Glover, center, with Billy Porter (left) and Mitchell (right)
So much of Broadway magic happens behind the scenes—what winds up on the stage is the culmination of months of rehearsals, costume fittings and sweat. Which is why this video, courtesy of CBS’ “Sunday Morning,” is a special treat: It’s a backstage look at Shuffle Along, the revival of a musical from 1921, opening this spring. (Previews start on March 15; the show officially opens on April 28.)
And if you’re a tap lover, you’re in luck. This production is star-studded with hoofers you’ll recognize—Savion Glover is the choreographer, and Tony Award winners (not to mention Broadway legends) Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell star.
Shuffle Along is more than just a great musical, though. It has historic significance: When the original production opened in 1921, it was the first musical to have an all-African-American cast. In fact, it launched the career of Josephine Baker, the Beyoncé of the 1920s.
Watch the video below to find out how Glover teaches the dancers his choreography (sounds tricky) and learn the unique relationship he has with the musical’s director, George C. Wolfe.
