last jam tour

30 Years of Encores!

Jelly's Last Jam

Feb 21 – Mar 3, 2024

WEEK ONE | Feb 21 – 25, 2024 Wed – Fri 7:30pm Sat 2 & 8pm | Sun 2 & 7pm

WEEK TWO | Feb 27 – Mar 3, 2024 Tue – Fri 7:30pm Sat 2 & 8pm | Sun 2pm

Accessible Program PDF

To download a program accessible for screen readers, click here .

Tickets from $45 (fees included)

Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission

Celebrate Black Theater Legacy Night

Fri Mar 1 at 7:30pm Enjoy special drink discounts , a complimentary photo booth , and jazz music curated by WBGO DJ Sheila Anderson . Stay and continue the conversation! Join George C. Wolfe , Susan Birkenhead , and Daryl Waters in a post-show talkback— Black Theater Legacy: Luther Henderson —moderated by director Robert O’Hara . The bars will stay open for an hour after the talkback to keep the conversation flowing.

Click here to listen to the pre-show playlist

Student Rush

Purchase student rush, same-day tickets for $23 (fees included) with a current, photo student ID. Present your photo student ID at the box office on the day of the performance to buy tickets (maximum of two). The box office opens at noon. Tickets are subject to availability.

Group Sales

Special Pricing for Groups To book a group of 10 or more tickets, visit Broadway Plus , call 646.838.0749 , or email [email protected] .

In the process of blowing the roof off the building they also make your hair stand on end Read More

Christopher is stunning as Morton Read More

This is the kind of theatrical deep cut that Encores! does best... you better not miss it . Read More

Take your seat at the legendary Jungle Inn nightclub for an electrifying musical telling the story of jazz through its self-proclaimed inventor: Jelly Roll Morton . Returning to the New York stage for just two weeks, Jelly’s Last Jam features Nicholas Christopher ( Sweeney Todd ) as Jelly, John Clay III ( Choir Boy ) as Jack the Bear,  Alaman Diadhiou as  Young Jelly ,  Joaquina Kalukango ( Paradise Square ) as Anita, Tiffany Mann ( Be More Chill ) as Miss Mamie, Okierete Onaodowan  ( Hamilton ) as Buddy Bolden,  Billy Porter ( Pose ) as Chimney Man, Leslie Uggams ( American Fiction ) as Gran Mimi, as well as original Broadway cast members Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren , and  Allison M. Williams who reprise their roles as the Hunnies.

Encores! Jelly’s Last Jam is led by visionary director Robert O’Hara ( X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X ) with Tap Choreography by tap icon Dormeshia,  Choreography by Edgar Godineaux , and Guest Music Director Jason Michael Webb ( MJ, Choir Boy ) leading the iconic Encores! Orchestra, who perform onstage in this engagement.

Written by Tony-winner George C. Wolfe ( Rustin, Shuffle Along ), the original 1992 Broadway production secured eight Tony nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book. Crafting showstopping numbers and piercing ballads alike from Morton’s own music, lyricist Susan Birkenhead ( BOOP! ) and composer Luther Henderson create a uniquely compelling musical backdrop for a show that brilliantly utilizes two of this country’s most potent forms of storytelling—jazz and musical theater.

Casting and programming subject to change.

Want the best seats in the house?

Secure access to premium house seats when you become a Patron starting at $2,500. Please call 212.763.1257 or email [email protected] for more information.

This production includes explicit racial and sexual language and simulated violence. Not recommended for audiences under age 13.

NYT: Bringing a Jazz Tale to a New Generation

“When people walk out of Jelly’s Last Jam , I hope that they’re not only uplifted by the music , but they’re reminded to take care of each other and to take care of the people that they value in their lives.”

— Guest Music Director Jason Michael Webb

Read the feature

Jelly's Last Jam | "Last Chance Blues" Videography: Bardo Arts/Alex Pearlman, Production Photography: Joan Marcus

Jelly's Last Jam | "The Whole World’s Waitin’ to Sing Your Song" Videography: Bardo Arts/Alex Pearlman, Production Photography: Joan Marcus

Jelly's Last Jam Highlights Videography: Bardo Arts/Alex Pearlman, Production Photography: Joan Marcus

Jelly Roll Morton (Nicholas Christopher) arrives at the Jungle Inn.

Photo by Joan Marcus

The Hunnies (from left to right): Allison M. Williams, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, Mamie Duncan-Gibbs

Gran Mimi (Leslie Uggams)

Young Jelly (Alaman Diadhiou) and the cast of Jelly's Last Jam  tap out a new sound.

Jelly's Last Jam | "Michigan Water" Videography: Bardo Arts/Alex Pearlman, Production Photography: Joan Marcus

Famous cornet player and musical innovator Buddy Bolden (Okieriete Onaodowan).

Buddy Bolden (Okieriete Onaodowan) & Miss Mamie (Tiffany Mann) bring the house down in "Michigan Water."

Jack the Bear (John Clay III) wants "Something More."

Jelly Roll Morton (Nicholas Christopher) and Anita (Joaquina Kalukango) discover that "Lovin' is a Lowdown Blues."

Jelly Roll Morton (Nicholas Christopher) shows the cast of Jelly's Last Jam  "That's How You Jazz."

Inside Encores! Rehearsal: "Jelly's Jam"

Videography: Bardo Arts/Alex Pearlman

Inside Encores! Rehearsal: "Play the Music for Me"

Jelly Roll Morton (Nicholas Christopher), Chimney Man (Billy Porter) & the Hunnies (left to right: Allison M. Williams, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, Mamie Duncan-Gibbs)

Paul Niebanck (left) and James Patterson (right) tell Jelly Roll Morton (Nicholas Christopher, center) "That's The Way We Do Things in New York."

First Day with The Encores! Orchestra

Jelly Roll Morton (Nicholas Christopher) and the cast of Jelly's Last Jam.

Director Robert O’Hara on Jelly’s Last Jam

“How many people get the chance, 30 years after they've seen the original, to actually work on a revival of it, and to have the ability to communicate with the people who created it?”

— Robert O'Hara

Read the interview

Encores! JELLY'S LAST JAM: Celebrating Black Theater Legacy

Curated by Sheila Anderson, WBGO

In the Press

Critic's Pick : Jelly’s Last Jam Review: A Musical Paradise , Even in Purgatory Read More

The cast is a constellation of stars . Read More

The tap numbers ... are genuine showstoppers . Read More

Nicholas Christopher

Jelly Roll Morton

NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER (Jelly Roll Morton) Born in Bermuda and raised in Boston, Christopher recently starred in the 2023 Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd as Pirelli. Christopher studied at the Juilliard School and The Boston Conservatory, where he cultivated his unique range as both an actor and a singer. Select theater and TV credits include: Hamilton , Miss Saigon , Lazarus (with David Bowie), Hurt Village (Katori Hall), and RENT ; ALL RISE (CBS), United States Of Al (CBS), and Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX).

John Clay III

Jack the Bear

JOHN CLAY III (Jack the Bear) Broadway: New York, New York ; Choir Boy (MTC, OCC nominee). Off-Broadway: A Raisin in the Sun (The Public Theater), Grand Hotel (Encores!). TV: Raising Kanan , PBS’ Great Performances (Mass). Education: Carnegie Mellon University. Clay made his solo concert debut to a sold-out crowd at Green Room 42 this fall. He thanks his wife for constantly challenging him to be the best man he can be. IG: @johnclayiii

Alaman Diadhiou

Young Jelly

ALAMAN DIADHIOU (Young Jelly) is a singer, dancer, songwriter, and entertainer from Leimert Park in Los Angeles. Trained at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Diadhiou is a 2019 Presidential Scholar in the Arts (Tap Dance) and a graduate of Yale College ‘23 with a BA in Comparative Literature. Diadhiou aspires to be one of the world’s premier live performers, carrying the tradition of the legendary artists who precede him while striving to innovate with his own voice.

Mamie Duncan-Gibbs

MAMIE DUNCAN-GIBBS (Hunnie) is thrilled to be on the City Center stage once again, having performed in Purlie , Chicago , Pal Joey , and Du Barry Was A Lady . Broadway credits include Jelly’s Last Jam , Chicago , Cats , Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat , and Liza Steppin’ Out at Radio City. She is currently a Professor of Movement at Manhattan School of Music and instructs fitness classes with senior citizens at LY Daycare and 5-Star Residences of Yonkers. mamieduncangibbs.com

Joaquina Kalukango

JOAQUINA KALUKANGO (Anita) is thrilled to be back at New York City Center. She received the 2022 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical for her performance in Paradise Square . Other Broadway credits include: Into the Woods , Slave Play (Outer Critics Circle award), The Color Purple Revival , Holler If Ya Hear Me , and Godspell . Off-Broadway: The Wild Party (City Center Encores!), Antony and Cleopatra (The Public), Hurt Village (Signature Theatre). @joaquinakalukango

Tiffany Mann

TIFFANY MANN (Miss Mamie) Hailing from Fort Worth, TX, the multi-hyphenate talent Tiffany Mann is no stranger to the spotlight. She has appeared in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, such as Jerry Springer: The Opera (Lucille Lortel Award for Best Female Actress), Waitress , and the Original Broadway Cast of Be More Chill . She has also appeared on television shows including Orange Is the New Black , New Amsterdam , and the NBC series RISE . @iamtiffanymann

Okieriete Onaodowan

Buddy Bolden

OKIERIETE ONAODOWAN (Buddy Bolden) Grammy Award-winning stage actor best known for his acclaimed performance originating the role of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the Tony Award-winning Hamilton . Additional Broadway: A Doll’s House ; Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 ; Rocky ; Cyrano de Bergerac . Off-Broadway: Hamilton (The Public), Luce (LCT), Neighbors (The Public). Film:  American Fiction , Molli and Max In the Future , Hamilton , A Quiet Place 2 . Television:  Jack Ryan , Station 19 , Grey’s Anatomy , Billions , Girls , Ballers .

Stephanie Pope Lofgren

STEPHANIE POPE LOFGREN (Hunnie, Gran Mimi Understudy) is thrilled to be returning to City Center Encores! with this production of George C. Wolfe’s Jelly’s Last Jam . She originated the role of Hunnie #2 in the original Broadway production in 1992 alongside Allison M. Williams and Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, also in this production. Lofgren was last seen at Encores! in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 playing the role of Josephine Baker, and her multi-hyphenate career includes 11 Broadway shows. stephaniepope.com

Billy Porter

Chimney Man

BILLY PORTER (Chimney Man) is an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, producer, composer, and playwright. Porter has numerous theater credits, including the role of “Lola” in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots , for which he won the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards, as well as the Grammy for best musical theater album. He won his second Tony Award in 2022 for “Best Musical” as a producer on A Strange Loop . New album Black Mona Lisa out now!

Leslie Uggams

LESLIE UGGAMS (Gran Mimi) Broadway includes: Hallelujah, Baby! (Tony Award, Theatre World Award); Anything Goes ; King Headley II (Tony nomination); Thoroughly Modern Millie . Regional/Touring: Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Story (Ovation nomination); Pipe Dream ; Gypsy ; A Little Night Music ; Hello, Dolly! ; Into the Woods ; Guys and Dolls . Film: Deadpool , American Fiction , and more. Television: Roots (Golden Globe nomination), The Leslie Uggams Show , Fantasy (Emmy Award), Empire , New Amsterdam , The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks . leslieuggams.com

Allison M. Williams

ALLISON M. WILLIAMS (Hunnie) made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway hit, The Wiz as the Tornado Eye, Guys and Dolls , Dancin’ , Pippin , and Dreamgirls , to name a few. She recreated the role of Helene in Sweet Charity on Broadway with Debbie Allen, Ann Reinking, and Bebe Neuwirth and was a featured Hunnie in the Original Broadway production of Jelly’s Last Jam with Gregory Hines. Williams graces the cover of Bob Fosse’s book, Razzle Dazzle .

Raymond Baynard

RAYMOND BAYNARD (Ensemble) is a New Jersey native and thrilled to be making his New York City Center debut. Having graduated with a BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase, his credits include: Broadway: MJ the Musical , Hamilton , Bad Cinderella . Tours: Hamilton , The Lion King . Regional: The Great Gatsby .

