Imagine if you will a story line where the main character wants to rid the nation of its non-native and its native members, too, except for non-natives like himself: a man with a strong desire for strong drink consumed in the company of others in pubs; a man who falls in love with a married woman; and a future leader that not only will argue for a return of government to the people from the grip of the elites but also was a founding member of the Democratic Party.
Now if you thought this was some strange narrative from an alternative universe of a modern man, think again.
This is the musical adaptation of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and, over the next three weekends, you will have a chance to revisit history and decide for yourself what you think of this man who became president while evicting the British, stealing the land of the Native Americans, and even had time to tussle with the Spaniards and French, and doing so without permission and as a Democrat.
This retelling of Andrew Jackson's life in the years leading up to and becoming president employs all the devices of the modern musical of late, with hipsters in rebellious, tight jeans, eye make-up and, of course, a rocking score that is sure to help the bitter medicine go down sweet -- but not without raising the eternal question of the actions of a leader that some scholars have compared to as America's Hitler.
This energetic production from Actors' Theatre of Grand Rapids is directed by Kyle Amanda Dutkiewicz with Scott Bell as music director. It stars Kyle Jurassic in the lead role of Andrew Jackson with Noddea Moore Skidmore playing the president's love interest, Rachel. They are supported by a cast of nine in this rousing retelling of his story, with a rowdy and raw rock-and-roll score.
And while this is a dramatic interpretation of the events, history buffs may get frustrated with the dramatic license -- but then again, the real thing might be too shocking even for modern audiences. Get there and make up your own mind …or sing it out later.
Admission: from $24
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