THE FIRST - The Jackie Robinson Musical

[seaweedjstubbs]

Posted: 5/15/13 at 10:34pm

While doing some research on a project on DREAMGIRLS for a class, I came across a musical that premiered about a month before DREAMGIRLS called THE FIRST. It told the Jackie Robinson story and starred David Alan Grier as Robinson. It only ran for about a month. There isn't too much information available on it, so I wanted to see if anyone here knows more about it. Did anyone see it? Was it any good?

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 5/15/13 at 11:00pm

I think some of the score is pretty good, especially Lonette McKee's knockout "There Are Days And There Are Days." It's a good song to jam out with when you're having a rough go of it. McKee and Grier had a nice duet called "Will We Ever Know Each Other," and there was a very catchy group called, "You Do-Do-Do It Good."

The score might not be brilliant, but it's tuneful and pleasant- certainly not embarrassing.

[twinbelters]

Posted: 5/16/13 at 4:27pm

I recall a Chicago production later in the 80s, because I auditioned for it.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/16/13 at 4:42pm

I've only seen the first act. It's a'ight.

[eperkins]

Posted: 5/16/13 at 5:24pm

I saw it on Broadway. I don't remember too much about it, other than it was sort of meh. Critics did not like it as I recall. Joel Siegel, the film critic, wrote the book.

[seaweedjstubbs]

Posted: 5/16/13 at 8:18pm

Thanks for the info! It was just so intriguing to me that there was a Jackie Robinson musical that I'd never heard of before.

Whizzer - Is there anyway I could listen to the score?

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 5/16/13 at 9:48pm

Seaweed, Shoot me a PM.