Shawn Bowers

SHAWN BOWERS (Ensemble, Buddy Bolden Understudy) Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud . Off-Broadway: The Harder They Come (The Public Theater). Favorite credits include: Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Rent (Benny), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Fred), After Midnight (Male Quartet). Film: Rio Uphill (musical adaptation). TV: Tony Awards, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ( Ain’t Too Proud ). Thanks to family and friends for their continuous love and support. @shawnedwardbowers

Amanda Castro

AMANDA CASTRO (Ensemble)  Featured in Dance Magazine ’s “25 to Watch” in 2023, Amanda Castro is a Bessie Award-winning Puerto Rican-American multidisciplinary artist. Recent performances: American Dance Platform (Soles of Duende), Chasing Magic (Ayodele Casel),  Rhythm Is Life by Dormeshia at the Joyce, and Anita in West Side Story at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Latest choreographic commission El Camino at New York City Center (collaboration with Ayodele Casel). Gratitude to her unit and the stories that help elevate our collective humanity. acastrodance.com

Joshua Dawson

JOSHUA DAWSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his City Center debut with the company of Jelly’s Last Jam . His recent credits include Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker and Carnegie Hall: Orchestra Moves . He is a senior in the Commercial Dance program at Pace University and he’s so excited to be continuing his professional career. Special thanks to his Mom and Dad, Mrs. Treshawn, MSA, Calli Company, and BAA IG: @mr.broadway

John Edwards

JOHN EDWARDS (Ensemble, Chimney Man Understudy) Actor/Singer/Dancer/Songwriter. Currently starring in MJ The Musical (Jackie Jackson/tour singer/James Brown soloist). Previously seen in the NYC revival of Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Chita Award winner, Lucille Lortel nominee). Broadway and First National Tour of Jersey Boys (Hal Miller/Barry Belson/others). National/International tour of Hairspray (Seaweed J. Stubbs) and In the Heights at The Kennedy Center (Domingo), and more. @therealjohnedwards

Ari Groover

ARI GROOVER (Ensemble, Anita & Hunnie Understudy) is excited to be a part of Encores! Currently playing Tina Turner in the First National North American tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical . Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Alline, Tina U/S), Head Over Heels , Holler If Ya Hear Me . Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors (2020 Lucielle Lortel Nominee for Ronnette), Bare . Choreography: Burn All Night (A.R.T.). Film: In the Heights (Warner Bros.), Spider-Man: Homecoming (Sony). TV: The Get Down (Netflix), Law & Order: SVU . Groover is a DJ who goes by “Ari Grooves”. 

Morgan McGhee

MORGAN MCGHEE (Ensemble) is a native of Baton Rouge, LA and a graduate of AMDA and Clark Atlanta University. She was most recently seen in the world premiere of BOOP! The Musical and the revival of The Who’s Tommy . Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud . Off-Broadway: The Harder They Come , Seven Deadly Sins . TV: Law & Order , Everything’s Trash , Flatbush Misdemeanors , FBI , Bull . @morgan.eli

Jodeci Milhouse

JODECI MILHOUSE (Ensemble) New York: New York City Center: Pal Joey (Pearl/Ensemble), The Tap Dance Kid (Mona/Ensemble), Lincoln Center Clark Theater: Sole Defined’s Zaz: The Big Easy (Lynette). DC Area: Baltimore Center Stage: ArtsCentric: Dreamgirls (Deena Jones). Regional: Signature Theatre: After Midnight (Dancing Doll). Television: Saturday Night Live (dancer in “Workout Class” with Megan Thee Stallion). Sending enormous love and gratitude to all my friends, family, CTG, and the entire Jelly’s Last Jam team for this incredible opportunity. @jodecimillhouse

Ramone Nelson

RAMONE NELSON (Ensemble, Jack the Bear Understudy) is stoked to make his New York City Center debut. On Broadway, he recently appeared in the Original Company of MJ The Musical . Other credits include Flick in Violet , Ren in Footloose , and Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls . He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Florida State University (GO NOLES!). Many thanks to Hybrid, Telsey Casting, God, and his family and friends for their love and support. 2 Corinthians 5:7     

Paul Niebanck

Melrose Brother/Ensemble

PAUL NIEBANCK (Melrose Brother, Ensemble) New York: Richard III , Barbecue , Plenty (The Public); Blood and Gifts , In the Next Room… (LCT ); A Walk in the Woods , BOY (Keen); The Changeling (Redbull); RX (Primary Stages); American Clock (Signature); A Picture of Autumn (Mint); Much Ado About Nothing (TFANA); The Seagull  (Pearl); Leaving Queens (Women’ Project). TV/Film: West Side Story , Manhattan Romance , Madam Secretary , Good Fight , The Blacklist , Person of Interest , Burn Notice . MFA: Yale.

James Patterson

JAMES PATTERSON (Melrose Brother, Ensemble) Broadway and National Tours: Gigi (Dufresne), Mary Poppins (Park Keeper), The Drowsy Chaperone , Beauty and the Beast (Beast, Gaston, and Lumiere understudy), Cats (Munkustrap), State Fair . Other credits; Sondheim on Sondheim (Lyric Opera of Kansas City), Max Von Mayerling in Sunset Boulevard (MTC), Brother Jeremiah in Something Rotten (FST), Georges in La Cage Aux Folles (Riverside Theatre, the Pioneer Theatre Company), Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha (Stages St. Louis). Ty BJH & CGF. jamespattersontheactor.com

Antonia Raye

ANTONIA RAYE (Ensemble) Excited to make her New York City Center Encores debut! Currently in The Lion King on Broadway. Favorite credits: A Chorus Line (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Teatro Lirico di Cagliari), Cabaret (Goodspeed), and After Midnight (NCL). Training: The University of the Arts/BFA. Thank you to God, Family, Friends, casting, and my agents at CESD. @tonitonitoni93 

Salome Smith

SALOME SMITH (Ensemble) Barrington Stage Company: A New Brain . Roundabout Theatre Company: 1776 (Broadway), Little Shop of Horrors (Off-Broadway), 1776 (National Tour), The World Goes Round (Everyman Theater), The Wiz (TUTS), Five Points (Goodspeed Opera House), 1776 (A.R.T.) Film and television: East New York . BA Theatre (Alabama State University). MFA Musical Theatre (Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music) @offsalomebsmith

Taylor Mackenzie Smith

TAYLOR MACKENZIE SMITH (Ensemble) New York City Center Debut! Credits: Disney’s Aladdin (National Tour), Slave Play (Broadway, Associate Movement Director), The Wiz (TUTS) BA in Drama, Dance, Spelman College. Love and gratitude to my incredible parents, family, friends, and Hudson Artists Agency.

Funmi Sofola

FUNMI SOFOLA (Ensemble), an NYC-based dancer originally from Seattle, WA, is grateful to be making her New York City Center debut! Sofola is a graduate of Pace University, a YoungArts winner, and Jacob’s Pillow alum. She has performed works by artists including Caleb Teicher ( BZZZ , Joyce Theater), Demi Remick (Battery Dance), Lisa LaTouche, Al Blackstone, and LaTasha Barnes (Pace University). She is inspired by music, culinary pursuits, and all that brings her joy. @funmi.sofola    

Jordan Simone Stephens

JORDAN SIMONE STEPHENS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of the Ensemble in Jelly’s Last Jam ! Stephens is a classically trained performer who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance along with a Business Management Minor in 2022. Some of her credits include The Nutty Professor that premiered at Ogunquit Playhouse (Ensemble), Some Like It Hot (Director/Choreographer Apprentice, Radio City Music Hall (Ensemble). Stephens is so excited to be a part of this production!

Renell Anthony Taylor

RENELL ANTHONY TAYLOR (Ensemble, Young Jelly Understudy) a New Orleans native, is thrilled to be making his New York City debut! Taylor was last seen in the pre-Broadway production of A Wonderful World as Banjo Ben and as a member of the ensemble. Favorite Regional: Anything Goes (PCLO), White Christmas (Bucks County Playhouse), and performances with The Lex, Forestburgh, and National World War II Museum. Shout-out to my family, friends, mentors, and team at HCKR. Elon MT 2023! @renellt21

Nasia Thomas

NASIA THOMAS (Ensemble, Miss Mamie Understudy) Broadway: SIX (Cleves); Caroline, or Change revival (Radio One); Ain’t Too Proud ; Beautiful (Little Eva). Digital Theater: Out of The Box Theatrics’s streamed production of The Last Five Years (Cathy). Regional: Beauty and the Beast (TUTS), Smokey Joe’s Cafe , (MUNY), The Color Purple (MUNY), Hairspray (MUNY). TV: The 4400 (Kenya), That Damn Michael Che (Kim). BFA MT Elon ‘15, GSA MT ‘11. Gratitude to her loved ones, DGRW, and ancestors for their sacrifices, support, and love. ASÈ. @nasiathomas

Sir Brock Warren

SIR BROCK WARREN (Ensemble) is grateful to be performing again for Encores! in Jelly’s Last Jam . He was recently here in Oliver! Select credits: Paradise Square on Broadway, Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical First National Tour, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical First National Tour, The Harder They Come at The Public Theater, Radio City Christmas Spectacular , Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet, and In The Heights (Warner Bros). Education: MBA, MS, BFA Agent: CTG @only1sirbrock

Chanse Williams

CHANSE WILLIAMS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her City Center debut! A Connecticut native, she is based in NYC, a current Pace University BFA Commercial Dance student, and a Jacob’s Pillow alum. Williams wants to thank her wonderful friends and family, the entire team at BLOC, the Jelly’s Last Jam team, and most importantly God for this incredible experience. @chanse.williamss

Topher J. Babb

TOPHER J. BABB (Swing) is overjoyed and immensely thankful to be making their NYCC Encores debut! Credits include: Kinky Boots (Off-Broadway), Pretty Woman (First National Tour), On Your Feet! , Hairspray , Holiday Inn , Ragtime , South Pacific (Regional), and Disney’s Encore! streaming on Disney+. Many thanks to Dave at Daniel Hoff, and my family, both chosen and blood, for their constant love and support. Dream your life, live your dream. @topherjfabb

Reese Britts

Jelly Roll Morton Standby

REESE BRITTS (Standby for Jelly Roll Morton) is excited to be making his City Center debut! Regional: Tootsie (Ogunquit Playhouse); Jelly’s Last Jam , Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical , Merrily We Roll Along (Theatre Latté Da); Man of La Mancha (Asolo Rep); Mamma Mia! , Beauty and the Beast , Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Ordway). Huge thanks to the JLJ creative team and DGRW. So much love to my family, TLD JamFam, and Ryan. Onward! @reese_britts

Crystal A. Burton

CRYSTAL BURTON (Swing) Dance credits include The Tap Dance Kid , After Midnight , Tale of The Lion King , WNBA’s LA Sparks, BET Awards, and more. She is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, with a BFA, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She gives ALL glory to God for her success, and hopes to continue to inspire others using her gift of dance, hence her favorite self quote, “Love, Inspire, Dream, Dance!” @crysbdancin

Charlotte McKinley

CHARLOTTE MCKINLEY (Swing) grew up in Austin, TX where she began performing at age four. She moved to NYC at 18, two weeks after graduating high school. Credits include Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical , The Met Gala, Knicks City Dancers, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel , VMAs, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver , Disney World, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Sugar Hill Nutcracker , and various live performances and theater workshops throughout the city. Shoutout to her family, friends and Bloc!

Cast & Credits

View/hide cast & credits.

Book by George C. Wolfe Music by Jelly Roll Morton Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead Musical Adaptation and Additional Music Composed by Luther Henderson Score Consultant  Daryl Waters Scenic Designer  Clint Ramos   Costume Designer  Dede Ayite   Lighting Designer  Adam Honoré Sound Designer  Megumi Katayama Hair & Wig Designer  J. Jared Janas Production Stage Manager  Karen Moore  Music Coordinator  Kimberlee Wertz Casting by  The Telsey Office   Tap Choreography by  Dormeshia Choreography by  Edgar Godineaux Featuring  The Encores! Orchestra Guest Music Director  Jason Michael Webb Directed by  Robert O’Hara

Featuring  Nicholas Christopher , John Clay III,   Alaman Diadhiou ,  Mamie Duncan-Gibbs , Joaquina Kalukango , Tiffany Mann , Okieriete Onaodowan , Stephanie Pope Lofgren , Billy Porter , Leslie Uggams , Allison M. Williams

With  Raymond Baynard ,  Shawn Bowers ,  Amanda Castro ,  Joshua Dawson ,  John Edwards ,  Ari Groover ,  Morgan McGhee , Jodeci Milhouse ,  Ramone Nelson , Paul Niebanck,  James Patterson ,  Antonia Raye ,  Salome Smith ,  Taylor Mackenzie Smith ,  Funmi Sofola , Jordan Simone Stephens , Renell Anthony Taylor , Nasia Thomas ,  Sir Brock Warren , Chanse Williams ,  Topher J. Babb , Reese Britts ,  Crystal A. Burton , and  Charlotte McKinley

Encores! Artistic Leadership Lear deBessonet | Artistic Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell | Music Director Clint Ramos | Producing Creative Director Josh Clayton | Director of Music Administration & Score Restoration

VP & Producer of Musical Theater Jenny Gersten

Creative Advisors Camille A. Brown, Eisa Davis, and Robert O'Hara

View/Hide Sponsors

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT FOR ENCORES! Stacey and Eric Mindich Fund for Musical Theater

ENCORES! SEASON SPONSORS The Shubert Foundation Stephanie and Fred Shuman Fund for Encores!

