Best known for her roles in Christopher Durang's Betty's Summer Vacation and the Public Theater staging of Why Torture Is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them, Nielsen previously appeared in another unconventional Broadway musical – the Tony-winning coming-of-age rock musical Spring Awakening. She will inhabit the role of the Storyteller in the Broadway transfer of Bloody Bloody. Newcomer Ocasio will portray Jackson's adopted Native American son, Lyncoya.
As previously reported, the musical's original star, Benjamin Walker, will recreate his performance in the title role of the musical penned by Alex Timbers (book and direction) and Michael Friedman (music and lyrics).
The Broadway cast will also feature 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, Nadia Quinn in the Female Ensemble, Emily Young as the Female Soloist and James Barry as the Male Soloist.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson will officially open on Broadway Oct. 13 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. The 90-minute musical arrives on Broadway after an extended run at the Public Theater last spring.
According to producers, "A.J. kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States—who cares if he didn’t have permission? An exhilarating and white-knuckled look at one of our nation’s founding rock stars, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson recreates and reinvents the life of 'Old Hickory,' from his humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days as our seventh Commander-in-Chief. It also asks the question, is wanting to have a beer with someone reason enough to elect him? What if he’s really, really hot?" 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, Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel, alongside producers Scott M. Delman, Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley and Susan Gallin/Mary Lu Roffe produce the Broadway engagement.
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, currently on sale through Jan. 9, 2011, visit Telecharge.com or phone (212) 239-6200. The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre is located at 242 West 45th Street.
