A Critical Edition of an Early African-American Musical

FAIN: RQ-50074-04

Rosalyn P. Schenbeck
Unaffiliated Independent Scholar (Newman, GA 30263-6280)

Preparation of a critical edition of the complete musical score, script, instrumental and vocal performance parts, and description of dances in the influential African-American Broadway musical production "Shuffle Along."

This grant would support the creation of a critical Edition of the complete musical score, script, instrumental and vocal performance parts, and a description of the dances in the landmark Broadway musical "Shuffle Along" (1921). In collaboration with Project Director, project participants will transcribe and edit the full score and script, reconstructing missing components and suggesting music, dance, and theatre performance practices and dance steps based on historical evidence. The published edition will enable both study and performance of the work. An introductory essay will ground the work in historical, cultural, and social context as a key text in the early Harlem renaissance.