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR ENCORES! IS PROVIDED BY Margo and John Ernst The Kaplen Brothers Fund The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation The Frederick Loewe Foundation Daryl and Steven Roth The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Inc. The SHS Foundation The Ted Snowdon Foundation Marta Heflin Foundation

Jelly’s Last Jam is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

Show art by Ben Wiseman

Celebrate 30 Years of Encores!

For 30 years, musical theater lovers like you have come together in our Encores! audience through a shared love of song and dance. Your gift helps keep extraordinary musicals alive for a new generation of audiences.

• Jelly's Last Jam Story

This vivid, impressionistic portrait of legendary jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton features Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner Billy Porter ( Pose ) as the Chimney Man and Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango ( Paradise Square ) as Anita in a cast led by visionary director Robert O’Hara ( A Raisin in the Sun ). Written by George C. Wolfe ( Shuffle Along ) and set to Morton’s iconic music,  Jelly’s Last Jam  tells a fable of American history, legacy, and truth. In this production, original Broadway cast members Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, and Allison M. Williams, reprise their roles as the Hunnies.

The original 1992 Broadway production secured nine Tony nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book. This wildly imaginative show interrogates Morton, the self-declared “inventor of jazz,” in a purgatorial afterlife, accusing him of denying and denigrating his cultural legacy. Crafting showstopping numbers and piercing ballads alike from Morton’s own music, lyricist Susan Birkenhead ( Working ) and composer Luther Henderson create a uniquely compelling musical backdrop for a show that brilliantly utilizes two of this country’s most potent forms of storytelling—jazz and musical theater.

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• Jelly's Last Jam on Broadway

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‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ Returns, Bringing a Jazz Tale to a New Generation

Jason Michael Webb, the show’s guest music director, said he wants audiences at the musical about Jelly Roll Morton to experience “a time period that does not exist anymore.”

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By Marcus J. Moore

The team behind the Encores! revival of “Jelly’s Last Jam” is not looking to reinvent George C. Wolfe’s ambitious 1992 Broadway show. But they do hope that this rendition, opening on Wednesday at New York City Center , will introduce the musical to a new generation.

Taking that idea a step further, Jason Michael Webb, the show’s guest music director, said he also wanted audiences “to immerse themselves in a joy in a time period that does not exist anymore.”

That joy comes via the story of jazz and the works of Jelly Roll Morton, a ragtime pianist who said he invented the genre in 1902. In “Jelly’s Last Jam,” Morton is portrayed as a conflicted soul, a mixed-race man of Creole descent whose light hue gives him privilege in his hometown, New Orleans. He rebels against his heritage and soaks in the music of economically disadvantaged Black people, stirring up dissension in his family. He goes out on the road and becomes a well-known musician. Yet as jazz music’s popularity swells, Morton’s impact on it is forgotten. He’s a pioneer but isn’t given proper credit for it.

While Morton’s music is the centerpiece here, the show also features lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and additional compositions by Luther Henderson. In his review of the production, which starred Gregory Hines and Savion Glover as the older and younger versions of Morton, the Times critic Frank Rich called the first act “sizzling,” adding, “at once rollicking and excessive, roof-raising and overstuffed, you fly into intermission, high on the sensation that something new and exciting is happening.”

The Encores! production features slightly tweaked arrangements by Webb, a Broadway veteran and Tony Award nominee for his orchestrations for “MJ the Musical.” Nicholas Christopher (“Sweeney Todd”) and Alaman Diadhiou take on the older and younger Morton roles, respectively, and other cast members include Billy Porter, Joaquina Kalukango, Leslie Uggams and Okierete Onaodowan.

“The joy inside the creation of this musical is the excitement around watching a real evocation of the Black experience,” the director Robert O’Hara said. “Not all Black experiences are the same. There is messiness and genius in it.”

A story this robust needs equally robust music, and “Jelly’s Last Jam” weaves jazz and the blues into a seamless tapestry along with tap dancing (choreographed by Dormeshia). During a recent conversation, Webb talked about what to expect from this production, how he prepared for it, and what he hopes the audience will learn. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

The musical funnels jazz and the blues into the narrative. Tell me more about how these genres were blended here.

The most brilliant minds put it together the first time. And those minds did not neglect to consider that jazz is rooted in other things, and the same things that it’s rooted in, sprouted out other forms of music. We have jazz, yes, but jazz didn’t just spread out of nowhere. It came from a place. And even Jelly in the dialogue in the show talks about how he takes full credit for turning what was blues and this kind of amorphous version of music into what we call jazz now. And then it’s complex, his journey, whether or not he’s actually responsible, like we go through the journey of discovering that he may not have been the sole inventor of this musical genre.

How does the score itself convey the musical’s overall message, what you were just talking about?

All of the joy that is in those really authentic jazz orchestrations is present. And as soon as you put that music into the instruments, onto the bodies of these players, the whole thing just comes to life. So I think that, again, we have the benefit of the orchestrators doing all of that great work before, and my job is just to make sure that we retain that and that it continues to speak in the joyous way that it was originally intended to.

How does your work here differ from what you did with “MJ?”

With something like “MJ,” we had all this music that we loved and we figured out how it told the story, and so we were able to chop up the songs and rearrange. And while staying true to the sound that people coming into the theater are expecting and have an affection for, we were able to kind of restructure everything with this show. We really wanted to honor what was, and it creates a nostalgia, or at least the nostalgia that this type of music generates was a great starting point for us. And we didn’t stray far from it. So something like Michael involved a lot of, “How can we explode this out or change this in order to affect the audience? How can we help what’s already here shine even brighter?”

With the Michael Jackson musical, we’re talking about pop, funk and rock. Now we’re talking about jazz. What did you have to tap into to put this music together?

No matter what genre you look at, they’re all rooted in some form of truth. And they involve characters who have very human experiences. So really, you could tell this type of story if you switched it up and said, “Oh, it’s about a Black country singer.” You could use Black country music in order to tell this actual story. Michael was a Black artist who did pop music. You could still find the humanity, the love, the joy, the regret. Every part of the human experience you can find in any one of these genres. So I actually don’t think it’s very different as you move from genre to genre; you still have to lift the lid off that genre, look inside and find the truth and build from that.

Did you find yourself listening to a lot of Jelly Roll Morton as you prepared this music? How did you prepare for it?

Definitely listening to Jelly Roll, definitely listening to the original score, listening to recordings that had been made of their performances. Going to [the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center] and watching the original production with Gregory Hines. My job was really to go in and immerse myself in whatever digital modern way I possibly could in order to arrive in our rehearsal room. Having been washed in that sound and that joy and that time period.

What did you learn about Morton as you prepared?

You listen to recordings from a century ago, and you listen to old recordings of work songs, they weren’t creating music to be read and performed. They were creating music that came from a thing. If you’re working on a chain gang, let’s say, and you have a sledgehammer and you’re pounding out a rhythm, there might be a song that goes along with that. And the purpose of that song is to get you through that workday. So there’s an actual purpose underneath it. When you listen back to the old recordings of Jelly Roll Morton, or any of these old artists, it’s like you go back to the purpose from which that music came.

My experience listening to those old recordings is that if you close your eyes and listen, you almost see the entire world come to life in a way that it doesn’t now.

So, what are you looking to convey with this revival?

This musical is about a man who had a talent and a gift, and allowed that gift to carry him to a place that I think he may not have intended. We find ourselves watching Jelly Roll Morton as a man who was given this great gift and didn’t necessarily treat the people in his life in a way that allowed them to celebrate him all the way to the end. He had a very conflicting journey. And by the end, I think we are all reminded to use our powers for good, to use our gifts for good, and to figure out a way to enrich others with our gift. And so when people walk out of “Jelly’s Last Jam,” I hope that they’re not only uplifted by the music, but they’re reminded to take care of each other and to take care of the people that they value in their lives.

Encores! Jelly's Last Jam Tickets

About Encores! Jelly's Last Jam

A vivid, impressionistic portrait of legendary jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, the original 1992 Broadway production of Jelly’s Last Jam secured national recognition for writer/director George C. Wolfe ( Shuffle Along, Angels in America ), as well as nine Tony nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book.

Now, Nicholas Christopher, Joaquina Kalukango, Billy Porter, and Leslie Uggams star. visionary director Robert O’Hara ( A Raisin in the Sun ) takes up the mantle of this wildly imaginative show that interrogates the self-declared “inventor of jazz” in a purgatorial afterlife, accusing him of denying and denigrating his cultural legacy. With showstopping numbers like “That’s How You Jazz” crafted by lyricist Susan Birkenhead ( Working ) and composer Luther Henderson from Morton’s own music, Jelly’s Last Jam captures the profound contradictions behind the artist’s explosive talent. Brilliantly utilizing two of this country’s most potent forms of storytelling — jazz and musical theatre — Jelly’s Last Jam weaves a complex fable of American history, legacy, and truth.

February 21st, 2024

March 3rd, 2024

New York City Center

316 Reviews

See it if Well done biopic with great singing and dancing

Don’t see it if Themes of racism

See it if unvarnished portrait of Morton/M as narcissist/colorist; propulsive M music&big tap dance nos bring down house; superb leads/orchestra

Don’t see it if where's the drama? 2nd act anticlmctic; thesis: M's problems b/c not true 2 blk roots, is weak; missing bravura tap dancer like GHines as M

See it if you're looking for an entertaining remake of classic, with a very talented and energetic cast, some good voices and exciting choreography.

Don’t see it if Jazzy tap dancing numbers are not your thing, they do blur after a while. The book isn't so great, and some of the non-chorus scenes drag.

See it if you want to see some superb acting, dancing, and singing by this talented cast. One great musical number after another.

Don’t see it if you don't like tap dancing, as there's plenty of it. Jelly was not a very sympathetic character, but his story is certainly entertaining.

Stars on stage

Billy Porter

Nicholas Christopher

Joaquina Kalukango

Leslie Uggams

Okieriete Onaodowan

Encores jelly's last jam cast and creative team.

By: George C. Wolfe Songs by: Jelly Roll Morton (music) and Susan Birkenhead (lyrics) Director: Robert O'Hara Choreography: Edgar Godineaux; tap choreography by Dormeshia Cast list: Nicholas Christopher (as Jelly), John Clay III (as Jack the Bear), Joaquina Kalukango (as Anita), Tiffany Mann (as Miss Mamie), Billy Porter (as Chimney Man), Leslie Uggams (as Gran Mimi), Okieriete Onaodowan (as Buddy Bolden), Alaman Diadhiou (as Young Jelly), Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, Allison M. Williams (as the Hunnies) Design: Clint Ramos Costumes: Dede Ayite Lighting: Adam Honoré Sound: Megumi Katayama Other info: Musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson; music direction by Jason Michael Webb

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Show Finder

Encores! Jelly's Last Jam

Opening Date: Feb 21, 2024

Closing Date: Mar 03, 2024

New York City Center - Mainstage

131 West 55th St New York, NY 10019

Performance Schedule:

TUESDAY-FRIDAY @ 7:30 PM SATURDAY @ 2 PM & 8 PM SUNDAY @ 2 PM & 7PM No 7 PM performance Sunday, March 3

Nicholas Christopher Billy Porter Joaquina Kalukango Leslie Uggams Okieriete Onaodowan

Jelly Roll Morton, musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson

Susan Birkenhead

George C. Wolfe

Robert O’Hara

Choreography

Edgar Godineaux & tap choreography by Dormeshia

TDF Tickets Offers:

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Not currently available for this show

Full-price tickets

$ 45 - $ 165

Lottery & Rush

Student Rush: $20 tickets, available at the box office on the day of the performance with no handling fees. Present your photo student ID at the box office on the day of the performance to buy tickets. Tickets are subject to availability and first-come, first-served.

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Off-Broadway

By: RAVEN SNOOK

Accessibility:

Directions Bus

M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M10, M20, M31, M57, M104

Directions Subway

N/Q/R/W to 57th Street/7th Avenue (accessible station); F to 57th Street/6th Avenue; D/E to 7th Avenue/53rd Street; A/B/C/D/1 to 59th Street at Columbus Circle (accessible station); C to 50th Street/8th Avenue (accessible station—downtown only); 1 to 50th Street/7th Avenue

Assisted Listening System

Wireless FM assistive listening devices are available free of charge with the presentation of either a driver's license or credit card. Assistive listening devices are available on the table next to the House Manager's lectern on the right side of the Orchestra lobby.

Elevator\Escalator

Wheelchair accessible; located near the House Manager's lectern on the right side of the Orchestra lobby.

1345 Garage: 126 West 55th Street (212.710.8230, 212.977.7636); GMC Parking: 211 West 56th Street (800.836.6666)

Wheelchair Info

New York City Center’s Mainstage, Stage I, Stage II and Studio 5 spaces are all wheelchair accessible. Seats for patrons with disabilities are available online, by phone, and at the box office. Please advise us at the time of ticket purchase of your particular needs. Locations are available on the left and right side of the Orchestra and in row G of the Mezzanine.

The box office is in the lobby. It is wheelchair accessible.

New York City Center's mainstage restrooms are located on all seating levels. Restrooms for persons in wheelchairs are located on the left side of the lobby of the Orchestra level. On the Grand Tier/Mezzanine level they are to the left of the concessions and coat check area.

Water Fountain

Orchestra & Mezzanine levels. Both are wheelchair accessible.

The seats in our theater range from 19”-22” wide and are 18” deep. There are armrests on all. They are all joined together, no space between. Some ends have armrests that can fold up for ADA access when wheelchair or walker patrons want to transfer or slide in. Please contact [email protected] in advance of your visit if you require accommodations to your seats.

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by Jonathan Mandell

Jelly’s Last Jam Encores Review and Videos

“Jelly’s Last Jam” offers a starry showcase of exquisite blues singing, lively jazz playing and energetic tap dancing to tell the fascinating story of an important figure in the history of American music — although not as important as he himself claimed.  In “Jelly’s Last Jam,” the title character has his friend-turned-valet introduce him as “ the  Jelly Roll Morton: Lover of women, inventor of jazz, and owner of twenty- seven suits.”

When George C. Wolfe made his Broadway debut as the librettist and director of this show three decades ago, using a score of Morton’s instrumental music with newly written lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, the show itself seemed important. It stood out in many ways. It went beyond the usual plotless revues of African-American composers, telling the story of the man and the times in which he lived — and it was willing to present the ugly side of both. If the Encores! concert series revival of the musical no longer feels especially groundbreaking, that’s in part thanks to Wolfe himself, who went even further in such musicals as “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” and more recently, “Shuffle Along, Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed” And yes the Broadway production featured two performers who each has been called the greatest tap dancer of his generation  – Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, respectively as the adult Jelly  and Young Jelly. But the performers in this wonderful production on stage at New York City Center form a powerhouse ensemble…

… including three performers who were in the original cast.

They portray a trio of chorus girls known as the Hunnies — Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, and Allison M. Williams – who appear on stage even before Jelly Roll Morton, to welcome us to the Jungle Inn, “a lowdown club somewhere’s between Heaven n’ hell” presided over by Billy Porter as the Chimney Man – who turns out to be a kind of celestial gatekeeper. 

It is only then that we meet Jelly Roll Morton himself (Nicholas Christopher, in what may be a star-making performance.) Jelly boasts of how he was ‘made of money,” his hands “dripping with honey” – “in my day.”  

He doesn’t seem to realize at first that his day, and indeed his life, has passed.  He has just died, and Chimney Man is here to guide through his story – and judge him.

Ferdinand Le Menthe Morton was a classically trained musician, son of a  “Creole” family in New Orleans who deny their African-American heritage  — “my ancestors came directly from the shores of France. No coon stock in this Creole” – preferring the relative advantages bestowed on them from their light skin.

But we see Young Jelly (Alaman Diadhiou) drawn to the darker side of town because of its music —   specifically Buddy Bolden (Okierete Onaodowan) who was an actual pioneer of New Orleans-style ragtime as a first-rate cornetist, and Miss Mamie (Tiffany Mann) who was considered (at least in New Orleans for a time) the Queen of the Blues 

His piano-playing as a teenager in “sporting houses” causes a rift with his family. His grandmother who raised him rejects him. Here is the grand dame, known as Gran Mimi, and played by Leslie Uggams:

The show suggests that this rejection by his family helps to break him — or put more bluntly, turns him into a jerk, even with the woman with whom he falls in love, Anita, portrayed by Joaquina Kalukango, here singing: “Play the Music for Me”

Jelly’s life doesn’t end happily, felled by his own arrogance, self-loathing and unkindness, but also destroyed by a virulent racism. He was stabbed, but denied treatment at a whites-only hospital (in Los Angeles!)

But the Jelly Roll Morton in “Jelly’s Last Jam” has (spoiler alert) an upbeat ending. Yes, he’s dead at age 50, but he finally admits his attitude was wrong, singing:

“Creole boy once way back when  Had the whole world singin’ had this sound in him, hey! A pain too heavy to say a pain he started to play inside every note of his  Is what he came from… Who he is  Inside every note of his is what he came from… Who he is “

Jelly’s Last Jam New York City Center through March 3 Running time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission Tickets: $45 – $165 Written by George C. Wolfe Music by Jelly Roll Morton,  lyrics by Susan Birkenhead  Musical Adaptation & Additional Music Composed By Luther Henderson  Directed by Robert O’Hara Tap Choreography Dormeshia, choreography by Edgar Godineaux Music Director Jason Michael Webb  Scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Adam Honoré, sound design by Megumi Katayama, hair and wig design by J. Jared Janas Cast: Nicholas Christopher as Jelly, John Clay III as Jack the Bear, Alaman Diadhiou as Young Jelly, Joaquina Kalukango as Anita, Tiffany Mann as Miss Mamie, Okierete Onaodowan as Buddy Bolden, Billy Porter as Chimney Man, Leslie Uggams as Gran Mimi, as well as original Broadway cast members Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, and Allison M. Williams who reprise their roles as the Hunnies Ensemble: Topherj.Babb, Raymond Baynard, Shawn Bowers, Reese Britts, Crystal Burton, Amanda Castro, Joshua Dawson, John Edwards, Ari Groover, Morgan McGhee Charlotte Mckinley, Jodeci Milhouse, Ramone Nelson, Paul Niebanck, James Patterson, Antonia Raye ,Salome Smith, Taylor Mackenzie Smith, Funmi Sofola,  Jordan Simone Stephens, Renell Anthony Taylor, Nasia Thomas, Sir Brock Warren, Chanse Williams

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Author: New York Theater

1 thought on “ jelly’s last jam encores review and videos ”.

I had the profound pleasure to see the show twice. Most people don’t even know that the cast had only ten days to rehearse before the invited dress rehearsal. Also, that Billy Porter’s mother passed a couple days before the last performance; neverthless, Mr. Porter dazzled us with a fire that could only be described as mythic. In addition, this was Alaman Diadhiou’s New York debut performance, and his musical number literally stopped the show to thunderous applause for several minutes. Each member of this astonishing cast created magic one is only lucky enough to witness once in a very great while, and I am still high from the experience!

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Sorry! You missed Jellys Last Jam at New York City Center Mainstage

If you're happy to travel

You can catch Jellys Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena , showing May 29 - Jun 23, 2024

Jellys Last Jam is also touring to:

View the entire Jellys Last Jam tour

New York City Center, 131 West 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Jellys Last Jam

Closed March 3, 2024

[Wolfe] has given "Jelly's Last Jam" ambitions beyond the imagination of most Broadway musicals

New York Times

Why See Jellys Last Jam?

Broadway Shows Musicals Tony Winners Drama Desk Winners Local

Jelly Returns!

The 1992 Drama Desk and Tony Award-winning winning musical Jelly's Last Jam returns to New York in 2024 for a long-awaited revival, in the hands of Tony-nominated and Obie-winning director Robert O'Hara! The unique and outstanding biographical musical tells the life of jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton through the recollections of his post-death purgatorial self, featuring the timeless music of Morton himself.

The original won three Tonys and six Drama Desk awards, including for Outstanding Book for George C. Wolfe's contribution. Featured in this production are original cast members Allison M. Williams, Mamie Duncan-Gibbs and Stephanie Pop Lofgren as The Hunnies, with Nicholas Christopher ( Sweeney Todd ) in the lead role of Jelly, and a stellar cast including Tony winners Joaquina Kalukango, Leslie Uggams and Billy Porter.

Additional Information

Opening night: 21 February 2024

You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

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Jelly's Last Jam Tickets

Billy Porter and Joaquina Kalukango star in the musical portrait of legendary jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton.

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Jelly's last jam discount tickets, about jelly's last jam on broadway, story for jelly's last jam.

Jelly's Last Jam 2024

Jelly's last jam - 2024 - off-broadway history , info & more.

New York City Center

A vivid, impressionistic portrait of legendary jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, the original 1992 Broadway production of Jelly’s Last Jam secured national recognition for writer/director George C. Wolfe (Shuffle Along, Angels in America), as well as nine Tony nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book. Now, visionary director Robert O’Hara (A Raisin in the Sun) takes up the mantle of this wildly imaginative show that interrogates the self-declared “inventor of jazz” in a purgatorial afterlife, accusing him of denying and denigrating his cultural legacy. With showstopping numbers like “That’s How You Jazz” crafted by lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Working) and composer Luther Henderson from Morton’s own music, Jelly’s Last Jam captures the profound contradictions behind the artist’s explosive talent. Brilliantly utilizing two of this country’s most potent forms of storytelling—jazz and musical theater—Jelly’s Last Jam weaves a complex fable of American history, legacy, and truth.

Jelly's Last Jam - 2024 - Off-Broadway Cast

Billy Porter

Joaquina Kalukango

Tiffany Mann

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PREVIEW Jelly's Last Jam - 2024 - Off-Broadway

FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Jelly's Last Jam

‘jelly’s last jam’ review: a musical paradise, even in purgatory.

The book has unsolvable problems, but then so do most musicals, until they are solved — or bulldozed. Even then, few give you a first act like this one, or a subject — the creation of American music in the furious cauldron of race — as hot. I mean hot as entertainment, of course, but also, even hotter, as history.

Jelly’s Last Jam – City Center Encores!

The show’s physical production is equally first-rate. Clint Ramos’ nightclub set is dominated by an art-deco style door that is both inventive and terrifying, if you look closely; its only drawback is that there may not be quite enough dance floor for this unusually large ensemble. Dede Ayite’s costumes, as is consistently the case, are both stunning and period-appropriate (although I suspect Porter’s gender-bending outfit may have come from his own closet) and Adam Honore’s lighting design truly shines brightly. (The sound design, by Megumi Katayama, does need a bit of fine-tuning.)

Watch video footage of Nicholas Christopher, Alaman Diadhiou, and the ensemble of Encores! Jelly's Last Jam performing 'The Whole World’s Waitin’ to Sing Your Song' here!

Get a peek at the New York City Center Encores! production of Jelly’s Last Jam. In the video below, watch as Tiffany Mann and Okieriete Onaodowan as Buddy Bolden perform “Michigan Water”!

Up next in the New York City Center Encores! season is Jelly’s Last Jam. Check out new photos of the cast in action!

Read the reviews for Jelly's Last Jam at New York City Center, starring Billy Porter and more.

In this video, watch highlights of Jelly's Last Jam at New York City Center Encores!.

In this video, watch as the cast of Encores! Jelly's Last Jam meets the press and gives a special sneak peek of 'Jelly's Jam' and 'Play the Music for Me.'

Jelly’s Last Jam runs February 21 through March 3 at New York City Center. The company recently met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand to chat with them about the upcoming show. Check out photos from the press event here!

Rehearsals are now underway for Encores! next show- Jelly’s Last Jam, led by director Robert O’Hara. Check out a new photo as the cast paused from rehearsals here!

Okieriete Onaodowan (Hamilton) will join the cast of Encores! Jelly’s Last Jam as Buddy Bolden and Alaman Diadhiou will make his New York stage debut as Young Jelly. See the full cast and learn how to purchase tickets!

It's Jelly's first Jam! The 15-piece Encores! Orchestra, led by Guest Music Director Jason Michael Webb are jammin’ in “Jelly’s Jam,” a musical theater orchestration of Jelly Roll Morton’s iconic original jazz music, and Webb provides insight into how the music connects past and present in this video.

NEW YORK CITY CENTER has revealed additional casting for Jelly’s Last Jam the second production of the 30th Encores! series.

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Jelly’s Last Jam  | 

When legendary musician Jelly Roll Morton’s soul is forced to face the music, the self-proclaimed “inventor of jazz” is left at the ultimate crossroads. Follow Jelly from the back alleys of New Orleans to the sparkling stages of New York, as his remarkable journey unfolds in a stunning display of song, dance, and music. With soulful melodies, electrifying tap dancing, and fiery tunes that will leave you breathless, get your groove on with this dazzling musical masterpiece.

“Makes the invention of jazz a miraculous, eruptive theatrical event.” - New York Times

Book by George C. Wolfe

Music by Jelly Roll Morton

Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead

Musical Adaptation and Additional Music Composed By Luther Henderson

OPENING NIGHT: JUN 2

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John Clarence Stewart

Jelly roll morton.

John was most recently seen as Big Teak in the latest season of the hit show, P-Valley , written by Pulitzer Prize Winner Katori Hall. John was born and raised in Stone Mountain GA, and started his theater journey in the Atlanta theater community. He moved to NY after performing as Tray in the world premiere of brownsville song (b-side for tray) at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. John made his television debut on the series Gotham and The Mysteries of Laura . Since then he has played lead roles in notable shows such as NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and What If…? , as well as Marvel’s Luke Cage on Netflix. This past year, John starred in a solo performance at 54 Below. BroadwayWorld called him, “the most authentic, the most genuine, the most sincere person an audience could ever hope to find on a stage.” This year, John debuted his self-written and performed one man show, Soft As It Began , in the Stripped Bare Arts incubator project with Synchronicity Theater in Atlanta.

Cress Williams

Chimney man.

Cress is best known for starring as DC’s title-character in The CW’s critically acclaimed Greg Berlanti drama series, Black Lightning . Additionally, he also stars in the murder-mystery film,  What Remains , alongside Kellan Lutz and Anne Heche. Other film credits include Two Days in the Valley opposite James Spader, Jeff Daniels, Teri Hatcher, and Charlize Theron; as well as Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore, Michael Vartan, and David Arquette. Some theater credits include Othello , Elephant Man , Extremities , and Red Noses . Television credits include ER , NYPD Blue , The West Wing , Grey’s Anatomy , and Friday Night Lights . Cress can also be seen in four successful seasons as a series regular on Hart of Dixie with Rachel Bilson, in addition to stints on Prison Break ; Living Single ; Nash Bridges ; Close to Home ; Code Black ; Cold Case ; and Beverly Hills, 90210 .

Jasmine Amy Rogers

Jasmine recently wrapped a run in Chicago as the title character in the Broadway bound production of BOOP! The Musical , reteaming her with director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. She played the scene stealing Gretchen Wieners in the National Tour of Mean Girls , was seen as Melody Green in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of The Wanderer and as Francis Bassey in the world premiere of Becoming Nancy , directed by Jerry Mitchell at the Alliance Theatre. TV includes Evil on Paramount+.  She was a Jimmy Awards’ finalist and appeared in Cabaret as Sally Bowles at the Manhattan School of Music where she studied musical theater.

Wilkie Ferguson III

Jack the bear.

Wilkie is thrilled to return to Pasadena Playhouse after performing in Stormy Weather and Ray Charles Live (Young Ray). A graduate of New World School of the Arts, Wilkie studied mathematics at Morehouse College and classical piano at Eastman School of Music before joining the faculty of the Boys’ Choir of Harlem as assistant director/music theory instructor. Broadway: Porgy and Bess ; Motown: The Musical ; Wonderland . Tours: In the Heights ; Hairspray . Off Broadway/Regional: Fetch Clay , Make Man (Kirk Douglas Theatre); Recorded In Hollywood (ovation nomination); Cotton Club Parade (Encores). Musical Director: 9 to 5 (Musical Theatre West) Newsies (5-Star Theatricals); Kinky Boots (Moonlight Stage). Composer/Orchestrator: Show Way (Kennedy Center); Parrotheads (Netflix’s Jimmy Buffett documentary). IG: @wilkieferguson, @takeonmemusical.

Karole Foreman

Gran mimi/ensemble.

1776 (National Tour); Lady Day (Ovation Award – Cygnet Theatre, freeFall Theatre, International City Theatre, Ebony Repertory Theatre, Pacific Conservatory Theatre); A Few Good Men (La Mirada Theatre); Blues in the Night (ICT/Ebony Rep); A Little Night Music (SD Theatre Critics Nomination) and Stupid F’ing Bird (Cygnet Theatre); Porgy & Bess , Sweeney Todd , Intimate Apparel (Ensemble Theatre Company); Fences (PCPA/ ICT, NAACP Nomination); Wedding Band (Antaeus – Stage Raw Nomination); Next to Normal (OC Weekly Award); Parade , Jelly’s Last Jam (Suzi Bass Award, Mark Taper/Alliance Theatre); Mamma Mia! (Vegas); and numerous regional theaters. TV: Days of Our Lives , Monster , The Connors , Good Trouble , NCIS , Brooklyn 99 , Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , Rebel . Film: The Banality , 42 , Rebirth , Buddy Solitaire . www.karoleforeman.com

Eric B. Anthony

Three finger jake/ensemble.

Stage Raw , Ovation, NAACP Theatre, BroadwayWorld , Eddon, Scenie, YoungArts, and ACT-SO Award recipient. Proud AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and NAACP member. Broadway: Mary Poppins ; Hairspray ; The Lion King . Off-Broadway/Regional: THREE ; For the Love of a Glove ; Bronco Billy – The Musical ; Five Guys Named Moe ; Merrily We Roll Along ; Midsummer Night ; Recorded in Hollywood ; Kiss Me, Kate ; Dreamgirls ; The Producers ; The Wiz ; Rent ; Sophisticated Ladies ; Jelly’s Last Jam ; Damn Yankees ; Grand Hotel ; Bye Bye Birdie ; Golden Boy ; Fame ; The Difficulty of Crossing a Field ; bonded ; Something Happened . Film: I’ll Be Watching ; Coffee House Chronicles ; Waiting in the Wings . TV: Encore! ; The Affair ; Tosh.0 . “Gratitude to my supportive family and friends, for the unconditional love. Glory to GOD for everything!” @EricBAnthony #IlluminatingHumanity

Doran Butler

Young jelly/ensemble.

Doran first fell in love with tap dance after meeting Debbie Allen at the age of thirteen. He asked her if he could be the understudy for the lead role of Alex in Debbie Allen’s Alex in Wonderland at the Kennedy Center. He also played Young Charley to Wayne Brady’s Charley in Michael Arden’s Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center. His television credits include ABC’s Single Parents , HBO’s The Comeback and Curb Your Enthusiasm , two of Ryan Murphy’s series, Netflix’s , and FX’s American Crime Story: Impeachment . Most recently he’s reoccurring in the final season of Freeform’s Good Trouble . He can also be seen in Damien Chazelle’s film La La Land .

Chante Carmel

Chante is humbled and honored to be able to grace the stage once again. Broadway: Motown . National Tours: The Lion King , Waitress (first national tour), Motown (first national tour), Dirty Dancing , Rent . Regional Theater:  Dreamgirls . TV/Film: Baby Blue , Beauty and the Baller , New Girl , ER , A Different World , Buppies , A Beautiful Soul , Boston Public , Where I Live . Songwriter: “Live Your Dreams,” Save the Last Dance . Chante is also an accomplished author with her acclaimed book Sh!t I Learned On Tour (available on Amazon). This show is for my beautiful son DJ, “you are my dream come true.” Thank you God, my husband, amazing parents, family/friends, Fire Starter Entertainment, and The Talent Connect Management. IG: @iamchantecarmel

Cyd Charisse Glover-Hill

A bona fide worshiper, Cyd has been dancing professionally since the age of seven and made her Broadway debut in the Tony award winning musical, Black and Blue , at the age of 12. Additional credits: A Gala for the President , Cool Women , Jazz-Tap/Hip Hop Tour (Jacob’s Pillow), The Gregory Hines Show . Graduate of USC (BS) and CBU (MA), entrepreneur, choreographer, grant recipient (Irvine Dance in California), and sought after dance instructor. Greatest accomplishment: being Jhalen and Karina’s mom. Cyd is grateful to her Lord and Savior Jesus for the opportunity to return to the stage, and thanks her supportive husband, Prentice, her mom, and dance instructors for nurturing her gifts. “A City on a Hill can’t be hidden.”

Summer Nicole Greer

Summer, a Southern California native, is thrilled to be making her Pasadena Playhouse debut. Some of her most recent credits include: Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet (Musical Theater West/5-Star Theatricals), Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Laguna Playhouse), and The Voice of the People and Michelle Obama understudy in 44: The Unofficial Unsanctioned Obama Musical (Bourbon Room). Additionally, she’s been featured on FOX’S I Can See Your Voice , and plays a number of roles as a live vocalist at the Disneyland Resort. She is also an accredited Los Angeles session vocalist for many acts, including world-renown K-POP group BTS. IG: @summersometimes

Janaya Jones

Regional Credits: Della/Belle in Team Starkid’s VHS Christmas Carols ; Felicia Farrell in Memphis , Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame , and Linda in The Wedding Singer (Moonlight Amphitheatre); Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (Theatre at the Welk); Featured Performer in R-E-S-P-E-C-T (Lamb’s Players Theatre); Marty in Grease (Musical Theatre West); and Stanley Uris/Henry Bowers in the Rockwell musical Stephen King’s It: A Musical Parody . Other credits include shows at The Old Globe Theatre, Performance Riverside, San Diego Music Theatre, and 5 Star Theatricals. Disneyland Credits: Queenie and The Jambalaya Jazz Band , Five and Dime Jazz Band, The Disney Junior Dance Party , Frozen: Live at the Hyperion . To My Love, Will and My Rock, Mom. @Esmerelduhhh_

Grasan Kingsberry

Buddy bolden/ensemble.

Emmy, Grammy, ACCA, and Regional BroadwayWorld Award-winning artist. With a BFA from The Juilliard School, he was featured in 11 Broadway productions including the Tony winning Best Revival of Once On This Island . Grasan contributed to the original 2005 Broadway production and the 2015 Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-winning revival of The Color Purple . Other Broadway credits:  Motown , Nice Work If You Can Get It , Leap of Faith , On A Clear Day You Can See Forever , Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , Finian’s Rainbow , Catch Me If You Can , and Aida . TV: Mozart in the Jungle (Ben), Smash , Royal Pains , All My Children , Today Show . Film: The Aerialist and I Am Legend . Currently faculty at USC Kaufman School of Dance and DADA. IG: @gray_sandy

Amber Liekhus

Described as a “versatile singer, whose voice is at once regal and affectionate” ( LA Times ), Amber has had a thrilling career in the US and abroad. Favorites include: Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd and U/S for Ruby in King Hedley II at A Noise Within, Annie at The Hollywood Bowl, Sweet Charity with Reprise 2.0, Blues in the Night at the Wallis, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Rent with McCoy Rigby. Accomplished operatic soprano, Amber appeared as Queen of El Dorado in Candide at LA Opera, the title role in Suor Angelica with Opera di Roma, and Lily in Porgy and Bess at San Francisco Opera and Los Angeles Opera. Love to husband Justin and their kids, Julien and Jasper.

Davon Rashawn

Davon has been exploring the intricacies of dance since he was a child. His environment instilled a constant search for diversity in the arts. He took his studies to the University of Southern California where he earned his BFA in dance. Since then, he’s danced works by Jiri Kylian, William Forsythe, and Jermaine Spivey. Professionally he’s also worked in shows like Hairspray , Catch Me If You Can , Mamma Mia! , Tarzan , and Graffiti Pete in In the Heights . Presently he’s been splitting his time between the concert and commercial world. He’s appeared on Nickelodeon, New York Fashion Week, Snapchat and commercials with Gal Gadot, Hozier, and Zendaya. He’s really excited to be making his debut at the Pasadena Playhouse!

Joe Aaron Reid

Foot-in-yo-ass sam/ensemble.

