Jolson & Company
by Stephen Mo Hanan, Jay Berkow

Name: Jolson & Company
Brand: Stephen Mo Hanan
SKU: 9780573629549

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

105 mins 1940s/WWII Reduced Casting (Doubling Possible) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes American

Why we like it

"Celebrate the life and legacy of Al Jolson, blending his timeless hits with a vibrant theatrical experience."

From: Jukebox Musicals for Licensing

Synopsis

This musical captures on stage the story of America's greatest entertainer during his years as a star in the 1920s and his comeback in the 1940s.

While Al Jolson recalls colorful moments from his life during an interview, two actors play all of the other characters, including some show business luminaries and his wives, Ruby Keeler among them.

The vivid memories his mother, vaudeville, Broadway, feature films and five marriages together with unforgettable renditions of "Swanee," "You Made Me Love You," "Sonny Boy," "California Here I Come," "April Showers," "Mammy" and other Jolson standards made this sparkling bio musical a hit Off-Broadway and in London.

Themes Blackface entertainers--United States--Drama Entertainers Entertainers--United States--Drama Blackface entertainers Jewish entertainers Jolson, Al , -1950 Jewish entertainers--United States--Drama Musical theater Musical theater--New York (State)--New York

Press Reviews

"An intelligent and winning musical...that brought cheers and applause...Does justice to the man and his music."
— The New York Times

"It's impossible not to enjoy...There is both charm and humor and it flows incredibly well dramatically...Highly recommended."
— nytheatre.com

"Working with a clear vision, a diagrammatic book and a tiny cast with a lot of chutzpah. Hannan and company pull it off with terrific efficiency."
— Variety

"So much fun... The narrative is given a strong element of continuity...The character of Jolson is a boon as well: capricious egotism and pig headedness offset by disarming magnetism...The audience wants to sing along, and is given its chance in the final concert segment."
— Financial Times