I just got back from 54 Below, the classic cabaret spot that tonight was presenting songs from the legendary 1903 musical In Dahomey.
Caseen Gaines and Pier Lamia Porter produced the evening, with musical director Gary Mitchell, Jr. leading a band that played its Ragtime-infused music. This included the song "The Czar" sung by James Jackson, Jr. The number was originally sung by Walker's character about being an important figure in Black society, a major theme in the musical.
Other numbers included the love song "Molly Green," the satirical "Leader of the Colored Aristocracy," and the rousing "On Broadway in Dahomey Bye and Bye." Toward the end, the cast sang "Emancipation Day," with lyrics by the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and music by Will Marion Cook, who had studied with the composer Antonín Dvořák. Yes, this was a show that had some heavy hitters involved in its genesis!
I think my favorite song, though, was "I Wants to Be a Actor Lady," which was originally sung in the show by Aida Overton Walker (wife of George Walker and the reputed 'Queen of Cakewalk'). It was a pre-existing song by Harry von Tilzer that got added to the show, but it was beautifully sung tonight by Kimberly Marable, who was seen most recently on Broadway as Velma Kelly in Chicago.
In Dahomey achieved moderate success when it originally opened on Broadway, but then transferred to London, where the show became an unqualified hit. There was even a command performance for the Prince of Wales in honor of his son's birthday!
Many thanks to all of the artists involved tonight in bringing this music back to life for contemporary audiences.
