Michael Friedman's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson opened on Broadway 15 years ago, on October 13, 2010.
The Broadway production followed a 2008 world premiere at the Center Theatre Group and an acclaimed Off-Broadway run at the Public Theater, where it was extended three times. Starring Tony Award nominee Benjamin Walker in the title role, the Broadway production played 26 previews and 94 performances before closing January 2, 2011. In spite of the short run, the musical still netted two Tony nominations, for Best Book of a Musical and Best Scenic Design of a Musical.
With a book by Tony nominee Alex Timbers, who also directed, and music and lyrics by Friedman, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson tells the story of America's controversial seventh president to investigate the attraction and terrors of American populism, using a blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality, and infectious emo rock.
Rounding out the cast were Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen, James Barry, Darren Goldstein, Greg Hildreth, Jeff Hiller, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, Cameron Ocasio, Bryce Pinkham, Nadia Quinn, Maria Elena Ramirez, Kate Cullen Roberts, Ben Steinfeld, and Emily Young.
The production featured choreography by Danny Mefford, scenic design by Donyale Werle, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Justin Townsend, and sound design by Bart Fasbender.
Friedman passed away September 9, 2017, right as the musical was receiving a cultural renaissance across the United States: as populism has once again come into political power, the piece has become a favorite for community and regional theatres since 2016, with a high-profile production at the American Shakespeare Center renewing interest in the material.
The piece is not without controversy, however. The original Off-Broadway run was criticized by the Native American community at large, and public protest has followed many productions over the last 15 years.
