Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Easily one of the most talked about stars on stage this year was Benjamin Walker for "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson." Playing at the Public (this soundtrack is associated with that run) earlier this year before moving to Broadway in the fall, the show is closing shop after the new year. And what a shame! With universal critical acclaim and a star making performance, I'd have hoped for a longer run. But, alas, we take what we can get if the show isn't called "Wicked."

The show fashions Jackson as a rebel and a trailblazer. The first "commoner" to be elected President, he was considered the first populist choice. The show showcases Jackson's rise from a humble Tennessee beginning, through his conflicts with the British, his battles with the Indians, and his confrontation with the Spaniards. This is a top notch recording with whip smart lyrics and a pulsing rock beat. Walker shines on his numbers--funny, sexy, powerful--a real leading man. But perhaps one of my...Read more

Really enjoyed this off-Broadway at the Public (seemed more at home off-Broadway; I knew the Broadway transfer to a big house wouldn't last long.) One of my favorite cast recordings, albeit a bit unconventional.

Seriously, has there been a better opening number recently? Given the lack of imagination in so many other so-called "rock musicals" the variety in Michael Friedman's score is pleasantly surprising. The concept of this show is interesting to begin with (and, so far, seems to be the sort of thing that audiences either really love or really hate) and the score does a great job of pointing it up. I played this CD for an American History teacher at the school where I teach, and he liked it so much that he started off his lecture on Andrew Jackson by playing this CD. Finally, a CD that musical lovers, emo folks, and history teachers can all love!