Harlem Song is a historical revue, celebrating the vibrant and energetic history of this famous neighborhood using song, dance, dialogue, and multimedia. George C. Wolfe (Bring in Da' Noise/Bring in Da' Funk, Jelly's Last Jam) wrote and directed the piece.

"Harlem is one place where myth and reality have been dancing with each other since the beginning ... I'm interested in exploring that" - Wolfe

The show features songs that have come out of the renowned musical community, as well as photographs, film and dialogue presenting a tour of Harlem's history since the 1920's. Jazz standards, rap and R&B hits bring the past and present to life on stage, covering the Jazz Age, the Harlem Renaissance and today's spirit of rebirth and redevelopment in the area.

"It's not just an art story, it's an economic development story."
      - David Rodriguez, executive director, Apollo Theater Foundation

"It's not history from a distance ... It's history that has an intimacy." - Wolfe

Harlem Song opened on 4 August 2002, with previews beginning 8 July, at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The show played through 29 December 2002, and further plans were expected at the time it shuttered. These plans are still being determined, and will be posted here once they are finalized and announced.

The original cast of Harlem Song was led by Tony nominee B.J. Crosby (Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Civil War tour) and solo performer Queen Esther. Joining them on stage were Rosa Arredono, Renee Monique Brown, Gabriel Croom, Rosa Curry, Randy Andre Davis, Delandis McClam, Sinclair Mitchell, Zoie Morris, Dana Shavonne Rainey, Stacey Sargeant, David St. Louis, Keith Lamelle Thomas and Charles E. Wallace.

The original cast recording is now available from Columbia/Legacy Records. You can listen to sound clips and order the album at their website. The album is also available from Amazon or iTunes.

Harlem Song received a 2002 Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition Award as Best Musical Production of the Year. Also earning awards for their work on this show were Jules Fisher & Peggy Eisenhauer (Lighting Design), Riccardo Hernández (Set Design), Paul Tazewell (Costume Design), George C. Wolfe (Director of a Musical Production), Ken Roberson (Choreography) and Zane Mark & Daryl Waters (Outstanding Musical Director). The awards were given out at the 30th annual celebration, on 18 November 2002.

Frank is one of the producers for this project, joined by The John Schreiber Group, George C. Wolfe, David Goodman, Margo Lion, Daryl Roth, Herb Alpert and Whoopi Goldberg. Frank is not directly involved in the creative aspects of the show. The members of the creative team have worked with Wolfe previously on Noise/Funk or Jelly's Last Jam. They include Daryl Waters and Zane Mark as musical directors and co-composers, Ken Roberson as choreographer, Riccardo Hernández designing sets, Paul Tazewell on costumes, Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer on lighting, and Batwin & Robin Productions providing multimedia.

The Apollo Theater is located at 253 West 125th Street in Harlem. It has been known since the 30's for its variety shows, amateur nights and its history. It has just undergone a $6 million renovation, including the marquee and facade, and is hoped to be part of a major new cultural center. Transportation and parking are listed on the official site.

Photos have been posted at Playbill Online... previews: 1 2 opening night: 1 2 3 4.
(Note: Playbill's "View the next photo" links don't currently work)