Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All that Followed

Shuffle Along

or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All that Followed

The Music Box

April 9, 2016

Photo courtesy of Shuffle Along

There is something amazing happening on the stage at the Music Box.  Audra MacDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Billy Porter lead a tremendously skilled cast and ensemble of twenty-six singers/dancers in a show that is powerful, entertaining, informative and thought provoking.  Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All that Followed tells the story as clearly as the title states.  It has the original music and lyrics by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle, arrangements and orchestrations by Daryl Waters, and a new book by George C. Wolfe.  Savion Glover’s choreography is astounding!  He recreates the style and syncopation of the era with his own signature and flair.

The first act tells about how F.E. Miller (played by Brian Stokes Mitchell) and Aubrey Lyles (played by Billy Porter) teamed up with composer Eubie Blake (played by Brandon Victor Dixon) and lyricist Noble Sissle (played by Joshua Henry) to write a new musical for Broadway that challenged their creative voices in ways the social and racial norms would not allow.  Their show stars Lottie Gee (played by Audra MacDonald) and Gertrude Saunders, who is later replaced by Florence Mills (both roles played by Adrienne Warren).  Each scene chronicles their struggle and fortitude.  They never falter from moving toward achieving their goal, which is proudly illustrated in the Act I finale with the bold and vivacious production number from the original Shuffle Along. 

Photo courtesy of Shuffle Along

The second act follows the rise to fame and tragic downfall of this little known creative team.  Mr. Wolfe’s book gives a stylistic insight into the cultural limitations of the time and the historic significance of these artists’ unsung contribution.  His most well written and directed scenes are ones that elucidate the love affair between Eubie Blake and Lottie Gee.  Audra MacDonald and Brandon Victor Dixon have a phenomenal chemistry in these roles.  Their characters are multi-dimensional and full of heart, charm, and determination.  Ms. MacDonald has a number of strong moments that reveal the desperate need of her character after years of personal and professional struggle.  Billy Porter and Brian Stokes Mitchell also have a strong chemistry as the comic writing duo of Miller and Lyles.  Their timing is a reflection of their backstory and relationship.  Billy Porter delivers a heart wrenching, show stopping number in the second act. 

One of the ingenious points of Mr. Wolfe’s book is the way he has addresses actors playing numerous roles.  His casting in these instances is phenomenal.  Brooks Ashmanskas plays a number of these roles with dexterity, humor, and commitment.  Adrienne Warren has a powerful singing voice and versatile acting skills that is gallantly shown off in the roles she undertakes. 

The show has a few more weeks of previews before it opens on April 28.  There is still work to be done to tighten up the impact of the story, yet this creative team is sure to deliver.  It is an awe-inspiring effort, envisioned and led by Mr. Wolfe, which is sure to have an extraordinary pay off.  For more historic details about the original production of Shuffle Along, read the New York Times Magazine section article from March 27.  It will inspire you to buy a ticket. 

Photo courtesy of Shuffle Along

Domenick Danza