The Pasadena Playhouse rings in June with the vibrant sounds of “Jelly’s Last Jam,” a biomusical chronicling the life and music of jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton (born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe). Opening night is set for June 2nd, following a string of preview performances that began May 29th. The show will continue its run through June 23rd.
Directed by Kent Gash, the production traces Morton’s remarkable journey from the back alleys of New Orleans to the glittering stages of New York City. Morton, a self-proclaimed “inventor of jazz,” left an indelible mark on the genre, blending ragtime, blues, African rhythms, and French opera influences to create a uniquely American art form.
“Jelly’s Last Jam” is not merely a celebratory musical. Through a captivating display of song, dance, and music, the show delves into the complexities of Morton’s legacy. The audience witnesses his relentless pursuit of recognition, the triumphs and struggles that shaped him, and the contradictions that defined his artistic path.
John Clarence Stewart (HBO’s “P-Valley,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) steps into the shoes of the legendary musician, joined by Cress Williams (“Living Single,” “Black Lightning”) as Chimney Man and Jasmine Amy Rogers (“BOOP! The Musical”) as Anita. The cast is rounded out by seasoned performers including Karole Foreman (“1776”) as Gran Mimi, Wilkie Ferguson III (“Motown the Musical”) as Jack the Bear, and Grasan Kingsberry (“The Color Purple”) as Buddy Bolden.
The musical boasts a pedigree steeped in theatrical history. Featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Morton himself, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (with additional music and adaptation by Luther Henderson), “Jelly’s Last Jam” first graced Broadway stages in 1992. Led by a powerhouse cast including Gregory Hines, Tonya Pinkins, and a young Savion Glover, the production garnered critical acclaim and multiple Tony Awards, including wins for both Hines and Pinkins.
Despite its initial success, “Jelly’s Last Jam” has seen relatively few productions since its Broadway debut. The Pasadena Playhouse staging, along with a recent revival at New York City Center Encores! and a 2006 production at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre, mark the only major productions of the work in recent decades.
Rounding out Gash’s creative team are choreographer Dell Howlett, music director Darryl Archibald, scenic designer Edward E. Haynes, Jr., costume designer Samantha Jones, lighting designer Rui Rita, and sound designers Danny Erdberg and Ursula Kwong Brown. Casting is by Ryan Bernard Tymensky of RBT Casting. Lark Hacksaw serves as production stage manager, with David S. Franklin as assistant stage manager.