Joe is thrilled to be making his Pasadena Playhouse debut. Internationally acclaimed for originating the role of Curtis Taylor Jr. in the West End smash hit musical Dreamgirls , opposite Pasadena Playhouse and Glee alum, Amber Riley. His additional West End credits include originating Benny in Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning, In The Heights , and Stephen in the European premiere of Mark Gerrard’s, Steve . His Broadway credits include If/Then , Ghost , Catch Me If You Can , Finian’s Rainbow , Chicago , and Curtains . TV/film: Smash , The Homemade Sketch Show , Robozuna , Pretty Little Liars: Summer School (2024), and The Holiday Exchange (2024). Many thanks to 44 West Entertainment. Love to A & D. @Joeaaronreid

Naomi C. Walley

Naomi hails from Chicago, IL. Pasadena Playhouse debut! Broadway: Chicago (Velma Kelly). Off Broadway: A Chorus Line (Bebe, NY City Center). National Tour: The Bodyguard (Rachel/Nikki Marron alternate). International Tour: West Side Story (Anita) as well as numerous regional productions. TV/Film: Winning Time (HBO), Deadly D*lf (Tubi), In The Heights (Warner Brothers Studios), and The Get Down (Netflix). Naomi has also had the privilege of developing various new works and Broadway productions, including the 2020 Broadway revival of West Side Story and most notably MJ: The Musical . She wishes to thank God, Kent and Dell, Innovative Artists, and of course, all of her friends and family for their undying love and support! Follow @naomicwalley

Hannah Yosef

Too tight nora/ensemble.

Hannah is a dancer, singer, and actor based in Los Angeles, California. This Texas native decided to follow her dreams by moving to LA to receive a BFA in Performing Arts from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. Her first steps in front of the camera became reality in music videos such as Tinashe X Griffin “Scandalous” and Candy Lover Ft. Ken-Y “Maldita Locura”. Other credits include commercials for Volkswagen “Made By America ” and for Outshine “Joy Inside Out”. Above anything else, Hannah is inspired by people and their stories and she is incredibly grateful for her mom, brother, mentors, and all that have shed light and love in her life.

George C. Wolfe (Book)

Theatre directing credits include The Iceman Cometh , Shuffle Along , or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (NY Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical); Lucky Guy ; The Normal Heart (Drama Desk); Jelly’s Last Jam (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award); Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (Tony Award and Drama Desk) and Perestroika (Drama Desk); Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk (Tony and Drama League Award); Topdog/Underdog (Obie Award); Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Drama Desk); Elaine Stritch at Liberty (Tony for Special Theatrical Event); The Tempest ; Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award Best Musical); and A Free Man of Color . From 1993-2005 Wolfe was the Producer of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival. He is the writer of the award-winning The Colored Museum , Shuffle Along… , he directed/adapted Spunk (Obie Award), and Harlem Song .

Ferdinand La Menthe “Jelly Roll” Morton (Music)

Morton was born in the Creole gentry of New Orleans in 1891, but was irresistibly drawn to the excitement of the infamous Storyville district where he made his reputation as a pianist. At a young age he left New Orleans to travel the country, landing in Chicago in the 1920s. He and his band, The Red Hot Peppers, became the top black recording artists for RCA Records in 1927-1928. Morton’s music integrated the sounds of ragtime, blues, African rhythms and French opera, establishing him as one of the great jazz pioneers. But by 1930 his music was considered old hat. He died in Los Angeles in 1941.

Susan Birkenhead (Lyrics)

Susan Birkenhead received a Tony Nomination, a Grammy nomination and a Drama Desk Award for her lyrics for Jelly’s Last Jam , which she wrote with George C. Wolfe.  She was nominated for a Tony award for Working , and a Drama Desk Award for Triumph of Love . She won an Outer Critics Circle Award for What About Luv? and a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Minsky’s . She wrote additional lyrics for High Society on Broadway, and  was one of several writers of A My Name Is Alice and Stars of David off Broadway. The Secret Life of Bees , which she’s written with Lynn Nottage and Duncan Sheik, just finished a run in London and will open in New York in 2025. Boop , which she’s written with David Foster and Bob Martin, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, will go into rehearsals in January and will open on Broadway in April of 2025.

Luther Henderson (Musical Adaptation and Additional Music Composed)

Luther Henderson was a composer, arranger, orchestrator, music director, and performer with a long and impressive career spanning multiple genres. Henderson worked on more than 50 Broadway productions. He served as the original pianist and orchestrator, arranger, and musical supervisor for Ain’t Misbehavin‘ . For Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music , he was the musical consultant and arranged several selections. He orchestrated the Tony Award-winning Raisin and Play On! As a dance arranger, Henderson‘s credits included Flower Drum Song , Do Re Mi , Funny Girl , and No, No Nanette . He also had a robust recording career, featuring albums with the Canadian Brass Quintet, Eileen Farrell, Columbia Records, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Andre Kostelanetz Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, Mandy Patinkin, Polly Bergen, Anita Ellis, and others. (Sources: National Endowment for the Arts , Playbill.com )

Kent Gash (Director)

Co-Author and Director, Something to Live For at Pittsburgh Public ( BroadwayWorld Best New Musical), The Three Musketeers at Oregon Shakespeare and The Acting Co. Tarell McCraney’s Choir Boy , Steppenwolf, Studio Theatre  (Jeff & Bay Area Critics Awards). LA: August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean at South Coast Rep, Harriet’s Return at Geffen Playhouse. NYC: Barbecue at the Public, Lockdown at Rattlestick, Miss Evers’ Boys (NYC premiere) at Melting Pot. Select from 100+ Award winning Regional: Guys and Dolls at the Guthrie; The Wiz at Ford’s Theatre; “Master Harold”…and the Boys at Arizona Theatre Company; Tarell McCraney’s Wig Out! at Studio Theatre DC and Sundance; Jelly’s Last Jam ; Pacific Overtures ; Topdog/Underdog (Norton Award); God of Carnage ; Five Guys Named Moe ; Quiara Hudes’ Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue ; and 26 MILES, as the Associate Artistic Director at Alliance Theatre (2001-2009). Troilus and Cressida , Godspell , Twelfth Night , Guys and Dolls , Beehive , as Associate Artistic Director at Alabama Shakespeare Festival (1999-2001). Kent is the current Artistic Director at The Acting Company (2021-present) and Founding Director of New Studio on Broadway, Tisch, NYU. BFA: Carnegie-Mellon. MFA: UCLA.

Darryl Archibald (Music Direction)

Some Like It Hot (Broadway – Shubert Theatre); Motown: The Musical (Broadway – Nederlander Theatre); Yemandja the new Angelique Kidjo musical (music supervisor – world tour); Jelly’s Last Jam (guest conductor – New York City Center); Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ (Pre Broadway engagement – The Old Globe); Encore! on Disney+ ( Ragtime episode); The Color Purple (Broadway tour and Paper Mill Playhouse); Wicked (substitute conductor – Pantages Theater); Memphis (Broadway tour); A Little Night Music , Ragtime , Little Shop of Horrors with M.J. Rodriguez (Pasadena Playhouse); Dear World with Tyne Daly (VPAC); Two By Two with Jason Alexander (Reprise); Passion (Boston Court); Jonathan Dove’s Innocence (Banff Centre). Full bio at darrylarchibald.com.

Dell Howlett (Choreographer)

Dell is a New York based Virginia born choreographer/director. Selected credits: Forsyth County Is Flooding (Atlanta Opera), Malvolio (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For (Pittsburgh Public Theatre), Toni Stone (Alliance Theatre and Milwaukee Repertory) It Came From Outer Space (Chicago Shakespeare Theater and TheatreSquared), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Guys and Dolls (Guthrie Theatre), Paradise Square (Associate to Bill T. Jones, Berkeley Repertory Theatre), The Wiz (Ford’s Theater), WigOut (Studio Theater), The C.A. Lyons Project (Alliance Theater). Head of Dance at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts in the Department of Drama’s New Studio on Broadway. Upcoming: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Summer 2024, Classical Theatre of Harlem), Mandela the Musical (Fall 2024), and Furlough’s Paradise (Spring 2025, Geffen Playhouse). IG: @aristotlejr

Edward E. Haynes, Jr. (Scenic Design)

Ed is excited to be returning to the Playhouse where he last designed Crowns . Regional credits include: Arizona Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, Muny Opera, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Mark Taper Forum, Ebony Repertory Theatre Company, South Coast Rep, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Berkeley Rep, East West Players, Hollywood Bowl, Marin Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, Intiman Theatre, Trinity Rep, Pittsburgh City Theater, Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, and many he can no longer remember. Television credits include: MTV’s Spring Break 2012 & 2011 , Hip Hop Harry , The Tony Rock Project , and Culture Clash . Ed is the father of twins, Denis and Wesly, and husband to Director Elizabeth Bell-Haynes. edhaynes.carbonmade.com

Samantha C. Jones (Costume Design)

Samantha (she/her) is thankful to be returning to Pasadena Playhouse, where she previously designed Stew . She is a costume designer and educator with previous design credits at Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Huntington Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Court Theatre, Paramount Theatre (Aurora), Drury Lane Theatre, Writers Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago Children’s Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland Playhouse, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Alley Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, First Stage Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Peninsula Players Theater, and others. Current production(s): The Lonely Few (MCC Theatre). Her work can be viewed at samanthacjones.com.

Rui Rita (Lighting Design)

Rui (he/him) Select Broadway: Skeleton Crew , Velocity of Autumn , Trip to Bountiful , Present Laughter , Dividing the Estate , Enchanted April . Off Broadway premieres: Paradise Blue , Horton Foote’s Old Friends and The Orphans’ Home Cycle (Hewes Award) (Signature Theatre), Happiest Song Plays Last (Second Stage), Just Jim Dale (Roundabout Theatre Company), Nightingale and Moonlight and Magnolias (Manhattan Theatre Club), The Carpetbagger’s Children and Far East (Lincoln Center Theater), Dinner with Friends (Variety Arts Center). Off Broadway revivals: The Piano Lesson (Signature Theatre), Talley’s Folly (Roundabout Theatre Company), Engaged (TFANA; Obie Award). Recent regional credits: Alley Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Center Stage Theater, Center Theatre Group, Dallas Theater Center, Ford’s Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Huntington, Oregon Shakespeare, The Old Globe. For Pasadena Playhouse, Fly , for which he received an LADCC Award. designbyrui.com.

Danny Erdberg (Sound Design)

Daniel is excited to return to The Pasadena Playhouse where he’s designed the Holiday Spectacular , A Little Night Music , Sunday in the Park with George , and Head over Heels . New York: The Public Theater, New York City Opera, 92Y, Roundabout, City Center, Atlantic Theater Company, and 59E59. Regional: Arena Stage, Arizona Theater Company, Geva, Milwaukee Rep, Geffen Playhouse, ACT, Merrimack, Saratoga Opera Festival, Virginia Stage, Long Wharf, as well as productions in Korea, Japan, China, Canada and Cuba. Broadway Associate: The Iceman Cometh (Tony Nomination), Significant Other , Violet , The Glass Menagerie , A Streetcar Named Desire , The Heiress , and The Nance (Tony Win). Danny is a member of IATSE, USA829, SDC and the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab. Graduate of Northwestern University.

Ursula Kwong Brown (Sound Design)

Ursula is thrilled to return to the Pasadena Playhouse, where recent credits include the Holiday Spectacular , A Little Night Music , Sunday in the Park with George , and Head Over Heels . Other regional credits: The Wizard of Oz at ACT, Holiday at Arena Stage, King Lear at the Wallis Annenberg, The Wickhams at Arizona Theatre Company, Native Gardens at Merrimack and the world premiere of Stonewall with NYC Opera. As a composer, her work has been performed at Carnegie Hall, Miller Theatre, le Poisson Rouge, the Victoria & Albert museum, the National Portrait Gallery in London, as well as by festivals and ensembles across the country and around the world. Ursula received her B.A. in Music and Biology from Columbia University and her Ph.D. in Music Composition and New Media from UC Berkeley. More info at www.ursulakwongbrown.com

Shelia Dorn (Wig Design)

Theater: King Hedley II ; Fat Ham ; Twelfth Night ; Black Cypress Bayou ; Three Sisters; The Bluest Eye ; Mountain Top ; The Book of Will ; Radio Golf ; Anna in the Tropics ; All’s Well That Ends Well ; Seven Guitars ; Gem of the Ocean : “THREE” Sisters ; The Wiz ; Open Fist ; Picnic ; The Great Jheri Curl Debate ; Mommie & Clyde ; A Midsummer Night’s Dream ; The Lion King ; The Direction Home ; The Producers ; Lady Day ; Our West Side Story ; Shooting Star ; Two Trains Running ; Beauty and the Beast ; Drama Queens ; Letters from Zora ; I Go Somewhere ; Heartbreak Hotel ; Siamese Sex Show ; The Story of Alice ; Hattie: What I Need You to Know ; Painting in Red ; Dunbar Hotel . Film/TV: Something About Mother ; Dragon Fly ; Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story . Shelia’s passion project is donating her services as the resident hair and makeup designer for Amazing Grace Conservatory, a non-profit Performing Arts organization for aspiring artists ages 7-18.

