The First

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For the "Big Bad" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, see First Evil.

The First
Music	Robert Brush
Lyrics	Martin Charnin
Book	Joel Siegel
Based upon	Life of Jackie Robinson
Productions	1981 Broadway

The First is a short-lived 1981 Broadway musical based on the life of Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball in the 20th century.

The book was written by television film critic Joel Siegel. The score was composed by Robert Brush, while Martin Charnin wrote the lyrics and served as director.

The original cast included David Alan Grier as Jackie Robinson, and Lonette McKee as his wife Rachel.

[edit] Songs

Act I

Jack Roosevelt Robinson
The National Pastime
Will We Ever Know Each Other
The First
Bloat
It Ain't Gonna Work
The Brooklyn Dodger Strike
Jack Roosevelt Robinson (Reprise)
The First (Reprise)

Act 2

Is This Year Next Year?
You Do-Do-Do-It Good
Is This Year Next Year? (Reprise)
There Are Days and There Are Days
It's A Beginning
The Opera Ain't Over

[edit] Awards and nominations

1982 Tony Awards

Best Book of a Musical -- Joel Siegel; Written in collaboration with Martin Charnin [nominee]
Best Featured Actor in a Musical -- David Alan Grier [nominee]
Best Direction of a Musical -- Martin Charnin [nominee]

1982 Theatre World Award