16 Perfect Musicals for Black History Month
Black History Month has arrived! This is the perfect chance to learn more about Black history and celebrate the achievements of Black artists. And what better way to do that than through musical theatre? Here’s a list of musicals for Black History Month that are definitely worth checking out. Consider picking a show you aren’t familiar with and giving it a listen!
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Musicals for Black History Month
Music: Thomas “Fats” Waller Lyrics: Various Concept: Murray Horwitz, Richard Maltby, Jr.
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1978)
What It’s About: Fats Waller and the Harlem Renaissance
Music/Lyrics: The Legendary Motown Catalog Book: Dominique Morisseau
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
What It’s About: The life and times of the Temptations
Music: Jimmy McHugh Lyrics: Dorothy Fields
Musical Type: Jazz Age (1928)
Significance: Blackbirds of 1928 became the longest running all-Black cast show in 1929.
Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk
Music: Daryl Waters, Zane Mark Music/Lyrics: Ann Duquesnay Lyrics: George C. Wolfe Lyrics/Book: Reg E. Gaines
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1995)
What It’s About: Black history (told through music and tap)
Music: Stephen Flaherty Lyrics/Book: Lynn Ahrens
Musical Type: Contemporary (2005)
What It’s About: Two women’s stories during the Antebellum South
Music/Lyrics: Micki Grant
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1971)
What It’s About: Black experience throughout the 20th century
Music/Lyrics: Fela Kuti Book: Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis
Musical Type: Contemporary (2008)
What It’s About: The life and music of Fela Kuti
It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues
Music/Lyrics/Book: Charles Bevel, Lita Gaithers, Randal Myler, Ron Taylor, Dan Wheetman
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1999)
What It’s About: The history of blues music
Music: Jelly Roll Morton, Luther Henderson Lyrics: Susan Birkenhead Book: George C. Wolfe
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1992)
What It’s About: The life and music of Jelly Roll Morton
Music: Taliep Petersen Lyrics/Book: David Kramer
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1996)
What It’s About: Apartheid in South Africa
Music/Lyrics: Todd Matshikiza Lyrics: Pat Williams Book: Harry Bloom
Musical Type: Golden Age (1959)
What It’s About: The life of boxer Ezekiel Dlamini, aka “King Kong”
Music: Stephen Flaherty Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens Book: Terrence McNally
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1996)
What It’s About: Race relations in early 20th century America
Music/Lyrics/Book: Mbongeni Ngema Additional Songs: Hugh Masekela
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1987)
What It’s About: The Soweto Uprising in South Africa
Music/Lyrics: Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle Book: Flournoy Miller, Aubrey Lyles
Musical Type: Jazz Age (1921)
What It’s About: Fictional comedy about competing mayors
* Shuffle Along is a historically significant Broadway musical that helped inspire the Harlem Renaissance
Music/Lyrics: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray Book: Marsha Norman
Musical Type: Contemporary (2005)
What It’s About: A woman’s experience living in the rural American South during the 20th century
Music/Lyrics: John Kander, Fred Ebb Book: David Thompson
Musical Type: Contemporary (2010)
What It’s About: The true and tragic story of the Scottsboro Boys
Other blog posts you might like:
• Musicals Based on True Stories
• Musicals Written by Black Artists
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Which of these musicals for Black History Month is your favorite?
Or have you ever seen any of the above musicals for Black History Month live? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you enjoy exploring these lists, check out the musical database, where you can discover musicals organized by composer, theme, setting, and much more!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.