Shuffle Along,
Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Music Box Theatre
Previews Began: March 15, 2016
Opening Night: April 28, 2016
Closing Night: July 24, 2016
Music: Eubie Blake
Lyrics: Noble Sissle
Book: Aubrey Lyles
F. E. Miller
George C. Wolfe
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. But with an infectious jazz score and exuberant dancing, Shuffle Along ignited not just Broadway, but all of New York City. Because of Shuffle Along, Uptown and Downtown met — and became one.
Musical Numbers
Act One
Broadway Blues…………………………………..Company
Affectionate Dan…………Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake
Sellin’ the Show…………..Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle,
F.E. Miller, Aubrey Lyles
Introducing Sam…Sam, Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle,
F.E. Miller, Aubrey Lyles
Makin’ a Show……………………………………..Company
I’m Simply Full of Jazz………….Gertrude Saunders,
Jimtown Flappers
Honeysuckle Time…………Lottie Gee, Eubie Blake
Swing Along………………………F.E. Miller, Company
Campaign Songs………………………………….Company
Bandana Days……………………………….Jazz Jasmines
Love Will Find a Way…………………………Lottie Gee
If You’ve Never Been Vamped by a
Brownskin………………………………….Harmony Kings
You Got to Git the Gittin’ While the Gittin’s
Good……………………Noble Sissle, Noble’s Shadows
Ain’t It a Shame…………………………………..Company
Pennsylvania Graveyard Shuffle…….Dancin’ Kids
Daddy, Won’t You Please Come
Home………………………………………………..Lottie Gee
(I’m Just) Wild About Harry……………….Lottie Gee,
Gertrude Saunders,
Li’l Baby C
Act One Finale…………………………………….Company
Act Two
Dance Around the One…………………..Dancin’ Kids,
Harmony Kings
Shuffle Along…………Lottie Gee, Dancing Waiters
Struttin’……………………..Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake,
F.E. Miller, Aubrey Lyles
I’m Cravin’ That Kind of Love……….Florence Mills,
Lottie Gee
Till Georgie Took ‘Em Away……….Harmony Kings,
William Grant Still
The Broadway…………………….Buzz Izzy, Company
Rang Tang/Chocolate Dandies……….Dancin’ Kids
It’s Getting Dark on Old
Broadway…….Mr. Broadway, Mr. Broadway’s Girls
That Comedy Chorus Girl………Freda, Baker Boys
Uptown Noir………………………………Harmony Kings
You’re Lucky to Me……….Lottie Gee, Eubie Blake
Low Down Blues…………………………….Aubrey Lyles
Shuffle Along (Reprise)………………………F.E. Miller
Memories of You……………………………….Lottie Gee
The Original Broadway Rag……….Carlo, Company
Shuffle Off………………..Florence Mills, Lottie Gee,
F.E. Miller, Aubrey Lyles,
Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle