Shuffle Along on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed
Shuffle Along Summary
- Show Status: Closed
- Genre: Musical
- Shuffle Along is 2.5 Hours long, including an intermission of 15 Minutes
- 8 Shows per week
- Previews Began: March 15, 2016
- Show Opened : April 28, 2016
- Show Closed: July 24, 2016
Shuffle Along is a new revamping of a classic African American musical revue. The musical deals with the making of the original show Shuffle Along, which was created by vaudeville stars Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles, and which has music and lyrics by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake. In addition to telling the story of its creators, this musical will feature some of the original audience members such as Fanny Brice, Langston Hughes, and George Gershwin.
What's Shuffle Along Like?
Three of the theatre world’s most prominent African American artists are collaborating on bringing Shuffle Along to modern audiences. The musical stars Audra McDonald as Lottie Gee, who is the actress who played the lead role in the original musical. The director, George C. Wolfe, has had an incredible impact on theatre, from running the Public Theatre downtown to helming some of Broadway’s most successful productions. Finally, the choreographer is Savion Glover, whose tap dancing has earned him a Tony Award in the past.
The show stars Audra McDonald as Lottie Gee. McDonald holds the singular distinction of having earned Tony Awards is all four acting categories available to an actress, with credits including Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess, and 110 in the Shade.
Is Shuffle Along Good for Kids?
Yes, the show is great for kids. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Shuffle Along on Broadway Background
The show first premiered on Broadway in 1921, following touring productions around New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At the time, it was the first all African-American musical production in more than a decade, and was credited with launching the Harlem Renaissance as well as the careers of notable performers such as Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, and Adelaide Hall. That version of the show was revived on Broadway in 1933, and then again in 1952. Now, a new libretto has been written by George C. Wolfe (director of Lucky Guy, The Normal Heart, A Free Man of Color), who will also direct the production.
In this version, it is actually entitled Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. Therefore, it is more than just the original classic story; it is also the meta-story dealing with the impact that this show has had on American culture.
Theatre Information
Music Box Theatre
New York, NY 10019
Cast Members
- Lottie Gee
- Audra McDonald
- Eubie Blake
- Brandon Victor Dixon
- Aubrey Lyles
- Billy Porter
- Noble Sissle
- Joshua Henry
- F.E. Miller
- Brian Stokes Mitchell
Producers
Scott Rudin
Production Credits
- Direction
- George C. Wolfe
- Lighting Design
- Jules Fisher + Peggy Eisenhauer
- Scenic Design
- Santo Loquasto
- Music
- Eubie Blake
- Choreography
- Savion Glover
- Orchestrations/Music Supervision/Arrangements
- Daryl Waters
- Costume Design
- Ann Roth
- Sound Design
- Scott Lehrer
- Lyrics
- Noble Sissle
- Book
- George C. Wolfe
- Music
- Eubine Blake
Creative Team
- General Manager
- Joey Parnes Productions LLC
- Casting Director
- Heidi Griffiths at The Public Theater + Jordan Thaler at The Public Theater
- Press Agent
- Philip Rinaldi Publicity
- Musical Director
- Shelton Becton
- Advertising Representative
- SPOTCo