It's not a fluffy musical. I read a biography on Andrew Jackson after seeing the show at the Public, and it was an eyeopener. Then going back to see it on Broadway, it was an 'ah-hah'. Then listen to the CD and you pick up nuances in the lyrics that are really clever. I especially liked the tune 'corrupt bargain' because it summed up in a catchy song and dance the issues that surrounded Jackson's first run for president. genius. How anybody could grab the essence of the Jackson presidency and make a musical out of it is beyond me. Great show, but if you are expecting a traditional musical, keep an open mind....it is amazingly clever.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 10:39am

Shows should NOT have to be seen more than once to appreciate them. Most theater goers are NOT repeats. You shouldn't need to RESEARCH a show to "get it".

I've alread seen it 2x at the public. I can't say I liked it more the second time, but enjoyed it just as much. I'm looking forward to seeing it one last time at the end of the month.

As to keeping an open mind....that's a given for any show.

[bbajfan]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 10:48am

Not saying you have to do research or see it more than once. I loved it the first time i saw it. I enjoyed it even more seeing it again...just saying it's not your typical musical, and it's thought provoking enough to encourage me to read a biography of a dead president, lol.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 10:51am

Sure, most people are not repeat theatre goers, but the fact that bbajfan got a lot out of it the second time around meant that it's hopefully a nice layered show that is rewarding beyond the first viewing. I am often a repeat at shows and the best ones are ones where I can get something new out of it every time (a la South Pacific or Next to Normal). Perhaps that won't be the best for business, but I think it speaks to the quality of the show (have not yet seen it, but hopefully I am today!).

[bbajfan]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 11:17am

By contrast, i saw 'Billy Elliot' and 'Next to Normal', and have no interest in seeing them again.