Jamaica 1957

Opened: October 31, 1957

Jamaica - 1957 - Broadway History , Info & More

Imperial Theatre (Broadway)
249 West 45th St. New York, NY

Jamaica is a musical with a book by Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy, lyrics by Harburg, and music by Harold Arlen. Harburg was blacklisted in Hollywood at the time of the writing of the musical. Set on a small island off the coast of Jamaica, the musical tells about a simple island community fighting to avoid being overrun by American commercialism.



Arlen's music parodies the popular form of Calypso, which was in vogue in the 1950s, largely as a result of the popularity of Harry Belafonte, for whom the musical was originally written. Belafonte withdrew from the production due to illness, and the musical was then tailored around the talents of Lena Horne.

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Malik Yoba and David Heron Celebrate AGAINST HIS WILL Staged Reading at the Apollo
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 22, 2022

Actor-Producer Malik Yoba and Playwright David Heron are celebrating the success of their recent staged reading production of Heron's award winning courtroom drama Against His Will, held at the world famous Apollo Soundstage in New York on Monday, November 7.

TFANA's Production of WEDDING BAND Starring Brittany Bradford, Thomas Sadoski & More Has Been Extended
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2022

TFANA has extended the run of Alice Childress’s Wedding Band, directed by Awoye Timpo, to May 22. (The production, which began previews April 28—postponed from an original date of April 23 due to two COVID-19 cases—was formerly set to close May 15).

TFANA to Present Alice Childress's WEDDING BAND
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2022

TFANA will present Alice Childress’s Wedding Band. Director Awoye Timpo’s new staging, running April 23–May 15, brings Childress’s masterpiece to New York audiences for the first time since 1972, when it made its New York premiere in a production directed by Childress and Joseph Papp.

OPERA America Announces Third Cycle of IDEA Opera Grants
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 5, 2022

OPERA America has announced the third cycle of IDEA Opera Grants (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access), an initiative that supports teams of composers and librettists who identify as African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and/or Native American in the development of new operatic works and the advancement of their careers in the opera industry.

Chamber Music America Awards Nearly $1.3 Million in Grants to the Small Ensemble Music Field
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 23, 2021

Chamber Music America (CMA), the national network for ensemble music professionals, today announced the distribution of $1,290,450 through its six grant programs.

Student Blog: Zodiac Signs of Tony-Nominated Musicals
by Student Blogger: Madison Moore - Mar 22, 2021

The criteria are that these shows have been nominated for Best Musical from the 3rd Tony Awards (the ceremony that started the Best Musical category) in 1949 to the nominations of what will now be the 74th Tony Awards in 2021. I will be determining their signs based upon their Broadway premiere date. With those rules in mind, here we go!

Celebrating Black History Month: Spotlight on Alvin Ailey
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 13, 2021

Today we learn all about Alvin Ailey- a dancer, director, choreographer, and activist who is perhaps best known for founding the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT). His work fused theater, modern dance, ballet, and jazz with black vernacular, creating hope-fueled choreography that continues to spread global awareness of black life in America.

BSO Announces Free February 16 Symphony Hall Concert And BSO In The Neighborhood Pop-Ups
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2020

In response to the Boston Symphony Orchestra's cancellation of its four-city tour to East Asia (Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai), which was to have taken place February 6a?"16, the management of the orchestra has added to its performance schedule a series of free musical offerings that will culminate in a Boston Symphony Orchestra community concert, under the direction of Thomas Wilkins, BSO Youth and Family Conductor, on Sunday, February 16, at 3 p.m., at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Full Casting Announced for THE CAT IN THE HAT at The Turbine Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2019

Jonathan Ray (The Cat), Grace Kelly Miller (Sally/Fish), Nick Brittain (The Boy/Thing One), and Matt Jay Ryan (Thing Two), will star in Katie Mitchell's acclaimed stage adaptation of The Cat In The Hat, directed by Lillie Collier. Based on the much loved tale by Dr Seuss, the Turbine Theatre's festival family show runs for a strictly limited Christmas season from 11 December - 11 January.

Rubin Museum Presents CLAPPING WITH STORIES Featuring Hank Willis Thomas, Nari Ward, Lida Abdul, And More
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2019

The Rubin Museum proudly announces the third exhibition in its Year of Power programming: Clapping with Stones: Art and Acts of Resistance, organized by guest curator Sara Raza and on view on the Rubin's sixth floor from August 16, 2019, through January 6, 2020.

Upcoming CD Releases for April 2018
by BWW Special - Apr 1, 2018

Check out the latest in upcoming releases of Broadway and theatre related CDs for April, 2018.

Celebrate Valentine's Day With Lantz And Kargul
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2018

Celebrate the holiday of love with Lantz and Kargul as they journey back to La Belle Epoque, the most romantic era in French art and culture. Savor the lush pastoral scenes portrayed in Joseph Canteloube's evocative suite, Dans la montagne, and revel in the passion of Jacques de La Presle's rhapsodic Sonata for Violin and Piano. Click here to purchase tickets online from USM, or by phone at (207) 780-5555, or by phone from the LARK Society at (207) 761-1522, or at the door.

Celebrate Valentine's Day With Lantz And Kargul
by Stephi Wild - Feb 1, 2018

Celebrate the holiday of love with Lantz and Kargul as they journey back to La Belle Epoque, the most romantic era in French art and culture. Savor the lush pastoral scenes portrayed in Joseph Canteloube's evocative suite, Dans la montagne, and revel in the passion of Jacques de La Presle's rhapsodic Sonata for Violin and Piano.

