A vivid, impressionistic portrait of legendary jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, the original 1992 Broadway production of Jelly’s Last Jam secured national recognition for writer/director George C. Wolfe (Shuffle Along, Angels in America), as well as nine Tony nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book.
Now, visionary director Robert O’Hara (A Raisin in the Sun) takes up the mantle of this wildly imaginative show that interrogates the self-declared “inventor of jazz” in a purgatorial afterlife, accusing him of denying and denigrating his cultural legacy. With showstopping numbers like “That’s How You Jazz” crafted by lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Working) and composer Luther Henderson from Morton’s own music, Jelly’s Last Jam captures the profound contradictions behind the artist’s explosive talent. Brilliantly utilizing two of this country’s most potent forms of storytelling—jazz and musical theater—Jelly’s Last Jam weaves a complex fable of American history, legacy, and truth.
Raymond Baynard, a New Jersey native and SUNY-Purchase graduate, has showcased his talents on Broadway in productions like MJ the Musical and Hamilton, and has also toured nationally with The Lion King and Hamilton. more...
Shawn Bowers, a member of Actors' Equity Association, has an impressive background that includes Broadway performances in Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations and regional credits such as Meet Me in St. Louis and Beauty and the Beast, adding depth to his role in Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Nicholas Christopher, a seasoned performer with a rich history in the New York Broadway community, previously showcased his talents in the musical "Jelly's Last Jam." more...
Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, a versatile and dynamic performer, brought her exceptional talent to the stage in "Jelly's Last Jam," captivating audiences with her powerful presence and remarkable skills. more...
John Edwards, a versatile performer and Chita Award winner, brought his dynamic talents to the stage in Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Ari Groover, who has an impressive Broadway resume including roles in "Tina" and "Holler If Ya Hear Me," brought their dynamic talent to the stage in "Jelly's Last Jam." more...
John Clay III, who previously graced the Broadway stage in "Choir Boy" and earned an OCC nomination, was also part of the cast of "Jelly's Last Jam." more...
Holly James, known for her roles in Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014) and upcoming projects like Elsbeth (2024) and The Folly of Paris, or, the Original Snub (2024), showcased her versatility in Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Joaquina Kalukango, who won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Paradise Square, also brought her remarkable talent to the stage in Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Tiffany Mann, a Texas native who studied Opera at Oklahoma City University, brought her impressive talents to the stage in Jelly's Last Jam, adding to her rich history of performances including Broadway's Waitress and Off-Broadway's Be More Chill. more...
Morgan McGhee, an alumna of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Clark Atlanta University, followed up her Broadway debut in Ain't Too Proud with a compelling performance in the innovative and thought-provoking production of Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Okieriete Onaodowan, known for his Grammy Award-winning performances on Broadway, including originating roles in Hamilton, has showcased his versatility across stage, film, and television, and was a standout in Jelly's Last Jam. more...
James Patterson, who has an extensive resume including Broadway hits like Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast, as well as Off-Broadway productions such as The Chocolate Show!, brought his remarkable talent to the stage in Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Stephanie Pope, a versatile actress, singer, and dancer, showcased her talents as one of "The Hunnies" in *Jelly’s Last Jam*, adding to her impressive list of Broadway credits that include roles in *Chicago*, *Thoroughly Modern Millie*, and *Fosse*. more...
Billy Porter, who appeared in the regional production of "Jelly's Last Jam" at the Alliance Theatre, is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor renowned for his dynamic performances both on stage and screen. more...
Salome B. Smith, a seasoned performer with a BFA from Alabama State University and an MFA from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, was last seen in the Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors before joining the cast of Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Nasia Thomas, known for her performances in Broadway productions such as "Caroline, Or Change" and "Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," brought her talent to the stage in "Jelly's Last Jam," showcasing her extensive experience in musical theatre. more...
Leslie Uggams, a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer, brought her legendary talent to the stage in "Jelly's Last Jam," adding yet another remarkable performance to her illustrious career that spans over six decades. more...
Sir Brock Warren, who has an extensive background in theater with performances in productions such as "Paradise Square" at Berkeley Rep and "The Harder They Come" at The Public, was also a part of the cast in "Jelly's Last Jam." more...
Allison M. Williams, a New York native, boasts an impressive career with Broadway credits including her role as a writer on the original Broadway production of Jelly's Last Jam. more...
Jelly's Last Jam FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Shreveport Stomp [i]
The Crave
Kansas City Stomp
Mr. Jelly Lord
Someday Sweetheart [i]
Pep
If Someone Would Only Love Me [i]
Wolverine
Black Bottom Stomp
Mamie's Blues [i]
Original Jelly Roll Blues
Prologue
Jelly's Jam
In My Day
The Creole Way
The Whole World's Waitin' to Sing Your Song
Street Scene
Michigan Waters
Get Away Boy
Lonely Boy Blues
Something More
The Pool Game
That's How You Jazz
The Chicago Stomp
Play the Music for Me
Lovin'Is a Low Down Blues
Good Ole New York
Too Late, Daddy
That's the Way We Do Things in New Yawk
Door Slam
Jelly's Isolation Dance
The Last Chance Blues
The Last Chance
The Last Rites
Boy, Pretty Boy
Creole Boy
We Are the Rhythms That Color Your Song
Jelly Dancing on the Moon
De Chimney Man
Le Famile Creole
L'Abandonnement
Jizz/Jazz
Don't You Leave Me Here
You Can't Stop Jelly (When Jelly's on a Roll)
The Night's Singing Another Song
Welcome to West Hell
Listen Fool
I'm Here
You
The Hunnies' Rag
Winin' Boy
Someday Sweetheart [ii]
Doctor Jazz
Doctor Jazz
Videos