Further casting has been revealed for New York City Center Encores!' upcoming production of Jelly's Last Jam, beginning at the Manhattan venue February 21, 2024 and continuing through March 3.
Joining the previously announced Joaquina Kalukango and Billy Porter will be Nicholas Christopher as Jelly Roll Morton, John Clay III as Jack the Bear, Tiffany Mann as Miss Mamie, and Leslie Uggams as Gran Mimi. Original cast members Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, and Allison M. Williams will reprise their roles as the Hunnies. Casting is by The Telsey Office.
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 2024.
Robert O'Hara is directing, leading a creative team that includes choreographer Edgar Godineaux, tap choreographer Dormeshia, and music director Jason Michael Webb.
The revival will be 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 Sansom Harris will kick off the season beginning January 24, 2024, with Jelly's Last Jam and then Titanic in the summer.
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