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The First

Closing: December 12, 1981

The First - 1981 Broadway History , Info & More

Martin Beck Theatre
302 W. 45th St. New York, NY 10036

Fictionalized account of the life of Jackie Robinson.


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Philadelphia Orchestra Presents 2026 C. Hartman Kuhn Award to Bassist Nathaniel West
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 5, 2026


The Philadelphia Orchestra honored bassist Nathaniel West with the 2026 C. Hartman Kuhn Award, while three retiring musicians with 115 combined years of service and two 50-year veterans were also recognized.

Prince Compilation Album to Feature Rare and Unreleased Tracks from Music Icon
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 4, 2026


The Prince Estate is opening up the recording vault of the beloved musician. Through a partnership with Sony's Legacy Recordings, a new compilation album will be released featuring 10 rare and unreleased studio recordings from the late music icon. 

Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland to Present 2026-2027 Season With World Premiere and Cleveland Debuts
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 3, 2026


Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland announced its upcoming season, featuring a World Premiere, two Cleveland Premieres, and a revival, including Jez Butterworth's THE FERRYMAN and Seamus Heaney's THE BURIAL AT THEBES.

Classic American Tales To Present Tales at the Dormer House
by Marissa Faith Curley - May 30, 2026


Classic American Tales (CAT) will present Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers.

WHO WE BECOME to Return to New York With Lanford Wilson One-Acts
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026


Deep Flight Productions will present an encore engagement of WHO WE BECOME, a program of rarely produced Lanford Wilson one-acts, at Factory Series at the Chain Studio Theatre in New York.

LOVESONG to Star Karen Allen and David Garrison at Berkshire Theatre Group
by A.A. Cristi - May 26, 2026


Karen Allen and David Garrison will lead Berkshire Theatre Group's production of LOVESONG, Abi Morgan's drama spanning decades of marriage, directed by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Auburn at The Unicorn Theatre.

Review: Harry Connick Jr. Fulfills a Dream at Carnegie Hall
by Gregory Fletcher - May 25, 2026


The sold-out show featured the premiere of BABE: ELABORATIO, a symphony dedicated to Connick's mother, whose lifelong dream was for her son to perform at Carnegie Hall

Wilma Theater Names Lindsay Smiling as Sole Artistic Director
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2026


Philadelphia's Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater announced Lindsay Smiling as its sole Artistic Director, transitioning from his Co-Artistic Director role to lead the company alongside Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg.

Quinta Brunson to Star in New Betty Boop Film Reimagining
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2026


Betty Boop, the iconic cartoon character that was recently brought to the stage in Boop! The Musical, is receiving a new cinematic treatment from Quinta Brunson. 

Photos: Erika Henningsen, Colman Domingo, & More at THE FOUR SEASONS Season 2 Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2026


On Tuesday, May 19th, Netflix celebrated the premiere of The Four Seasons Season 2 with a red carpet event, featuring Erika Henningsen, Colman Domingo, Tina Fey, and more in attendance. Check out photos here.

ARMAGEDDON, GLORY, APOLLO 13, and NATIONAL TREASURE Set for Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Summer Classic Movies Series
by A.A. Cristi - May 15, 2026


The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre will present its Summer Classic Movie Series, featuring films including ARMAGEDDON, GLORY, APOLLO 13, and MIRACLE, celebrating America's 250th birthday.

CHICAGO Original Broadway Cast Recording Joins National Recording Registry
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2026


Broadway’s original cast album of “Chicago” is among the selections joining the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2026. Learn more about the full list here!

How to Watch 2026 Tony Award Nominees at Home: THE LOST BOYS, SCHMIGADOON! & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 16, 2026


The nominations are here for the 2026 Tony Awards. This year, a high number of titles have onscreen counterparts, and we have rounded up how to watch these versions at home, from The Lost Boys to Schmigadoon!

Dik Downey Will Make Fringe Debut With DON QUIXOTE (IS A VERY BIG BOOK)
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2026


Puppeteer and clown Dik Downey makes his Edinburgh Fringe debut at 63 with DON QUIXOTE (IS A VERY BIG BOOK), a one-man show at the Pleasance Dome blending slapstick, puppetry, and Cervantes' 939-page novel into 55 minutes.

Review: GET DOWN TONIGHT: CLASSIC FUNK at Signature Theatre
by Roger Catlin - May 9, 2026


The current production ,“Get Down Tonight: Classic Funk,” is a engaging array of familiar songs from the 60s and 70s that didn’t have any trouble getting people to clap along, and a few to eventually get up and groove.

Jerry Seinfeld to Return to Beacon Theatre With New Comedy
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2026


Jerry Seinfeld is returning to New York's Beacon Theatre with all-new comedy, adding to his record-breaking residency that began in 2016. He currently holds the record for most comedy shows at the venue with 133 lifetime performances.

Segal Center Film Festival to Spotlight Theater Artist Robert Wilson
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2026


The tenth edition of its Segal Center Film Festival on Theatre and Performance will include a retrospective of films by and about theater artist Robert Wilson. Learn more about the upcoming program and film lineup.

GISELLE to Close Olympic Ballet Theatre 45th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2026


Olympic Ballet Theatre will present GISELLE at Edmonds Center for the Arts, with 21-year-old trainee Yasmin Arafe stepping into the title role for two performances only.

A History of Musicals About Friendship
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 10, 2026


Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Video: Erika Henningsen, Colman Domingo, & More in THE FOUR SEASONS Season 2 Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - May 4, 2026


Netflix has dropped the official trailer for season two of The Four Seasons, which will return to the streamer on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Check it out now.

London City Ballet Will Embark On 17-Venue 2026 Tour Across Five Countries
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026


LONDON CITY BALLET announced its third season tour, visiting 17 venues across the UK, USA, and Europe, with an expanded company of 18 dancers and guest artist Alina Cojocaru.

Tierra Legacy To Return To Cal State LA For First Annual Car Show And Community Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 24, 2026


Tierra Legacy, the continuation of pioneering East LA Chicano band Tierra, will perform at Cal State LA's First Annual Car Show and Community Festival, returning to the campus where the original band first performed over 50 years ago.

Review: EVERYTHING, DEVOURED at Sitar Arts Center
by Aidan O'Connor - Apr 19, 2026


Picture former United States President Ronald Reagan as a demon drag queen summoned to the Chicago apartment of a group of twenty somethings. A bit bizarre to think about. On paper, the far-fetched, extraordinarily unique pitch shouldn’t work. Yet, in the world premiere production of Everything, Devoured, playwright Katherine Gwynn has created a superbly demonic play rooted in pure humanity.

The Rise of SNL Stars on Broadway: A Comprehensive Guide
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 26, 2026


Since the start of television’s legendary Saturday Night Live in 1975, there has been cross-over between the show and Broadway. Actors who have started out on Broadway have ended up gracing our televisions on Saturday night as cast members in the sketch comedy program.

Photos: On the Red Carpet at Opening Night of PROOF
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 17, 2026


The first Broadway revival of Proof, David Auburn’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by Thomas Kail, is now open at the Booth Theatre. Check out photos of the cast on the opening night red carpet here!

The First History

Other Productions of The First

1981   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

The First - 1981 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
The First — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Lonette McKee
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design David Chapman
1982 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design David Chapman
1982 The Hewes Awards Scenic Design David Chapman

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