Harlem Song

George C. Wolfe’s spectacular musical revue extravaganza 'Harlem Song' turned the stage of Harlem's historic Apollo Theater into an absolute commercial institution in 2002, completing a triumphant, long-running residency. Conceived as a high-stepping, historically urgent celebration that discarded traditional linear book formatting, the production uses an explosive blend of hot jazz, rhythm-and-blues, soul, and gospel to trace the cultural and socio-political evolution of Harlem from the 1920s Renaissance through the civil rights movement to the modern era. Directed by Wolfe with visceral choreography by Ken Roberson, the production starred an elite ensemble cast.