Opening Night Broadway Celebration of "The Scottsboro Boys" Video

By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine

Broadway's controversial new musical "The Scottsboro Boys" opened on Sunday October 31 at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre. Based upon actual events, the musical uses the theatrical convention of a minstrel show to explore one of the most important Civil Rights cases of the 20th Century.

Based on the notorious "Scottsboro" case in the 1930s (in which nine African-American men were unjustly accused of a terrible crime) this daring and wildly entertaining musical explores a fascinating chapter in American history with brilliant originality. The production is directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers) and features a book by David Thompson (who adapted the script for Chicago's record-breaking revival

Broadway Show: The Scottsboro Boys

Broadway stars and legends lined up to see the opening night performance, including Kristin Chenoweth who is currently starring in Promises, Promises; David Hyde Pierce,Tracie Thoms, Barbara Cook, and Nathan Lane, currently in The Addams Family and the star of Stroman's hit production of Mel Brooks' The Producers.

After the show, the performers were clearly excited by the success of the production.

"Each character has its own personal, unique way of telling the story," reflects Jeremy Gumbs, who plays one of the Scottsboro Boys.

"After reading Haywood's book 'Scottsboro Boy' I realized anything I've gone through in my life that was a struggle, maybe I can hold on for a little longer…because of him I'm motivated to work harder, to try harder; and to try to inspire others as he's inspired me," offers Joshua Henry, who has earned raves for his performance as Haywood Patterson.

"I think the message of this show deserves to be seen and heard," says Broadway legend John Cullum.

"You say 'minstrel show' and everyone is up in arms immediately, but we're taking the form and using it in a very post-modern way…to examine it and examine race…to start a dialogue," says star Coleman Dominigo, directly addressing the controversial form of the musical.

"The opening night is so exciting, and I think the hope is that we're here to stay for a while," offers director Susan Stroman on opening night. A survey of critics' reviews following the performance suggest she may be right.

The Broadway opening night critics found much to praise in the new musical from legends John Kander and Fred Ebb. "Adventurous and dynamic!" cheered Charles Isherwood of the The New York Times, adding, "A terrific cast. Kander and Ebb have written a zesty score. Colman Domingo and Forrest McClendon are brilliant caricaturists. Joshua Henry gives a performance of keen intensity."

"Exciting and worthwhile and a slice of history that needs to be known. A provocative story, rousing staging, a fine score and a hugely talented cast," exclaimed Daily News' critic Joe Dziemianowicz.

Praise for the cast and the entire creative team seemed standard fare for "The Scottsboro Boys." While the musical itself is controversial, it is also in harmony with other provocative works by Kander and Ebb. "This one is right up there with Cabaret and Chicago," writes critic Steven Suskin of Variety.

Watch the entire opening night video celebration of Broadway's new hit musical The Scottsboro Boys right here on Broadway.tv.