Here's Why 'Shuffle Along' Earned 10 Tony Award Nominations
Brian Stokes Mitchell, with Adrienne Warren (fourth from left), Billy Porter, Audra McDonald and ensemble in Shuffle Along, or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed | Photo via Julieta Cervantes/NewYorkTheater

A standing ovation and a thunderous round of applause are in order for the creators, cast, and crew of Shuffle Along. Back on Broadway, the brilliant songwriting team of Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, (Joshua Henry and Brandon Victor Dixon) and creative librettists F.E. Miller and Aubrey Lyles (Brian Stokes Mitchell and and Billy Porter) are a hit again!

Shuffle Along or The Making Of The Musical Sensation Of 1921 And All That Followed officially opened on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on April 28, 2016, just in time for the 2016 Tony Awards. The original Shuffle Along played on Broadway during the 1920s and revolutionized theater. It introduced syncopation and told a lively story of a crooked mayoral election in Jimtown, USA. Produced, written, directed, and staring African Americans almost 100 years ago, Shuffle Along ran for 504 performances on Broadway.

Here's Why 'Shuffle Along' Earned 10 Tony Award Nominations
Adrienne Warren and Audra McDonald in Shuffle Along, or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. Photo via Julieta Cervantes/NewYorkTheater

The remake of the musical comedy exposes the backstage story of the victories and challenges of its creators and cast. It also provides exciting glimpses of the original story. If you haven’t yet seen this amazing musical, purchase tickets here now, before you have to sell a watch for seats (inside joke – you’ll have to see the play to get it).

Though Shuffle Along or The Making Of The Musical Sensation Of 1921 And All That Followed was not nominated for “Best Revival of a Musical,” it was nominated for 10 other Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Book — kudos to George C. Wolfe.

After reading some of the recent lackluster reviews, I wondered if we at OurBKSocial had seen the same musical. Shuffle Along is fantastic, full of energy, and tells a story that needs to be told today. It received ten Tony Nomination Awards and now, folks are wild about Shuffle Along.



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Here are some Shuffle Along highlights to look for:

  • Thanks to Savion Glover, the show’s choreography is perfection. Pay close attention to the awesome company as they skillfully dance with suitcases; lighting design adds magic to this scene.
  • Jimtown Flappers exude freshness and beauty. The scenic design and costumes here are worthy of winning the awards.
  • Audra McDonald as the accomplished performer, Lottie Gee, sings “Daddy Won’t You Please Come Home” with intense desire and longing.
  • Billy Porter as Aubrey Lyles captivates audiences as he sings a gut wrenching rendition of “Low Down Blues.”
  • Adrienne Warren as Gertrude Saunders and Florence Mills is one to watch.
  • Brandon Victor Dixon as Brooklyn composer, Eubie Blake, is quite smooth.