'Jelly's Last Jam' Encores! Revival Shines Spotlight on Jazz Pioneer

The recent Encores! production of 'Jelly's Last Jam' has set the stage ablaze with its dynamic portrayal of Jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton. Holding court at City Center, the musical dives into both the enthralling and contentious corners of Morton's life, posthumously bringing to trial his bold claim of being the inventor of jazz.

A Journey Through Music and Memory

In a narrative spun by George C. Wolfe, the original 1992 Broadway production's director, we meet Morton, played by Nicholas Christopher, at the tail end of his life. A peculiar nightclub purgatory becomes the backdrop as Morton is confronted by the stern Chimney Man, embodied by Billy Porter, who challenges him to reassess his life's tune. The story that unfolds is a mixture of truth and fiction, seeking to unravel Morton’s complicated legacy amidst his staunch proclamations of founding an entire music genre.

A Symphony of Song and Dance

Morton’s path from a restrictive upbringing in a Creole family to his embrace of varied musical influences is chronicled through exuberant song and dance numbers. The music, largely Morton’s own, captivated audiences, reflecting the complexities of jazz in melody and verse. The lyrics, penned by Susan Birkenhead, dazzle with a blend of scat, slang, and Broadway flair, engaging viewers in a rhythmic narrative of rebellion and creativity.

Jazz, Musical, Revival