The Karamu/Musical Theater Project production of ‘The Impact of Shuffle Along’ captures the essence
You dare not blink, for if you do you just might miss one of the best musical reviews to hit Cleveland in some time. I am talking about the Karamu/Musical Theater Project production of The Impact of Shuffle Along on stage through February 10, 2019.
This show has it all! I has the back story of musician Eubie Blake and how he began his career, his meeting with lyricist Noble Sissle and their collaboration on the ground breaking Broadway show Shuffle Along that premiered at 63rd Street and Broadway well away from the uptown glamour of Broadway and 42nd Street.
This retrospective has music, dance, film clips, Langston Hughes poetry and is packed with two hours of delightful little snippets on how the show came about in spite of the long odds against it.
The original Shuffle Along show went on for 504 performances and at one point 63rd Street had to be made one way in order to avoid the “curtain time traffic jams.” The show launched the careers of such luminaries as Josephine Baker (who had to wait until she turned 17 in order to perform), Florence Mills, Fredi Washington and Paul Robeson.
This new retrospect was conceived and written by Bill Rudman who is the driving force behind The Musical Theater Project. He also shares hosting duties with Karamu President and CEO Tony F. Sias who also lends his wonderful singing and poem recitation voice to the proceedings.
Tony is joined by vocalists George Foley, Joe Hunter, Treva Offuett, Evelyn Wright and Justin C. Woody. The incredible orchestra is made up of Joe Hunter, Piano; Bryan Thomas, Bass; and Ray Porrello, Drums appearing as the Joe Hunter Trio with George Foley as Guest Ragtime Pianist. Keeping the sound crisp and clear is Jeremy E. Dobbins who had the most challenging of jobs balancing the various instruments and vocals on the superb new sound system in the newly remodeled Jelliffe Theatre.
In total you are exposed to 18 numbers by Eubie Blake and Nobel Sissle with many of the songs from the original score of Shuffle Along. Such endearing classics as “In Honeysuckle Time,” Ain’t You Comin’ Back, Mary Ann, to Maryland?,” “Shuffle Along,” “Love Will Find A Way,” “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” and Evelyn Wright’s show stopping solo “Low Down Blues.” This is the ultimate feel good evening of theater as you will find yourself tapping along to the syncopated rhythm from this 1920’s classic.
Sometimes theater goes beyond its scope by offering not only entertainment but education as well. This is the case with the Karamu/Musical Theater Project production of The Impact of Shuffle Along. It is an evening of just plain feel good music, vocals, poetry, dance and story telling that will delight everyone who is fortunate to see this show.
The Karamu/Musical Theater Project will be on stage at Karamu House in the Jelliffe Theatre that is located at 2355 East 85th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Tickets may be purchased on-line by going to https://karamuhouse.org/ or by phone by calling (216) 795-7077.