University Theatre presents 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson'

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University theatre students will perform the popular new rock musical "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" Feb. 12-28 in the York Arena Theatre at the Gilmore Theatre Complex.

Purchase tickets online: wmutheatre.com

This musical contains mature content. Patrons under the age of 12 will not be admitted.

Performance schedule

• Friday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 14, 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m.

This satirical dramatic musical follows emo rocker Andrew Jackson from his poor rural life in Tennessee to early victories and, eventually, to his American presidency. Along the way, he takes on the Founding Fathers, meets his wife, Rachel—and rocks like no president has ever rocked before.

Director and WMU Theatre Professor Jay Berkow says, “The play explores the nature of populist political movements as represented by the complex rise to power and administration of America’s first populist president. With a rough shod pioneer perspective and a profound chip on his shoulder, Jackson challenges the entrenched Washington, D.C. bureaucracy and becomes 'the people’s President.' But what people are we talking about?" Berkow points out that the question should be asked in context of Jackson's "... extreme racism, slave ownership and his genocidal campaign against the Native American population..."

Berkow adds, "'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson' is like no other musical I have ever worked on. From the rock score to the allegorical style, this dark satire of American politics is particularly potent in 2016."

The all-student cast includes Christian Klepac, Cash Maciel, Lucas Thomas, Aaron Rutherford, Emily Sherman, Natalie Burdick, Nicky Mendelsohn, Joey Ureta, Troy Dill-Reese, Miquel Raguel Wilson, Mike Perlongo, Kalie Schnabel, Carrie Drummund and Gabriella Smurawa, with stage management by Hannah Cremin.

Tickets

All seating for "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" at York Arena Theatre is general admission. Tickets are $20, $18 for senior citizens and WMU employees, $6 for WMU students and $10 for all other students. They are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmutheatre.com, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex or Miller Auditorium ticket offices. Group discounts are available by calling (269) 387-3227.

For more information, contact Emily Duguay, University Theatre, at emily.duguay@wmich.edu or (269) 387-6222.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.