Shuffle Along, Led by Audra McDonald, Cancels Another Broadway Preview

After not playing the March 21 performance, Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed has canceled its March 22 preview. A production spokesperson was not able to comment on the reason why. The tuner began performances on March 15 at Broadway's Music Box Theatre and will officially open on April 28.

The production, which bills itself as a revival, combines the 1921 musical Shuffle Along with the backstory of the people who brought it to life, including the songwriting team Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle and bookwriters Aubrey Lyles and F.E. Miller. Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk collaborators George C. Wolfe and Savion Glover have reunited to direct and choreograph, respectively. Wolfe also penned the new book.

Shuffle Along first played Broadway and became a runaway hit in May of 1921. The show, which was expected to become an immediate flop following a back-breaking pre-Broadway tour, ended up playing for 504 performances. The story follows two friends who both run for mayor in fictional Jimtown, USA. One wins and the other is appointed chief of police, but as they fight, their opponent plots to drive them out. The original production featured the talents of such soon-to-be theatrical stalwarts as Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson and Lottie Gee.

The company additionally includes Billy Porter, Brooks Ashmanskas, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Joshua Henry and Brandon Victor Dixon.

Please note that McDonald will not appear in performances from June 20 through September 11; she is scheduled to return on September 13.

Broadway.com customers with tickets to the canceled performances will be contacted with information on refunds or exchanges.