The Defeat of Jesse James
Book by Jeffrey Hatcher
Music and lyrics by Chan Poling
Directed by Richard D. Thompson
April 29–May 28, 2023
Content warning: Strong language, haze, fog, gunshot sound effects, and strobes.
1876. It's the last gig for Jesse James: a one-night-only farewell concert starring America's most notorious desperado. Join Jesse as he reenacts his dramatic rise and fall in this mix of Honky Tonk Cabaret and Wild West Show, with a Grand Finale at a place called Northfield, Minnesota. Featuring special guest stars and a few surprises - even for Jesse.
A new musical from the team that brought you "Glensheen."
The reviews are in!
- Just the right mix of bravado and humor (thestagesofmn.com, 5/15/23)
- 5 surprising things you learn in 'The Defeat of Jesse James' ((Rohan Preston, Star Tribune, 5/9/23)
- Creators of 'Glensheen' take on Jesse James in fun History Theatre musical (Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press, 5/1/23)
- A rollicking ride through history (cherryandspoon.com 5/2/23)
- A banquet of entertainment with a side order of history (talkinbroadway.com, 5/3/23)
- Don't delay in getting tickets [to]...this terrific show (playoffthepage.com, 5/2/23)
- Originality and 'freshness' truly make The Defeat of Jesse James worth the price of admission (Joe Sarafoleion, broadwayworld.com, 4/30/23)
- So well-written and much funn[ier] than expected...a fantastic show. Go see it! (lifeinrevue.blogspot.com)
Learn more about the show
- WATCH: "The Defeat of Jesse James" trailer
- LISTEN: Chan Poling discusses new musical (KYMN Radio, 5/10/23)
- LISTEN: Chan Poling talks about a new musical (Lori and Julia, mytalk107.com; note - interview starts at 17 minutes)
- LISTEN: The Historic Value of the Art World (Steele Talkin' with Jearlyn Steele, audacy.com)
- Jesse James: Mother Knows Best - Behind the Scenes with Angela Timberman at History Theatre (kendraplant.com)
- Cast of "Defeat of Jesse James" musical visits Northfield (Northfield News, 5/3/23)
- Northfield's Jesse James story comes to Twin Cities stage as a musical (Northfield News, 3/28/23)
- Mouthing Off with Adam Qualls (podccast, Badmouth Theater Company, 4/17/23)
- Where to See Theater in the Twin Cities (Mpls-St. Paul Magazine, 5/1/23)
