Precis Shuffle Along

In May 1921, the musical Shuffle Along significantly altered the face of Broadway musicals, as well as that of New York City. It was the unlikeliest of hits. Shuffle Along had a very rough back-breaking pre-Broadway tour. The show was deeply in debt and set to open at a remote Broadway house on West 63rd Street. However, the infectious jazz score and exuberant dancing in Shuffle Along lit up Broadway as well as New York City. Shuffle Along brought Uptown and Downtown together.

The author’s team of Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles, were a comedy team, while music was by Eubie Blake, and lyrics by Noble Sissle. Shuffle Along was created by African Americans for an African American cast.

The story takes place in Dixieland.