Shuffle Along on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed

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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

239 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10019
Seats: 1,025
Entrance: 45th Street, between 8th and Broadway
Theatre Information

Music Box Theatre Seating Chart

Shuffle Along Marquee

Shuffle Along Marquee

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