The historical event that put Northfield on the map, the defeat of outlaw Jesse James and his band of marauding bank robbers, will play in the “House That Prince Built” later this month.
The musical, “Jesse James: The Farewell Tour” moves from its original home, the History Theater in St. Paul, to First Avenue in Minneapolis for a one night only engagement on Friday, March 22.
The production features Adam Qualls as Jesse, Dane Stauffer as his brother Frank, along with a star-studded cast and a few guest artists to help tell Jesse’s tale from his stunted boyhood to his unseemly end, this is a high body count rocking haze of history. Sometimes even Jesse can’t tell the truth from legend.
“Jesse James: The Farewell Tour” is written by the team that created the smash hit “Glensheen,” Chan Poling and Jeffrey Hatcher. Broadway World said that the the show is “an exciting and engaging production that is sure to become another fan favorite.”
Created by Hatcher and Poling, the rock musical is a unique hybrid of rock concert and stage musical that tells the story of America’s greatest outlaw.
“It’s the ultimate shootout, with country rockers, folk songs, murder ballads and a big helping of self-justification,” said Poling, by phone from Palm Springs, Calif. last week. “It will be more like ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’”
The original musical that debuted at the History Theater last spring, has been trimmed down from 65 pages to adapt to the stand-up audience concert arena fans love at First Avenue. “Now, the show is about an hour and fifteen minutes,” said Poling. “It’s less theater and more production since the band is on stage the whole damn show.”
Also adapted are the costumes. The First Avenue wardrobe will be a mash-up of fashions, he said, ranging from cowboy hats and jeans for the 1870s gang to the more modern dress of country music star Waylon Jennings.
Poling said he knows the venue quite well after his years as a member of The Suburbs. Poling, with his band The Suburbs, has appeared on the First Avenue stage more than any other local performer.
Hatcher, an award-winning playwright whose works have been seen on Broadway, off-Broadway and around the world, has also written feature films starring Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Heath Ledger, Keira Knightley, and Ralph Fiennes.
If You Go KFAI presents “Jesse James: The Farewell Tour” with music and lyrics by Chan Poling at First Avenue & 7th St Entry, 701 N 1st Ave, in Minneapolis, on Friday, March 22. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. for the 18+ aged show. Tickets are $35 in advance and $37 at the door. a4d5975e-20a9-4448-8d21-3aa17b247c51
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