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VIDEO: Sneak Peek - Savion Glover & George C. Wolfe Talk Broadway's SHUFFLE ALONG on CBS

By: Dec. 17, 2015
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On the next UNDAY MORNING on CBS, correspondent Maurice DuBois goes behind the scenes of the new Broadway production SHUFFLE ALONG, a reimagining of the classic 1921 musical - one of the earliest hit shows starring, written and directed by African-Americans.

The show marks a reunion for legendary tap dancer and choreographer Savion Glover and director George C. Wolfe, who first worked together in Broadway's JELLY'S LAST JAM. In the preview below, the talented duo talk about bringing the iconic show back to life.

SHUFFLE ALONG will begin previews on Broadway on March 15th, with an offical opening set for April 28th at the Music Box Theater. Joining six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald are Tony Award winners Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter, and Tony Award nominees Brandon Victor Dixon andJoshua Henry in the 30-member cast ofShuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed will be 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.

SHUFFLE ALONG Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed will have a new book byGeorge C. Wolfe, choreography by Savion Glover, and direction by Mr. Wolfe.

SHUFFLE ALONG Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed will have music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Daryl Waters. The production will feature scenic design by Santo Loquasto, costume design by Ann Roth, sound design by Scott Lehrer, and lighting design by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer. Shelton Becton will be the Musical Director.

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 yet 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, unforgettable 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, and Adelaide Hall. Because of Shuffle Along, Uptown and Downtown met - and became one.




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