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As evidenced by his appearances in such shows as FAME BECOMES ME, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and SOMETHING ROTTEN!, Brooks Ashmanskas has well-earned his reputation as one of the funniest performers working on Broadway.
Though he does get a great many laughs in his current gig, SHUFFLE ALONG, he also shows versatility in his multiple roles.
Charitybuzz is now hosting an online auction for two tickets to see Brooks Ashmanskas, along with Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, Brandon Victor Dixon and Joshua Henry, in George C, Wolfe's musical history, SHUFFLE ALONG, OR THE MAKING OF THE MUSICAL SENSATION OF 1921 AND ALL THAT FOLLOWED. After the performance, the winner and a guest will be treated to a backstage tour by Ashmanskas.
The winning bid will benefit Transport Group, a not-for-profit, Off-Broadway theatre company in New York City that stages new works and re-imagines revivals by American writers. Visit transportgroup.org.
Charitybuzz's website describes the company as the place to find extraordinary experiences and luxuries to benefit remarkable charities making an impact. Their online auctions bring together hundreds of the world's most acclaimed celebrities, inspiring luminaries and beloved brands to give you unforgettable access to your passions. Plus, you can feel good knowing that every winning bid supports an incredible cause. From walk-on roles with Hollywood A-listers to power lunches with Fortune 500 CEOs, when you join Charitybuzz every dream is a new way to make a difference.
SHUFFLE ALONG, OR, THE MAKING OF THE MUSICAL SENSATION OF 1921 AND ALL THAT FOLLOWED is a re-imagined version of the 1921 musical SHUFFLE ALONG, one of the earliest stage hits starring, written and directed by African-Americans.
Joining six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Tony Award winners Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter, and Tony Award nominees Brandon Victor Dixon and Joshua Henryin the 30-member cast of are Brooks Ashmanskas, Felicia Boswell, Amber Iman, Adrienne Warren,Phillip Attmore, Darius de Haas, C.K. Edwards, Afra Hines, Curtis Holland, Adrienne Howard,Kendrick Jones, Lisa LaTouche, Alicia Lundgren, J.C. Montgomery,Erin N. Moore,Janelle Neal,Brittany Parks, Arbender Robinson, Karissa Royster, Britton Smith, Zurin Villanueva,Christian Dante White, J.L. Williams, Pamela Yasutake, and Richard Riaz Yoder.
Beginning July 26th, 2016, Grammy-winning vocalist Rhiannon Giddens will play the role of Lottie Gee during Audra McDonald's maternity leave. During this time, choreographer Savion Glover will also be joining the cast in a new role written especially for him.
In May 1921, the new musical SHUFFLE ALONG became the unlikeliest of hits, significantly altering the face of the Broadway musical as well as that of New York City. By the time SHUFFLE ALONG stumbled into town after a back-breaking pre-Broadway tour, it was deeply in debt and set to open at a remote Broadway house on West 63rd Street. In a season full of spectacles, such as Sally - a Ziegfeld musical - and another edition of George White's Scandals, SHUFFLE ALONG's failure was almost a foregone conclusion. New York City was still in the throes of the Depression of 1920. And despite being celebrated vaudeville performers,Miller and Lyles and Sissle and Blake had never performed on Broadway, much less written a musical. But with an infectious jazz score and exuberant dancing, SHUFFLE ALONG ignited not just Broadway but all of New York City. George Gershwin, Fanny Brice, Al Jolson, Langston Hughes, and famed critic George Jean Nathan were among the many fans who repeatedly flocked to West 63rd Street to see a cast which - during its run of 504 performances - featured such incipient luminaries as Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, Florence Mills, Fredi Washington, andAdelaide Hall. Because of SHUFFLE ALONG, Uptown and Downtown met and became one.
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