If Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is right, America’s seventh president was an awfully emo guy. This Studio 2ndStage production, which opens today, puts an irreverent musical spin on Jackson’s tumultuous life, with a sharp focus on how his cowboy years shaped him into the leader of the country’s first populist movement. According to co-director Chris Gallu, contemporary American populism, specifically the Occupy movement and the Tea Party, inspired the show. Read more>>> (Christopher Heller)

OH AND ALSO

CRAFTS! Tonight the Renwick Gallery hosts its $20 all-you-can-craft night, Handi-Hour. In collaboration with the National Postal Museum, Handi-Hour’s theme for the summer is “postal modern,” which means crafters are going to be creating and sending, well, pretty mail! Ticket includes snacks and craft beer from ChurchKey/Birch and Barley. 5:30 p.m. at the Renwick Gallery’s Grand Salon, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $20.

EAT THIS

Get a taste of more than 60 of the area’s top restaurants at Washingtonian‘s Best of Washington party tonight at the National Building Museum. Among the all-star round-up of participating restaurants: Adour, Blue Duck Tavern, Elisir,Bourbon Steak, Estadio, Citronelle, Oval Room, The Source, and many, many more. Early admission tickets cost $175 and get you in at 6 p.m., an hour before the crowds. General admission tickets cost $125 with doors opening at 7 p.m. Get more info and buy your tickets here. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW.

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