(*) Rehearsal Video: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at Woodlawn Theatre, November 8 - December 1, 2013

Rehearsal video (30 sec.) for the







production of 

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

by Michael Friedman and Alan Timbers
directed by Matthew Byron Cassi

November 8 - December 1, 2013
Tickets at www.woodlawntheatre.org or by calling the box office at 210-267-8388. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sundays 2:30 pm. Tickets cost $15 - $23 with discounts for students, military and SATCO members

History gets all sexy punk in this alternate universe with parallels to today's political landscape in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which opens November 8 in the Woodlawn Theatre’s Black Box. The show runs through December 1.

Directed by Matthew Byron Cassi with musical direction by Jaime Ramirez of Bombasta, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson tells the story of America's first political maverick (played by San Antonio’s award-winning actor Anthony Cortino) who 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, the show recreates and reinvents the life of "Old Hickory," from his humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days as 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 Woodlawn Theatre is San Antonio’s historic community theatre, located in the heart of the Deco District at 1920 Fredericksburg Road, just south of Hildebrand. Free parking with security patrol is available.

Interview with Matthew Cassi, Director of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Woodlawn Theatre, San Antonio, Playing November 8 - Dember 1, 2013

Published in the Woodlawn Theatre blog:

Interview with Matthew Cassi, director of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

by Hannah Wood October 30, 2013

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Matthew Cassi, director of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. It’s coming out November 8th in the Black Box and it sounds like tons of fun. You know how people tend to get really bright-eyed and excited when you ask them about something they like to talk about? That’s Matthew Cassi personified. Thus, he was an extremely fun person to interview.

HW: How long have you been working here at the Woodlawn?

MC: This is the second production that I have directed. Last season, I directed a play called Eurydice here in this small Black Box space as well. I’ve worked with Greg Hinojosa, the artistic director of the Woodlawn a few times at other theatres, so we’ve had a working relationship for four or five years. But this’ll be my second production here at the Woodlawn.

HW: What is Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson about to you?

MC: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is an comedic, punk rock view into politics of the 19th century, including the eradication of the Native Americans. It looks at the president like a celebrity and it looks at him – you know today’s perspective of how we look at celebrities and how celebrities act? It looks at the presidency of the seventh president from that perspective and reveals things that correlate it to today, politically and socially as well.

HW: How does this show measure up to others that you’ve directed? Is it more difficult or less difficult? Why? And why do you think so?

MC: I’m kind of known, and I say that unpretentiously – if there’s a way – I’m kind of known for directing comedies and dramas. [. . .] I’m originally from Seattle and I’ve been here about seven years. I went to school in Seattle and worked as an actor and director for several years before I went here. So, in this town, I’m more known for farces and over-the-top comedies and dramatic plays. People don’t know me as a director of musical theatre. It can be pretty challenging. I wouldn’t say it’s any more challenging than any other production I’ve directed. Every production has some challenges. Comedies are hard, dramas are hard, musicals are just as hard. 

Some of the elements in this show are harder because I have 13 cast members and each of them has about five or six different characters they play. So, multiply 13 by five or six and that’s the number of costume pieces that I have to coordinate with props and all of that. That can be pretty complicated. So, some of the elements in this production consume more time for me as a director and for the actors as well. 

It can get pretty tiring and cumbersome. But, I don’t look at my productions as harder than the rest. I look at every one as just as challenging as the last. And, the way I approach things, I don’t want to do things I can do in my sleep. I want to be challenged and this is just as challenging as the last four or five that I’ve done. With each show, I have to examine the complexities of it and set a game plan. I do a lot of preparation and research even before I get into the rehearsals for a production. And that’s just me. For me, I look at every production from the same lens. And I just have to adjust accordingly based on the complexities or requirements of the things within the show. . . . Does that make sense?

Read more at the Woodlawn Theatre blog. . . .

Interview with Matthew Cassi

on October 30, 2013 in Main Stage with No Comments

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Matthew Cassi, director of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. It’s coming out November8th in the Black Box and it sounds like tons of fun. You know how people tend to get really bright-eyed and excited when you ask them about something they like to talk about? That’s Matthew Cassi personified. Thus, he was an extremely fun person to interview.

