Political Incorrectness in Jitterbug! Choreography

Randy Skinner, Choreographer

For a very long time-- longer than even I can believe-- I held out for black choreographers for Jitterbug! And Directors, too. The dancical is, after all for the most part, a dance-driven drama about African Americans. As its playwright and screenwriter I believed this one white guy was enough. In fact, there were times I was embarrassed by that fact. Not anymore. If I continue to wait for a talented black choreographer, director, or producer to fall in love with Jitterbug! I may have shuffled off to Buffalo (a place some consider Hell while others think is Heaven) before I see it ever mounted in a full blown production (as of this date, this hybrid has had only two NYC readings, the last one had dance numbers by an Emmy nominated black choreographer).  As a screenplay, I've had one black producer (a UM alumni as myself) who wanted to make it into a film. Unfortunately, he didn't want to pay me for it (which is another story). 

Now I'm reminded of the talented white choreographer Randy Skinner. He's nominated for an 2018 Olivier Award for his choreography of 42nd Street. In this great The Stage interview, he reminds us why he is worthy of choreographing any musical whether its cast is black, white, or any color in between. His inspiration comes from the great American movie musicals which he reaches back to for the West End's 42nd Street-- the 1933 original Pre-Code movie that told its adult story to grownups who appreciated the sexual innuendo and sensuous costuming. For an entertaining and in depth look at the making of that movie, please click here. 

Here's hoping Randy Skinner wins the award!