Swingin’ the Dream

First performed at The Center Theatre, Broadway in 1939, Gilbert Seldes and Erik Charell’s jazz-infused version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and intriguing Broadway musical adaptations of Shakespeare of all time.

The original production featured lyrics by Eddie DeLange and music by Jimmy Van Heusen with choreography by Agnes de Mille. The 1939 musical featured some of the most popular African American performers of the day including Louis Armstrong, Moms Mabley, Maxine Sullivan, the Dandridge Sisters and Butterfly McQueen alongside musical contributions from Count Basie, Fats Waller and Benny Goodman.

Now, eight decades on from the show’s Broadway premiere, TFANA has teamed up with the Royal Shakespeare Company and London’s Young Vic to swing into the New Year with a one-off concert, telling the story of the musical.

Presented by Kwame Kwei-Armah (Artistic Director, Young Vic), the show will feature a selection of original songs from the production performed by RSC musicians Neil Charles (Bass), Peter Edwards (MD/Arranger/Piano), Chris Storr (Trumpet) and Zara McFarlane (Vocals). The cast comprises Alfred Clay, Andrew French, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Cornell S. John, Georgia Sanders, Mogali Masuku, Baker Mukasa and Anne Odeke.

We are so grateful to all of you who have stood with us during this time. As a New Year’s gift to our community, TFANA is covering the $13.50 (£10) ticket price for our donors, members of our email list, or anyone who joins our mailing list. Please consider a fully tax-deductible gift of any size to help support the artists and our costs in bringing you “Swingin’ The Dream” and other digital offerings. With your help, our community can stay strong. Our shared conversation that is at the heart of great theatre will continue.