Are you ready to Jazz? The Encores! production of Jelly's Last Jam begins performances February 21, to continue through March 3.
The seldom-produced biomusical celebrates the life and music of Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe (a.k.a. Jelly Roll Morton), featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, plus musical adaptation and additional music by Luther Henderson. The Encores! staging is one of two major new productions for the work, with another revival set for California's Pasadena Playhouse beginning in May.
Nicholas Christopher leads the cast as Jelly Roll Morton, alongside John Clay III as Jack the Bear, Alaman Diadhiou as Young Jelly, Joaquina Kalukango as Anita, Tiffany Mann as Miss Mamie, Okieriete Onaodowan as Buddy Bolden, Billy Porter as Chimney Man, and Leslie Uggams as Gran Mimi. Original cast members Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, and Allison M. Williams are reprising their roles as the Hunnies.
The ensemble features Raymond Baynard, Shawn Bowers, Amanda Castro, Joshua Dawson, John Edwards, Ari Groover, Morgan McGhee, Jodeci Milhouse, Ramone Nelson, Paul Niebanck, James Patterson, Antonia Raye, Salome Smith, Taylor Mackenzie Smith, Funmi Sofola, Jordan Simone Stephens, Renell Anthony Taylor, Nasia Thomas, Sir Brock Warren, and Chanse Williams.
WATCH: See Billy Porter and Joaquina Kalukango Perform the Songs of Jelly's Last Jam
Rounding out the company are Jelly Roll Morton standby Reese Britts and swings Topher J. Babb, Crystal Burton, and Charlotte McKinley. Casting is by The Telsey Office's Destiny Lilly.
Robert O'Hara is directing, leading a creative team that includes choreographer Edgar Godineaux, tap choreographer Dormeshia, music director Jason Michael Webb, scenic designer Clint Ramos, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Adam Honoré, sound designer Megumi Katayama, and hair and wig designer J. Jaren Janas. The musical features musical adaptation and additional music by Luther Henderson, and Daryl Water is serving as score consultant. Karen Moore is production stage manager.
The revival is the second in Encores' 2024 season, with each of this year's titles playing an extended two-week run in celebration of the series' 30th anniversary. Once Upon a Mattress starring Sutton Foster and Harriet Harris kicked off the season in January, and Titanic will follow Jelly's Last Jam in June.
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