An eclectic collection of western-themed decorations adorn the stage and walls, combining with a patriotic, red-white-and-blue color scheme. The live band and shimmering metal curtains assert the rock concert element of the musical, inherently exciting every audience member. Clueless as to what to expect, the audience sits in anticipation of something everyone knows will be awesome.
A rock opera comically retelling the life and career of the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” never ceases to entertain the audience with anthemic musical numbers throughout the production. With slightly exaggerated life events, Jackson (Kyle Norton) wins and loses in love, life, and politics, turning friends into enemies with his arrogant decisions.
Kyle Norton, as Andrew Jackson, provided the audience with a strong, independent, and rebellious attitude along with body movements, which embody his character. Moving swiftly, yet powerfully, across the stage, Norton is truly transformed into the larger-than-life president. His perfect delivery of punch lines and continuous character portrayal contribute to his remarkable performance.
Dolan Hall, as well as many actors, don the role of several characters in the story. Hall seamlessly transitions between the part of conniving Henry Clay and double agent Black Fox, establishing two completely separate personalities. Complete with their respective facial expressions and body movements, Hall channels each individual wonderfully. With a voice to win over any enemy, Hall effortlessly steals the show as Black Fox during the song, “Second Nature.”
As the high-pitched, whimsical Martin Van Buren, Zach Nalezny captures the audience with his unending amusing character. Nalezny proceeds to fill every scene with exceptional comic relief throughout the entire production. As part of the Washington Politicians, Nalezny, along with Hall (as Henry Clay), Tony Slipp (as James Monroe), Michael Corter (as John Quincy Adams), and Hee Se Lee (as John Calhoun), leaves the audience in tears of laughter at the sight of their dancing introduction to LMFAO’s “I’m Sexy and I Know It,” (a surprising and entertaining addition to the production).
Sound effects (by Connor Heckermann and Kara Rayl) are in sync with the actors’ movements in order to create the effects of flying arrows and stinging whips (by Amanda Brown), while over the audience hang elegant, bright chandeliers, which add the finishing touches to the overall atmosphere.
Esperanza High School’s production of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” is a bloody success!