HW: How long have you been working here at the Woodlawn?
MC: This is the second production that I have directed. Last season, I directed a play called Eurydice here in this small Black Box space as well. I’ve worked with Greg Hinojosa, the artistic director of the Woodlawn a few times at other theatres, so we’ve had a working relationship for four or five years. But this’ll be my second production here at the Woodlawn.
HW: What is Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson about to you?
MC: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is an comedic, punk rock view into politics of the 19th century, including the eradication of the Native Americans. It looks at the president like a celebrity and it looks at him – you know today’s perspective of how we look at celebrities and how celebrities act? It looks at the presidency of the seventh president from that perspective and reveals things that correlate it to today, politically and socially as well.
HW: How does this show measure up to others that you’ve directed? Is it more difficult or less difficult? Why? And why do you think so?
MC: I’m kind of known, and I say that unpretentiously – if there’s a way – I’m kind of known for directing comedies and dramas. I’m not really know for musical theatre in this town. I’m originally from Seattle and I’ve been here about seven years. I went to school in Seattle and worked as an actor and director for several years before I went here. So, in this town, I’m more known for farces and over-the-top comedies and dramatic plays. People don’t know me as a director of musical theatre. It can be pretty challenging. I wouldn’t say it’s any more challenging than any other production I’ve directed. Every production has some challenges. Comedies are hard, dramas are hard, musicals are just as hard. Some of the elements in this show are harder because I have 13 cast members and each of them have about five or six different characters they play. So, multiply 13 by five or six and that’s the number of costume pieces that I have to coordinate with props and all of that. That can be pretty complicated. So, some of the elements in this production consume more time for me as a director and for the actors as well. It can get pretty tiring and cumbersome. But, I don’t look at my productions as harder than the rest. I look at every one as just as challenging as the last. And, the way I approach things, I don’t want to do things I can do in my sleep. I want to be challenged and this is just as challenging as the last four or five that I’ve done. With each show, I have to examine the complexities of it and set a game plan. I do a lot of preparation and research even before I get into the rehearsals for a production. And that’s just me. For me, I look at every production from the same lens. And I just have to adjust accordingly based on the complexities or requirements of the things within the show. . . . Does that make sense?
- See more at: http://woodlawntheatre.com/blog/?p=52#sthash.JIz6vYWU.dpuf

Interview with Matthew Cassi

on October 30, 2013 in Main Stage with No Comments

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Matthew Cassi, director of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. It’s coming out November8th in the Black Box and it sounds like tons of fun. You know how people tend to get really bright-eyed and excited when you ask them about something they like to talk about? That’s Matthew Cassi personified. Thus, he was an extremely fun person to interview.

HW: How long have you been working here at the Woodlawn?
MC: This is the second production that I have directed. Last season, I directed a play called Eurydice here in this small Black Box space as well. I’ve worked with Greg Hinojosa, the artistic director of the Woodlawn a few times at other theatres, so we’ve had a working relationship for four or five years. But this’ll be my second production here at the Woodlawn.
HW: What is Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson about to you?
MC: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is an comedic, punk rock view into politics of the 19th century, including the eradication of the Native Americans. It looks at the president like a celebrity and it looks at him – you know today’s perspective of how we look at celebrities and how celebrities act? It looks at the presidency of the seventh president from that perspective and reveals things that correlate it to today, politically and socially as well.
HW: How does this show measure up to others that you’ve directed? Is it more difficult or less difficult? Why? And why do you think so?
MC: I’m kind of known, and I say that unpretentiously – if there’s a way – I’m kind of known for directing comedies and dramas. I’m not really know for musical theatre in this town. I’m originally from Seattle and I’ve been here about seven years. I went to school in Seattle and worked as an actor and director for several years before I went here. So, in this town, I’m more known for farces and over-the-top comedies and dramatic plays. People don’t know me as a director of musical theatre. It can be pretty challenging. I wouldn’t say it’s any more challenging than any other production I’ve directed. Every production has some challenges. Comedies are hard, dramas are hard, musicals are just as hard. Some of the elements in this show are harder because I have 13 cast members and each of them have about five or six different characters they play. So, multiply 13 by five or six and that’s the number of costume pieces that I have to coordinate with props and all of that. That can be pretty complicated. So, some of the elements in this production consume more time for me as a director and for the actors as well. It can get pretty tiring and cumbersome. But, I don’t look at my productions as harder than the rest. I look at every one as just as challenging as the last. And, the way I approach things, I don’t want to do things I can do in my sleep. I want to be challenged and this is just as challenging as the last four or five that I’ve done. With each show, I have to examine the complexities of it and set a game plan. I do a lot of preparation and research even before I get into the rehearsals for a production. And that’s just me. For me, I look at every production from the same lens. And I just have to adjust accordingly based on the complexities or requirements of the things within the show. . . . Does that make sense?
- See more at: http://woodlawntheatre.com/blog/?p=52#sthash.JIz6vYWU.dpuf

(*) BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, Woodlawn Theatre, San Antonio, November 8 - December 1, 2013

Woodlawn Theatre Black Box features Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
 
History gets all sexy punk in this alternate universe with parallels to today's political landscape in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which opens November 8 in the Woodlawn Theatre’s Black Box. The show runs through December 1.

