Pitt's Kuntu Repertory Theatre Presents Broadway Musical Jelly's Last Jam

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's Kuntu Repertory Theatre will present the Broadway musical Jelly's Last Jam March 24 through April 9. All performances are in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium of Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

Jelly's Last Jam, which played to enthusiastic Broadway audiences in 1992, offers a sophisticated take on the life of pioneering jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, who lit up the 1920s Chicago night life with his dazzling jazz compositions. Disowned by his family at age 15, he rode the rails to Chicago, hustling pool and seducing women along the way. The play takes place on the eve of Morton's death in a club called The Jungle. Based on a book by George C. Wolfe and with music by Jelly Roll Morton and Luther Henderson, the play contains musical numbers still enjoyed today.

The cast of Jelly's Last Jam includes Kevin Brown as Jelly, Carter Redwood as the young Jelly, Jamal Murphy as Chimney Man, M. J. Henderson as Jack the Bear, and local jazz vocalist Sandy Dowe as Anita. A jazz ensemble will provide live music.

Neal Tate, the original musical director for Broadway's Bubbling Brown Sugar, will serve as musical director. His other Broadway experiences include Hair, Ain't Misbehavin', Jump for Joy, and Guys and Dolls. Tate has arranged music for a variety of artists' night club acts, including Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Gregory Hines, and Lena Horne. His original compositions have been used for theatrical productions and dance companies, as well as in commercials.

Timothy Ware will serve as director. He recently performed in the national tour of Broadway's Jesus Christ Superstar; his directing credits include A Taste of Chocolate, Shockwave, Dutchman, and Shout: And the Word Was Made Flesh. In 2002, Ware cofounded the Eclectic Dance Company at Alabama State University.

Performances of Jelly's Last Jam will be held at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. Matinees are scheduled for April 2 at 1 p.m. and April 7 at 11 a.m. For ticket and group sales information, call 412-624-7298 or visit www.kuntu.org.

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