Joy DeMichelle (Intimacy Coordinator)

Joy is thrilled to be working at Pasadena Playhouse! Joy is a Los Angeles based intimacy coordinator, actor, and acting coach. Recent intimacy credits include Choir Boy ; Hedda Gabler ; Winter’s Tale ; The High Table ; Apartment Living ; TJ Loves Sally 4Ever ; and The Light . Television/Film: ACX-Cross , We’re Not Married , 4 to 6 Seconds , and Color of Autumn . Joy has facilitated workshops for CBS Studios Pipeline Challenge, Celebration Theatre, USC, and CSULB Theatre Departments. Memberships include: ICOC (Intimacy Coordinators of Color); National Alliance of Acting Teachers; SAG/AFTRA; AEA; and serves on the board of GMIC (Global Majority Intimacy Coordinators). Joy is a graduate of NC A&T University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, and Rutgers University. www.JoyDeMichelle.com

Ryan Bernard Tymensky, CSA (RBT Casting)

Ryan has made significant casting contributions to the film, television, and theater industry. With over a decade of experience working at one of the worlds premiere casting offices, The Telsey Office, Ryan has built a diverse portfolio spanning across various mediums. Ryan’s versatility in the world of casting speaks for itself. For the last eight years, Ryan has cast many theater productions in Los Angeles, including many shows at Pasadena Playhouse and The Wallis. Their portfolio also includes notable TV and film projects such as the Wicked movies, This Is Us , Atypical , and many more. Ryan puts inclusion and diversity at the heart of everything they do. Their mission is to celebrate and actively advocate for performers who reflect the full spectrum of human diversity to help expand a multiplicity of narratives; narratives that reflect the real world we live in and challenge conventional boundaries that currently exist in the entertainment industry. rbtcasting.com. @rbtcasting

lark hackshaw (Stage Manager)

Broadway: Two hilarious comedies, The Cottage and Chicken & Biscuits ; the Pulitzer & Tony Award winning A Soldier’s Play , the iconic revival for colored girls… enuf and Stick Fly . lark has worked for the World Famous Apollo and has headed hundreds of productions regionally, among them: Alliance Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company, Indiana Rep, Arena Stage, Cleveland Playhouse, San Jose Rep, Arizona Theatre Co, Trinity Rep, MUNY, NC Black Rep as well as taken out several  tours. lark is a longtime Line Producer/Executive Assistant for Winston-Salem’s National Black Theatre Festival. Much love to my forever supporter, C.B.

David S. Franklin (Assistant Stage Manager)

Past Productions at Pasadena Playhouse include One Of The Good Ones , KATE (ASM), Inherit the Wind , The Sound Inside (ASM), The Father (ASM), Stoneface , Defiance , Showtune (The Music of Jerry Herman), and Sisterella to name a few. Over at Center Theatre Group Highlights include: Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème , Curtains , Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson , Two Unrelated Plays by David Mamet , Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo , The Lieutenant of Inishmore , God of Carnage , Red , Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike , Bent , Zoot Suit , Archduke , Linda Vista , King James , The Old Man and the Pool , The Secret Garden , and A Transparent Musical . Other Los Angeles: Los Angeles Theatre Center in its heyday from 1985–1990, Geffen Playhouse. Regional: Seattle Rep, Intiman Theatre. New York: Public Theater. Tours: Europe — Quotations from a Ruined City , Law of Remains (with Reza Abdoh’s Dar a Luz company).

Miriam Mendoza (Assistant Stage Manager)

Miriam (she/her) is extremely excited to be returning to Pasadena Playhouse. Credits include One of the Good Ones , Inherit the Wind (Pasadena Playhouse); world premiere of Alma, Tambo & Bones (Center Theatre Group – Kirk Douglas Theatre); 2:22 A Ghost Story and The Secret Garden (Center Theatre Group – Ahmanson Theatre); world premiere of A Transparent Musical (Center Theatre Group – Mark Taper Forum); The Half Life of Marie Curie (Theatre SilCo). An El Paso, Texas native, Miriam teaches and works around the Los Angeles area. She is a company member of New Swan Shakespeare Festival and has worked for the Walt Disney Company’s Imagination Campus (formerly known as Disney Performing Arts). MFA in Stage Management from the University of California, Irvine.

Jessica Keasberry-Vnuk (Assistant Stage Manager)

Jessica is so excited to be back at Pasadena Playhouse! Past credits include: Inherit the Wind (Pasadena Playhouse); Galilee, 34 (South Coast Repertory); A Weekend with Pablo Picasso (LA Theatre Works Tour); 2024 LA Writers’ Workshop Festival, A Christmas Story , A Transparent Musical , The Secret Garden , 2:22 A Ghost Story (Center Theatre Group); The Gardens of Anuncia (The Old Globe); Ghosts, Orlando (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Peter Pan and Tinker Bell (Lythgoe Family Panto); Driving Miss Daisy , Clybourne Park , King of the Road (Laguna Playhouse); The Glass Menagerie (International City Theatre). She received her B.A. in Drama and Certificate in Arts Management from the University of California, Irvine.

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Digital Tickets

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REVIEW THE USER GUIDE

Open Captioning

Guests who enjoy open captioning may request to be seated in view of a video screen with text descriptions synchronized to the onstage action designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The Open Captioned performance of Jelly’s Last Jam will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Audio Description

Join us for our Access performance to take advantage of the audio description service. The service includes verbal descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements of the production and is designed for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Guests may request a listening device to hear live audio descriptions. Audio description is available in all seating locations on the Orchestra level of the theater. If you would like to hear the pre-show notes, please be in your seat 15 minutes before showtime.

The audio-described performance of Jelly’s Last Jam will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Wine Wednesday

Preview week Wednesday, ticket holders are invited to come early and enjoy complimentary wine prior to the show at Pasadena Playhouse.

The Wine Wednesday performance of Jelly’s Last Jam will be on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 PM.

This production of Jelly’s Last Jam includes explicit racial and sexual language and simulated violence.

Jelly's Last Jam Tickets

Buy jelly’s last jam tickets.

Enjoy this entertaining showcase with Jelly’s Last Jam tickets. The highly acclaimed musical is hitting the stage for a rousing revue you will not want to miss. Adapted from the book by John C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam reimagines the life of the legendary Creole jazz great Jelly Roll Morton. On stage, a stellar cast of performers will sing and dance to a score by lyricist Susan Birkenhead and composer Luther Henderson. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1992, comes to life again in this stunning regional production. Jelly's Last Jam gives audiences an inside look at the career and impact of a jazz pioneer. 

Morton, born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in New Orleans, La., in 1890, is a legend. He is considered one of the founders of jazz and is credited for bringing the genre to the forefront in the early 1900s. In this live musical portrait, the star shines once again. Past performances have featured acclaimed actors, including Tony Award-winners Billy Porter, Joaquina Kalukango, and many other fine entertainers. Some regional presentations have also featured Mamie Ducan-Gibbs and others from the show’s original Broadway run. Buy Jelly’s Last Jam tickets today and enjoy a sparkling modern production. The musical is staged live at venues such as the New York City Center Mainstage in New York City.

Jelly's Last Jam Ticket Prices

Jelly's Last Jam ticket prices vary for each production. Prices can vary depending on demand and depending on the city. A theatre ticket on Broadway will always be more expensive than a touring production. Seating arrangements also impact ticket prices. A premium orchestra seat close to the stage costs more than a standard balcony or upper-tier seat. 

How much are Jelly's Last Jam tickets?

Jelly's Last Jam tickets for a premium orchestra seat have a price range of around $150-$350 per ticket depending on the venue. Stick to your budget with cheap seats in the back of the theater. A balcony seat will typically run $35-$55 each. Due to the size of the theatres on Broadway, ticket prices in New York can sometimes be 50-75% more than a touring performance.

$162.34 is the average ticket price you can expect to pay to see a production of Jelly's Last Jam. Some performances have cheap Jelly's Last Jam tickets listed for as little as $70.72 a ticket. $356.96 is the most you'll pay to see Jelly's Last Jam performed live.

Jelly's Last Jam Tour Dates & Schedule

Check the Jelly's Last Jam schedule above to find a tour date that is convenient for you. When the performance is running for a week or longer, it usually runs Tuesday through Sunday with Matinées typically available on Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to catch the show at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles , Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center in Houston or another theatre near you.

Jelly's Last Jam only has 13 performances left on its 2024 show schedule. The show's next production will take place on May 29th, 2024 at 8:00pm at the Pasadena Playhouse , which is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA. There are still 4 tickets available to see this hit show. For this production, Jelly's Last Jam tickets start at $133.60 and go up to $133.60 per ticket. 

When do Jelly's Last Jam tickets go on sale?

Jelly's Last Jam tickets go on sale for a touring production once the new performance dates are announced. Typically, within 24-48 hours of the Jelly's Last Jam tour dates being announced, seats will be available. TicketSmarter makes it easy to get Broadway musical tickets in your hands without waiting in line at the box office window or for a presale code.

Jelly's Last Jam Seating Chart

Jelly's Last Jam seating capacity will vary from venue to venue depending on the location. Most of the theatres on the tour stops will have less than 3,000 seats. For example, Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall has a capacity of only 1,874 whereas Dreyfoos Concert Hall at the Kravis Center has a capacity of 2,195. The Musical Hall in Kansas City has a capacity of 2,363. If you are looking for cheap Jelly's Last Jam tickets, explore the upper balcony in most cases. Sometimes there will be discount tickets available in the rear portion of the Orchestra. 

Select your perfect premium seat in the orchestra or mezzanine or get a VIP box seat. You can hopefully catch Jelly's Last Jam playing in your city as this award-winning show tours across the country. Use the Jelly's Last Jam seating chart above to secure your seats when it stops at a city near you.

Jelly's Last Jam will make its last curtain call at the Pasadena Playhouse on June 23rd, 2024 at 7:00pm. This fantastic theatre is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA. A seat to see this wonderful live production of Jelly's Last Jam will cost you between $356.96 and $356.96 a ticket.

Safe and Secure Jelly's Last Jam Ticket Purchasing

Feel more secure ordering your Jelly's Last Jam tour tickets from TicketSmarter for a worry-free shopping experience. We ensure you'll find well-priced, authentic theatre tickets to your favorite musicals and plays . We've applied our 100% ticket guarantee to ensure that every purchase yields your safety and satisfaction.

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All TicketSmarter theatre tickets are 100% guaranteed. Verified customers rate TicketSmarter 4.6/5.0 stars, so you can purchase with assurance knowing that we stand behind your Jelly's Last Jam tickets.

Jelly's Last Jam Average Ticket Prices

Jelly's last jam tour dates.

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Jelly’s Last Jam

Pasadena Playhouse , Los Angeles

About This Show

When legendary musician Jelly Roll Morton’s soul is forced to face the music, the self-proclaimed “inventor of jazz” is left at the ultimate crossroads. Follow Jelly from the back alleys of New Orleans to the sparkling stages of New York, as his remarkable journey unfolds in a stunning display of song, dance, and music. With soulful melodies, electrifying tap dancing, and fiery tunes that will leave you breathless, get your groove on with this dazzling musical masterpiece.

Show Details

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Pearl Jam 2024 Tour: Setlist, Last-Minute Tickets, and More

P earl Jam’s 2024 Tour just kicked off this past Saturday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. And the setlist is even crazier than fans were expecting.

The band powered through 25 different songs during the Vancouver performance, starting off with a killer performance of “Wash” from the band’s Lost Dogs compilation album. The full setlist is listed here:

• “Low Light”
• “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town”
• “Given To Fly”
• “Scared Of Fear”
• “React, Respond” (Debut)
• “Wreckage” (Debut)
• “Dark Matter” (Debut)
• “Daughter” + “Bobcaygeon” (Cover of The Tragically Hip)
• “Leatherman”
• “Red Mosquito”
• “Upper Hand” (Debut)
• “Won’t Tell” (Debut)
• “Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns” (Cover of Mother Love Bone)
• “I Won’t Back Down” (Cover of Tom Petty)
• “Black” + “We Belong Together” (Cover of Rickie Lee Jones)
• “Do The Evolution”
• “Something Special” (Debut)
• “Rockin’ In The Free World (Cover of Neil Young)
• “Yellow Ledbetter”
• “Setting Sun” (Debut)

Old hits, new song debuts, and some unconventional (but incredible) covers? This is going to be one hell of a tour for Pearl Jam fans!