Directed by Matthew Byron Cassi with musical direction by Jaime Ramirez of Bombasta, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson tells the story of America's first political maverick (played by San Antonio’s award-winning actor Anthony Cortino) who 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, the show recreates and reinvents the life of "Old Hickory," from his humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days as 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?

Tickets are on sale now at www.woodlawntheatre.org or by calling the box office at 210-267-8388. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sundays 2:30 pm. Tickets cost $15 - $23 with discounts for students, military and SATCO members.

The Woodlawn Theatre is San Antonio’s historic community theatre, located in the heart of the Deco District at 1920 Fredericksburg Road, just south of Hildebrand. Free parking with security patrol is available.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

(*) Upcoming: Glengarry, Glen Ross by David Mamet, Sheldon Vexler Theatre, San Antonio, February 7 - March 3, 2013

(Sheldon Vexler Theatre, Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 NW Military Highway, San Antonio)


presents

Glengarry Glen Ross

by David Mamet

Sheldon Vexler Theatre

Weinberg Campus JCC, 12500 N.W. Military Highway, San Antonio, Texas, 78231
February 7- March 3, 2013. Thursdays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:30pm. (*February 24th is a Double Feature Sunday with an additional performance at 7:30pm*)
Tickets: $14-$20

"Crackling tension...ferocious comedy and drama." - New York Times

Mamet at his very best, writing about small-time, cutthroat real estate salesmen trying to grind out a living by pushing plots of land on reluctant buyers in a never-ending scramble for their share of the American dream. The Vex presents a new twist to the traditionally all-male cast by converting a few of the characters to women, touching on current issues of female competition in male-dominated industries.

Cast:

Roger Alvarez

Michael Benson

Matthew Byron Cassi

Belinda Harolds

Jim Mammarella

Martha Prentiss

Travis Simpson

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

(*) Video Promo: Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, Woodlawn Theatre, San Antonio, November 9 - 25

Posted by Woodlawn Theatre, San Antonio, at YouTube, November 8:

Nov. 9 - Nov. 25 Fri. and Sat. @ 7:30PM Sundays @ 3:00PM
Tickets: $15 - $23 Discounts for Students, Seniors, Military, SATCO. Group rates available.
Additional Website for the Show: woodlawnblackbox.com/eurydice/

 
Purchase Tickets Online

Click for additional information at AustinLiveTheatre.com

Upcoming: The Decorator by Jeffrey Strauss, Overttime Theatre, San Antonio, May 20 - June 18

Found on-line:

presents

The Decorator
written by Jeffrey Strausser
directed by Matthew Byron Cassi
May 20 - June 18

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Overtime Theatre, Blue Stars Arts Complex, 1400 S. Alamo, San Antonio (click for map)

The Decorator is a new, original comedy by Texas playwright Jeffrey Strausser. In upscale suburbia, Amanda works with wives who are disgruntled, but not just with their living room furniture and old-fashioned kitchens. Amanda chooses to work with women who are as she once was: women married to men who stifle dreams. Her plan for their freedom is ingenious, yet simple. It is the perfect scheme to grow her business, provide her clients their “life makeover,” and feed her own obsession for revenge. Everyone gets what they want—well, almost everyone. It’s Showgirls meets American Psycho, set in the world of Interior Design!

Cast: Amanda Hartman - Renee Garvins | Sarah Strickland - Christie Beckham | Todd Strickland - Robert Jerdee | Barbara Terry - Kathryn Conner | George Witherspoon - Cary Farrow | Eddie Witherspoon - Alexander Berkowitz

Strausser, a playwright living in Houston, also has authored four English grammar, punctuation, and composition textbooks for Barrons Educational Series used by high school and middle school students, and is a published short story writer. He is a member of the Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) through which he has performed pro bono legal work for artists, writers, and musicians.