LITTLE ROCK to Have Industry Readings in NYC
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2018

Rebel Theatrical Management, LLC announces that two private industry readings of Little Rock: An American Play With Music, written and directed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, will be presented in New York City on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Valisia Lekae, McKinley Belcher III & More Will Lead LITTLE ROCK Industry Reading
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 22, 2018

Rebel Theatrical Management, LLC just announced that two private industry readings of Little Rock: An American Play With Music, written and directed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, will be presented in New York City on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Harlem Repertory Theatre To Revive Harburg & Saidy's JAMAICA
by BWW News Desk - Jun 29, 2017

The Harlem Repertory Theatre, under the direction of its Founding Artistic Director Keith Lee Grant, has announced that it will present JAMAICA, Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy,'s powerful story about a Jamaican woman's dream of moving to New York City, July 29th - March 24th at The Tato Laviera Theatre (240 East 123rd Street).

Karen Oberlin, Anita Gilette and More to Join Richard Skipper for 'Yip' Harburg Celebration at the Beechman
by BWW News Desk - Apr 3, 2017

To celebrate the 121st birthday of lyricist E.Y. 'Yip' Harburg, Richard Skipper has assembled a brunch time cabaret tribute to the legendary lyricist, to be staged at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on April 8, with cabaret stars Karen Oberlin, Leslie Orofino, Maureen Kelley Stewart and a special appearance by Anita Gilette.

Legacy Recordings Celebrates Harry Belafonte's 90th Birthday with Release of 'When Colors Come Together'
by BWW News Desk - Feb 24, 2017

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is celebrating the 90th birthday of the iconic American singer/songwriter/actor/social activist/cultural ambassador Harry Belafonte (born March 1, 1927) with the release ofWhen Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafontetoday, February 24, 2017.

Legacy Recordings Celebrates Harry Belafonte's 90th Birthday with Release of 'When Colors Come Together'
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 19, 2017

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is celebrating the 90th birthday of the iconic American singer/songwriter/actor/social activist/cultural ambassador Harry Belafonte (born March 1, 1927) with the release ofWhen Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafonteon Friday, February 24, 2017.

Revd A.A. Harriott Releases TELL THE TRUTH AS IT IS
by Christina Mancuso - Jan 29, 2016

The effects of transatlantic slave trade earn less emphasis. The unfortunate fact is that slaves of injustice such as brutal punishments still feel the suffering until today. Revd A.A. Harriott brings an eye-opener literature, with actual victims of slave trade as main characters in his book 'TELL THE TRUTH AS IT IS' (published by AuthorHouse UK).

Little Children Dream of God: Read, Watch, Do
by Roundabout Theatre Company - Mar 31, 2015

Immerse yourself in the world of Little Children Dream of God with our recommended reading, watching and doing lists.

Renaissance One, Tilt and Carnival Village Host LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME 2014 Festival This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Oct 25, 2014

Renaissance One and Tilt with Carnival Village and partners present 'London is the Place for Me 2014'. The second weekend festival of literature, music and limin' returns to celebrate the vibrancy of the Caribbean and its love affair with London, curated by Melanie Abrahams, Ray Funk and Alexander D Great and running at The Tabernacle, London W11 this weekend, 25th and 26th October 2014, with events from noon until late.

All in the Family - Meet the Full Cast of Broadway's YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU!
by Meet the Cast - Oct 18, 2014

Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman's Pulitzer Prize-winning play YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU opened on September 28, 2014, at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street). The production is directed by six-time Tony Award-nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Scott Ellis (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Twelve Angry Men, 1776). Scroll down to learn more about the full cast and watch interviews with the company below!

Renaissance One, Tilt and Carnival Village to Host LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME 2014 Festival, Oct 25-26
by BWW News Desk - Sep 30, 2014

Renaissance One and Tilt with Carnival Village and partners present 'London is the Place for Me 2014'. The second weekend festival of literature, music and limin' returns to celebrate the vibrancy of the Caribbean and its love affair with London, curated by Melanie Abrahams, Ray Funk and Alexander D Great and running at The Tabernacle, London W11 25th and 26th October 2014, with events from noon until late.

Met Opera Rising Stars, POTTED POTTER, Audra McDonald, Bela Fleck and More Set for NJPAC's 2014-15 Season
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2014

John Schreiber, NJPAC's President and CEO, and David Rodriguez, Executive Producer of the Arts Center, announced today a 2014-15 season packed with new, NJPAC- created, season-long series', collaborations with renowned artists and companies, an expansion of diverse programming, further integration of NJPAC's arts education programs within mainstage performances, and a continuation of the Arts Center's 17-year tradition of presenting world-class artists. With over 100 performances and special events announced for the acoustically superb 2,800- seat Prudential Hall, intimate 514-seat Victoria Theater, 250-seat Chase Room, and outdoors in Theater Square, by artists ranging from Patti LaBelle to The Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars; from Chris Botti to Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience; from Golda's Balcony with Tovah Feldshuh to the Brick City Jazz Orchestra; from Bela Fleck to Lula Washington Dance Theatre; from Beres Hammond to Audra McDonald; and from The Second City to Dinosaur Train Live!, NJPAC's new season has something for everyone.

Jamaica FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Savannah
Savannah's Wedding Day
Pretty to Walk With
Push De Button
Incompatibility
Little Biscuit
Cocoanut Sweet
Pity the Sunset
Hooray for De Yankee Dollar
What Good Does It Do?
Monkey in the Mango Tree
Take It Slow, Joe
Beach at Night
Leave the Atom Alone
For Every Fish
I Don't Think I'll End It All Today
Napoleon
Sweet Wind Blowin' My Way
What Did Noah Do (When the Big Wind Came)?
Ain't It the Truth
Jamaica has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1957, Broadway which opened in 1957 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2005.
Jamaica has been nominated for several Tony Awards. These include nominations for Best Musical, Best Costume Design for Miles White, and Best Scenic Design for Oliver Smith.

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