Jelly's Last Jam

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Jelly's Last Jam is a musical with a book by George C. Wolfe, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and music by Jelly Roll Morton and Luther Henderson.

Based on the life and career of Morton, generally regarded as one of the primary driving forces behind the introduction of jazz to the American public in the early 20th century, it also serves as a social commentary on the African-American experience during the era.

After 25 previews, the Broadway production, directed by Wolfe and choreographed by Hope Clarke, opened on April 26, 1992 at the Virginia Theatre, where it ran for 569 performances. In addition to Gregory Hines and Savion Glover as the older and younger Morton, the cast included Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Ann Duquesnay, Tonya Pinkins, and Keith David. Phylicia Rashad and Ben Vereen joined the cast later in the run.

An original cast recording was released by Decca Broadway.

[edit] Song list

Act I

Jelly's Jam
In My Day
The Creole Way
The Whole World's Waitin' to Sing Your Song
Street Scene
Michigan Water
Get Away Boy
Lonely Boy Blues
Somethin' More
That's How You Jazz
The Chicago Stomp
Play the Music for Me
Lovin' Is a Lowdown Blues
Dr. Jazz

Act II

Good Ole New York
Too Late, Daddy
That's the Way We Do Things in New Yawk
Jelly's Isolation Dance
The Last Chance Blues
The Last Rites

[edit] Awards and nominations

Tony Award for Best Musical (nominee)
Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (nominee)
Tony Award for Best Original Score (nominee)
Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Hines, winner)
Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (David, nominee)
Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Pinkins, winner)
Tony Award for Best Scenic Design (nominee)
Tony Award for Best Costume Design (nominee)
Tony Award for Best Lighting Design (winner)
Tony Award for Best Choreography (nominee)
Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (nominee)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical (nominee)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical (winner)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Hines, winner)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Glover, nominee)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Pinkins, winner)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (nominee)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical (nominee)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Orchestration/Musical Adaptation (winner)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics (winner)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costumes (nominee)
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lighting Design (winner)