Shuffle Along and the 1921 Breakthrough in Black Musical Theater (1921–1925)

1. Out-of-town tryout at Washington’s Howard Theatre

   Mar 1, 1921Labels: Howard Theatre, Out-of-town Tryout

   • BlackPast
   • NY1920s

2. Broadway opening at 63rd Street Music Hall

   May 23, 1921Labels: 63rd Street, Eubie Blake

   • NYPL
   • HISTORY
   • BritannicaKids

3. Show’s songs and dances drive early momentum

   Jun 1, 1921Labels: Shuffle Along, Syncopated Music

   • HISTORY
   • NYPL

4. “I’m Just Wild About Harry” published

   Jul 1, 1921Labels: I m, Sissle &

   • Song page
   • Library catalog

5. Florence Mills becomes a standout attraction

   Aug 1, 1921Labels: Florence Mills, Lead Performer

   • Britannica
   • BritannicaKids

6. Broadway run becomes a major commercial success

   Dec 1, 1921Labels: Broadway Run, 504 Performances

   • BritannicaKids
   • NYPL
   • HISTORY

7. A new wave of all-Black Broadway shows follows

   Jan 1, 1922Labels: All-Black Musicals, Broadway Shift

   • NYPL
   • HISTORY

8. Touring companies spread the “Shuffle Along” model

   Mar 1, 1922Labels: Touring Companies, National Tour

   • BlackPast
   • BritannicaKids

9. Broadway production closes after extended run

   Jul 15, 1922Labels: Broadway Closing, Final Performance

   • Ovrtur
   • BritannicaKids

10. Performers’ careers accelerate through 1923

    Jan 1, 1923Labels: Performers Careers, Career Mobility

    • BritannicaKids
    • NYPL

11. Harlem Renaissance performing arts gain broader visibility

    Jan 1, 1924Labels: Harlem Renaissance, Performing Arts

    • NYPL
    • BritannicaKids

12. Legacy by 1925: a durable Broadway turning point

    Jan 1, 1925Labels: Legacy 1925, Broadway Turning

    • HISTORY
    • NYPL