The next stop on the Pearl Jam 2024 Tour will be another set at Rogers Arena in Vancouver tonight with support from Deep Sea Diver. The final date of the tour will be on November 23 in Sydney, Australia at the Giants Stadium with support from Pixies.

If you’re in need of last-minute tickets to see Pearl Jam live this year, you’ve got a few different options. All tour dates for the Pearl Jam 2024 Tour are available for general sale. Ticketmaster appears to be the main spot to score tickets at the moment, and quite a few are still in stock there.

Stubhub also has quite a few tickets available. If your tour date is sold out on Ticketmaster, give Stubhub a quick look to see if tickets are in stock.

For the non-US tour dates, we recommend checking Viagogo . It’s a great platform for finding last-minute tickets to international concerts.

Get your tickets ASAP before they’re gone!

Pearl Jam 2024 Tour Dates

May 6 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena 

May 10 – Portland, OR – Moda Center 

May 13 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center 

May 16 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena 

May 18 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena 

May 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum 

May 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum 

May 25 – Napa Valley, CA – BottleRock Napa

May 28 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena 

May 30 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena 

June 22 – Dublin, IE – Marlay Park 

June 25 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Co-Op Arena 

June 29 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 

July 2 – Berlin, DE – Waldbühne 

July 3 – Berlin, DE – Waldbühne 

July 6 – Barcelona, ES – Palau Sant Jordi 

July 8 – Barcelona, ES – Palau Sant Jordi 

July 11 – Madrid, ES – Mad Cool Festival

July 13 – Lisbon, PT – NOS Alive Festival

August 22 – Missoula, MT – Washington-Grizzly Stadium 

August 26 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center 

August 29 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field 

August 31 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field 

September 3 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 

September 4 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 

September 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center 

September 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center 

September 12 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena 

September 15 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park 

September 17 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park 

September 27 – Dana Point, CA – Ohana Festival

September 29 – Dana Point, CA – Ohana Festival

November 8 – Auckland, NZ – Go Media Stadium Mt Smart 

November 10 – Auckland, NZ – Go Media Stadium Mt Smart 

November 13 – Gold Coast, AU – Heritage Bank Stadium 

November 16 – Melbourne, AU – Marvel Stadium 

November 21 – Sydney, AU – Giants Stadium 

November 23 – Sydney, AU – Giants Stadium 

Photo courtesy of Pearl Jam’s official Facebook page

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The post Pearl Jam 2024 Tour: Setlist, Last-Minute Tickets, and More appeared first on American Songwriter .

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See Pearl Jam Debut ‘Dark Matter’ Songs Live at Tour Kickoff in Vancouver

By Daniel Kreps

Daniel Kreps

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Pearl Jam kicked off their world tour in support of Dark Matter Saturday in Vancouver, where the band delivered the live debuts of the majority of their new album’s songs.

Of the 11 tracks on Dark Matter , Eddie Vedder and company performed nine of them — only “Waiting for Stevie” and “Got to Give” were omitted — at the Rogers Arena, seven of which were played live for the first time; “Running” and “Scared to Fear” were previously given live debuts during an appearance on Howard Stern last month.

Among the debuts were the title track, the single “Wreckage,” “Won’t Tell,” and Dark Matter ’s closing track “Setting Sun,” which also was the final song Pearl Jam performed at their Vancouver show Saturday.

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Pearl Jam’s tour continues Monday in Vancouver, after which the band will travel to Portland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles before headlining Napa Valley’s BottleRock Festival on May 25 and playing a pair of hometown Seattle shows that week. 

Following a European leg, the North American dates will pick back up in August with stops at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, New York’s Madison Square Garden, and Boston’s Fenway Park. 

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• May 4, 2024 Setlist

Pearl Jam Setlist at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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Tour: Dark Matter World Tour Tour statistics Add setlist

• Wash Play Video
• Low Light Play Video
• Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town Play Video
• Given to Fly Play Video
• Scared of Fear Play Video
• React, Respond ( live debut ) Play Video
• Wreckage ( live debut ) Play Video
• Dark Matter ( live debut ) Play Video
• Daughter ( with "Bobcaygeon" by the Tragically Hip tag ) Play Video
• Leatherman ( first time since 2016 ) Play Video
• Corduroy Play Video
• Red Mosquito ( with false start ) Play Video
• Upper Hand ( live debut ) Play Video
• Won't Tell ( live debut ) Play Video
• Running Play Video
• Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns ( Mother Love Bone  cover) Play Video
• Porch ( guitarist Mike McCready fell off the stage briefly ) Play Video
• I Won't Back Down ( Tom Petty  cover) Play Video
• Black ( with "We Belong Together" by Rickie Lee Jones tag ) Play Video
• Do the Evolution Play Video
• Something Special ( live debut ) Play Video
• Alive Play Video
• Rockin' in the Free World ( Neil Young  cover) Play Video
• Yellow Ledbetter Play Video
• Setting Sun ( live debut ) Play Video

Note: First show of the Dark Matter World Tour

Edits and Comments

72 activities (last edit by busblog , 6 May 2024, 09:18 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• Dark Matter
• React, Respond
• Scared of Fear
• Setting Sun
• Something Special
• Won't Tell
• Do the Evolution
• Given to Fly
• Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns by Mother Love Bone
• I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty
• Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young
• Yellow Ledbetter
• Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
• Red Mosquito

Complete Album stats

More from this Artist

• More Setlists
• Artist Statistics
• Add setlist

Related News

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Pearl Jam Announce New Album "Dark Matter" + Tour, Single

Rogers arena.

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• Pearl Jam This Setlist Start time: 8:50 PM 8:50 PM

Pearl Jam Gig Timeline

• Sep 19 2023 Moody Center Austin, TX, USA Start time: 8:55 PM 8:55 PM
• Apr 22 2024 Pearl Jam HQ Seattle, WA, USA Add time Add time
• May 04 2024 Rogers Arena This Setlist Vancouver, BC, Canada Start time: 8:50 PM 8:50 PM
• May 06 2024 Rogers Arena Vancouver, BC, Canada Start time: 8:50 PM 8:50 PM
• May 10 2024 Moda Center Portland, OR, USA  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time

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<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pearl-jam/2024/rogers-arena-vancouver-bc-canada-3abb9d7.html" title="Pearl Jam Setlist Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Canada 2024, Dark Matter World Tour" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=3abb9d7" alt="Pearl Jam Setlist Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Canada 2024, Dark Matter World Tour" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=3abb9d7&amp;step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/pearl-jam-23d6b80b.html">More Pearl Jam setlists</a></div></div>

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[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pearl-jam/2024/rogers-arena-vancouver-bc-canada-3abb9d7.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=3abb9d7[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=3abb9d7&amp;step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/pearl-jam-23d6b80b.html]More Pearl Jam setlists[/url]

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Here's what you need to know about Pearl Jam's two Vancouver concerts

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It's going to be a busy weekend at Rogers Arena as Pearl Jam plays two shows with a potential Canucks playoff game between them.

The legendary Seattle rock band is playing May 4 and 6 as their Dark Matter tour begins with the Saturday night show at Rogers Arena, supporting their new album  released earlier this year .

With a discography that goes back more than 30 years, Pearl Jam is one of the last bands that launched from the Seattle sound/grunge scene of the late 80s and early 90s still making new music.

Opening for them is a younger band, Deep Sea Diver . Also from Seattle, the quartet is based around Jessica Dobson (who was a part of The Shins and Beck's band for a spell); her husband plays the drums.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the Vancouver shows.

Tickets for Pearl Jam at Rogers Arena in Vancouver

There are still tickets to both shows, but the Saturday, May 4, concert has far fewer, with only a a couple of hundred at most still for sale on Ticketmaster (both original and resale tickets).

And as with all Pearl Jam shows, all tickets (start) at the same price: $208.70

For Saturday, the cheapest tickets are still $208.70; that covers almost and upper level seat (except for a couple resale tickets) and most of the lower bowl. For those feeling spendy, there are some floor seats available (all resale) going for between $900 and $1,000 per ticket.

The Monday, May 5 , show has hundreds more tickets available with lots of options in the lower bowl. The are more floor seats available (all resale), with some as low as $208.70.

No pit tickets are available for either show.

Transportation to/from Rogers Arena on concert night

TransLink hasn't announced any additional service for the nights of the shows.

However, there will be some closures that may affect those taking the SkyTrain. The King George Station in Surrey is  closed until June ; a bus bridge has been set up to move people from Surrey Central Station to the King George bus loop.

Also, the Canada Line's Richmond-Brighouse station will be closed on Monday night; starting at 9:30 p.m. and a bus bridge will be in place. The station is closed weeknights until May 24.

Hullo Ferries has announced sailings for both nights for fans on Vancouver Island who are looking to return to the island the night of the show. They leave the Vancouver Harbour dock at 11:55 p.m.

Pearl Jam merch for purchase

Pearl Jam has announced a special merch station will be set up each concert day starting at noon outside of Rogers Arena. On May 4 and 6 the merch stand will open up at noon at the corner of Expo Boulevard and Pat Quinn Way and stay open until the end of the show.

Posters, event stickers, buttons, and more will be on sale, though there are restrictions on how many people can buy.

While Rogers Arena has gone cashless, Pearl Jam's outside booths will accept cash.

Restrictions at the venue

A few things aren't allowed in Rogers Arena for the show. Notably, some bags won't be permitted; all bags need to be under 35.5 cm by 35.5 cm by 15.2 cm. For reference, 35.5 cm is just a bit over 13 inches.

Rogers Arena is also a smoke-free zone, as far as cigarettes and cannabis are concerned. The band may have smoke machines.

Other  common sense items  are to be left at home as well, like skateboards, selfie sticks, and outside food and drinks.

Cashless Venue

While the outdoor merch stations will accept cash, Rogers Arena has gone cashless.

"Concession, retail stands, & hospitality will exclusively accept contactless forms of payment," states the venue's website.

Fan Service for issues during the show

Rogers Arena has a fan service number to text if there are any issues during the show: 604-765-3267.

Concertgoers can text their issue and their location (seat number and row along with the section) and get help.

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Pearl Jam Kick Off 2024 Tour with Rousing 25-Song Set in Vancouver: Video + Setlist

The post Pearl Jam Kick Off 2024 Tour with Rousing 25-Song Set in Vancouver: Video + Setlist appeared first on Consequence .

Pearl Jam kicked off their 2024 tour in Vancouver on Saturday night with a rousing 25-song performance.

The show kicked off with “Wash” from their Lost Dogs compilation and was followed by performances of “Low Light,” “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town,” and “Given to Fly.” From there, Pearl Jam showcased material from their new album, Dark Matter , with “Scared of Fear,” “React, Respond,” “Wreckage,” and “Dark Matter,” and then dusted off “Leatherman” at the request of drummer Matt Cameron for the first time in eight years.

Get Pearl Jam Tickets Here

The second half of Pearl Jam’s set consisted of songs like “Corduroy,” “Red Mosquito,” a cover of Mother Love Bone’s “Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns,” and “Porch,” with the encore featuring performances of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” “Black,” “Do the Evolution,” “Something Special,” “Alive,” Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” “Yellow Ledbetter,” and “Setting Sun.”

Pearl Jam will return to the stage in Vancouver for another show on Monday, May 6th, before crossing the border into the US for dates in Portland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and more. The band will be on the road — both in North America and Europe — through the end of September. Tickets to their upcoming shows are available here .

Setlist: Pearl Jam at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, May 4th, 2024

Wash Low Light Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town Given to Fly Scared of Fear React, Respond (live debut) Wreckage (live debut) Dark Matter (live debut) Daughter (with “Bobcaygeon” by The Tragically Hip) Leatherman (first time since 2016) Corduroy Red Mosquito Upper Hand (live debut) Won’t Tell (live debut) Running Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns (Mother Love Bone cover) Porch

Encore: I Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty cover) Black (with “We Belong Together” by Rickie Lee Jones) Do the Evolution Something Special (live debut) Alive Rockin’ in the Free World (Neil Young cover) Yellow Ledbetter Setting Sun (live debut)

Pearl Jam Kick Off 2024 Tour with Rousing 25-Song Set in Vancouver: Video + Setlist Scoop Harrison

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India urges political parties to avoid using deepfakes in election campaigns

India's Election Commission has issued an advisory to all political parties, urging them to refrain from using deepfakes and other forms of misinformation in their social media posts during the country's ongoing general elections. The move comes after the constitutional body faced criticism for not doing enough to combat such campaigns in the world's most populous nation. The advisory, released on Monday (PDF), requires political parties to remove any deepfake audio or video within three hours of becoming aware of its existence.

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