Who are the three candidates in Shuffle Along?
American composers and musicians Noble Sissle, center left, and Eubie Blake, on piano, perform with a group of women on stage in the early 20th century. Sissle and Blake wrote the score for Shuffle Along.
What was the significance of Shuffle Along?
Written, staged, and performed entirely by African Americans, Shuffle Along was the first show to make African-American dance an integral part of American musical theatre. The African-American musicals of this era, especially Shuffle Along, are of great importance to the history of American musical theatre.
How did Langston Hughes feel about Shuffle Along?
And Shuffle Along played a key role in launching the Harlem Renaissance, according to observers like renowned writer and poet Langston Hughes, who believed that by spurring widespread interest in black creativity, the show helped to advance African Americans’ social status through excellence in the arts.
Why was Shuffle Along important for Blake and Sissle’s career?
1921’s all-black musical comedy, Shuffle Along, was the most successful Broadway show of its time. The score contained the future standards “I’m Just Wild About Harry” and “Love Will Find a Way.” It marked the emergence of a new black musical theater, and desegregated theatres in New York and across the country.
Who got her big break in the lead of Shuffle Along and what was her talent?
After touring for several years on the vaudeville and cabaret circuits, Mills got her big break in 1921 as the lead in Shuffle Along. Written, directed, produced and performed by African Americans, the musical was wildly successful and caused a sensation.
What is the title of the most famous song from the musical Shuffle Along?
I’m Just Wild About Harry
After that, everything. The most famous song from “Shuffle,” “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” is one everybody can still hum.
What was the story of Shuffle Along?
The plot centers on the characters Sam and Steve who run for mayor in Jimtown, USA. If either one wins, he will appoint the other his chief of police. Sam wins with the help of a crooked campaign manager. Sam keeps his promise to appoint Sam as chief of police, but they begin to disagree on petty matters.
When did Shuffle Along close?
The show premiered on Broadway at the 63rd Street Music Hall on May 23, 1921, and closed on July 15, 1922, after 504 performances.
What was the plot of Shuffle Along?
Who was shuffle along written by?
Flournoy Miller
Aubrey Lyles
Shuffle Along/Playwrights
Which actress played in Shuffle Along?
The cast starred Audra McDonald as Lottie Gee, Brian Stokes Mitchell as Miller, Billy Porter as Lyles, Brandon Victor Dixon as Blake and Joshua Henry as Sissle. While the adaptation received ten nominations at the 2016 Tony Awards, the production took home no prize, and subsequently closed on July 24.
What is the importance and impact of Shuffle Along in American musical theater history?
It launched or boosted the careers of Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, Florence Mills, Fredi Washington and Adelaide Hall, and contributed to the desegregation of theaters in the 1920s, giving many black actors their first chance to appear on Broadway.