Two Sides to the Story (Artists Collaborative Theatre/Actors Theatre)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Bloodsong: The story of the Hatfields and the McCoys
Written by Chelsea Marcantel
Directed by Jason Justice
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
Very stories are as notorious as the legend of the Hatfields and McCoys. Rooted in Appalachia, the feud is epic and bloody. Pike County’s Artists Collaborative Theatre brings Bloodsong: The Story of the Hatfields and the McCoys to Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Storytelling Revolution Festival. A story full of betrayal, heartbreak and violence, the play delivers a dignified tribute to those lost in the decades’ long rivalry.
Set on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky during the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, the play by Chelsea Marcantel is a dramatization with lots of heart. Members of the Hatfields and McCoys are given time to share their sides of the story without judgement. Hymns and folk standards make their way into the scenes as lives are lost and hope is found. The setting is minimal with a few wooden chairs and tables. Wood paneled carvings of Kentucky and West Virginia prominently establish a division on stage. Hatfields remain on the West Virginia side with McCoys occupying Kentucky as the dividing line is never crossed.
The large cast provides a sense of community from the Tug River Valley. From start to finish, different characters from the opposing families explain and defend their part in the action. Kevin Hackney as Devil Anse Hatfield and Kenny Gibson as Ran’l McCoy establish a bitter rivalry over land ownership. Their conflict is unwavering yet justified.
As time passes and the tensions grow, Tara Blackburn gives a passionate narration as Patty McCoy. Through her telling, Blackburn’s Patty describes the horrific details of the “sick and unarmed man.” Director Jason Justice portrayal of Asa Harmon McCoy’s death at the hand of the Hatfield’s disdain for his support of the Union army remains culturally relevant. As the Hatfield’s arrived, masked and intimidating in their plot, I could not help but think of current events in the news related to immigration and deportation.
It is noted frequently throughout the play that the Hatfield and McCoy families were thoroughly intertwined. Johnse Hatfield’s relationship with Rosanna McCoy takes center stage. Chloe McClanahan’s Rosanna and Trey Fields Johnse channel a star-crossed lover sensibility. McClanahan offers a sympathetic performance as Rosanna faces life as “unwed mother of a Hatfield baby.” Emily Chaney offers a lighter tone as the strong willed Nancy Mccoy who engaged with Johnse, along with many other McCoy women.
The play contains many reenactments of violence. Stephanie Richards’ Aunt Sally McCoy provides a devastating recollection of the terrorism endured, with scenes involving torture and whipping. Richards physicality and commitment drew many well deserved gasps of shock from the audience. Andrew Bentley’s Cap Hatfield is a well played villain, seeking to raid the McCoys out of vengeance. The feud between families reaches its conclusion in the form of Cotton Top Mount’s conviction and hanging. Treyton Blackburn’s Cotton Top appears to be a naïve pawn throughout the story yet his moment of justice arrives right as he meets his fate.
As noted in the program, several descendants of the Hatfield and McCoys appear in this production, “giving the story a powerful and personal connection.” Bloodsong: The story of the Hatfields and the McCoys honors both families without deciding who was right and wrong. Instead, the historic families are met with sympathy and compassion.
Bloodsong: The story of the Hatfields and the McCoys
Artists Collaborative Theatre
A part of Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Storytelling Revolution Festival
April 10 & 11 2026
316 W. Main St., Louisville KY 40202