Podcast Summary: "Broadway Exhibition Showcases Black Excellence on Stage"

Podcast Information

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Produced by: WNYC
• Episode Title: Broadway Exhibition Showcases Black Excellence on Stage
• Release Date: February 25, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work, fostering a diverse community around cultural discussions.

Introduction

Alison Stewart welcomes listeners to the episode, highlighting the day's primary focus on a new exhibition celebrating Black excellence on Broadway. She introduces Ben West, a musical theater artist, historian, and creator of the Musical Theater Report, who consulted on the exhibit.

Quote:

"I'm Alison Stewart live from the WNYC studios in Soho. Thank you for spending part of your day with us."
— Alison Stewart [00:35]

Overview of the Exhibit: Crafting Black Storytellers of Broadway

The episode delves into the "Crafting Black Storytellers of Broadway" exhibit at the Museum of Broadway in Times Square, which honors Black playwrights, lyricists, and composers who have significantly influenced American theater. The exhibit features tributes to trailblazers like Lorraine Hansberry, Lynn Nottage, and August Wilson, alongside costumes from notable productions such as "The Color Purple" and "The Choir Boy."

Quote:

"The exhibit honors the impact of black playwrights, lyricists and composers who have shaped American theater."
— Alison Stewart [00:35]

Ben West's Role and Contributions

Ben West explains his involvement with the Museum of Broadway, particularly his contribution to the permanent section where he created the "20 timeline walls" tracing Broadway's history from the 1700s to 2021. When the special exhibit was being curated, West was approached to consult and review the list of Black storytellers to ensure comprehensiveness.

Quote:

"I had already been involved with the museum... they reached out to me for a consult and had a list of names that they wanted to include."
— Ben West [02:33]

Historical Context of Black Storytelling on Broadway

Ben West provides an in-depth analysis of the historical landscape of Black storytelling on Broadway. He emphasizes that Broadway historically encompassed a broader range of theatrical productions beyond the contemporary understanding, including vaudeville, burlesque, and nightclubs. This broader definition allowed for significant Black contributions in the early 20th century, which are often overlooked today.

Key Figures Discussed:

• Bob Cole: Referred to as the "father of the black musical stage," Cole collaborated with the Johnson brothers, integrating Black narratives into mainstream Broadway through works like "Shoofly Regiment" and "A Trip to Coontown."
• James Weldon Johnson & Rosamond Johnson: Notable for creating influential works alongside Cole.
• Bert Williams: Composer for Cole’s "A Trip to Coontown," which played a pivotal role in advancing Black musicals.
• James Reese Europe & Ford Dabney: Highlighted for their contributions to Black music and their association with prominent productions like "Ziegfeld Follies" and the "Midnight Frolic."

Quote:

"Bob Cole is someone to whom I refer as the father of the black musical stage... He was very, very much a progressive artist."
— Ben West [06:15]

Listener Engagement and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, listeners share their personal experiences and connections with Black Broadway productions. These narratives underscore the transformative impact of Black excellence on stage.

Highlighted Listener Stories:

• Alison Stewart: Shares her first experience attending "Pearly" and other influential shows like "The Wiz" and "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf."

  Quote:

  "My parents took me to see the Wiz for my 16th birthday. It was a transformative experience."
  — Alison Stewart [12:42]

• Sharon from Queens: Describes attending "The Great White Hope" starring James Earl Jones, highlighting its life-changing impact.

  Quote:

  "Seeing James Earl Jones in that play was life changing for me."
  — Sharon [21:10]

• Tracy from Staten Island: Recounts watching the original cast of "Fences" and her aspiration for her son to see Denzel Washington in "Othello."

  Quote:

  "I realized how lucky I was because that is something that I remember to this day."
  — Tracy [24:42]

Costume Highlights in the Exhibit

Ben West details some of the standout costumes featured in the exhibit, each representing iconic Black actors and their roles.

Notable Costumes Include:

• Cynthia Erivo's Outfit from the "Color Purple" revival.
• Jennifer Hudson's Dress from the same production.
• Denzel Washington's Suit from "Julius Caesar."
• Eartha Kitt's Outfit from "The Wild Party," a George C. Wolfe production co-authored with Michael John LaChiusa.

Quote:

"There is a Jennifer Hudson dress from that same production, the Color Purple."
— Ben West [18:07]

Expansion of Black Narratives and Future Directions

The conversation shifts to the evolution and expansion of Black narratives on Broadway. Ben West highlights the ongoing efforts to diversify storytelling, ensuring that Black voices continue to shape the future of theater.

Key Points:

• Lynn Nottage and other contemporary playwrights are expanding the scope of Black narratives.
• The exhibit not only celebrates historical figures but also spotlights present and future Black storytellers, ensuring the continuity and growth of diverse narratives on Broadway.
• Emphasis on both racial and narrative diversity, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of American theater.

Quote:

"Navigating the expansion of story and the black narrative... it continues to expand."
— Ben West [25:29]

Impact and Conclusion

Ben West articulates the transformative power of the exhibit, emphasizing its role in educating the public about the integral contributions of Black artists to Broadway. He hopes that visitors gain a deeper understanding of the historical and ongoing significance of Black storytelling in shaping American consciousness and theater.

Quote:

"Broadway... is a reflection of American consciousness... seeing ourselves... on stage."
— Ben West [21:59]

Conclusion by Alison Stewart: Alison wraps up the segment by thanking Ben West for his insights and encouraging listeners to visit the exhibit to experience the celebration of Black excellence on Broadway firsthand.

Quote:

"Thanks for being with us. We really appreciate it."
— Alison Stewart [26:29]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alison Stewart [00:35]:
  "I'm Alison Stewart live from the WNYC studios in Soho. Thank you for spending part of your day with us."

• Ben West [06:15]:
  "Bob Cole is someone to whom I refer as the father of the black musical stage... He was very, very much a progressive artist."

• Sharon [21:10]:
  "Seeing James Earl Jones in that play was life changing for me."

• Tracy [24:42]:
  "I realized how lucky I was because that is something that I remember to this day."

• Ben West [21:59]:
  "Broadway... is a reflection of American consciousness... seeing ourselves... on stage."

Conclusion

This episode of "All Of It" provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the "Crafting Black Storytellers of Broadway" exhibit, highlighting the profound impact of Black artists on American theater. Through insightful discussions with Ben West and heartfelt listener stories, the podcast underscores the enduring legacy and evolving narratives of Black excellence on Broadway.

For those interested in cultural history and the arts, this episode serves as a valuable resource, offering both educational content and personal anecdotes that illustrate the transformative power of representation in the performing arts.