Broadway Blues: Shuffle Along, Starring Audra McDonald, Sets Final Performance Date

An all-star musical is about to shuffle off this mortal coil. Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed will play its final performance on July 24. At the time of its closing, the show will have played 38 previews and 100 regular performances at the Music Box Theatre.

Audra McDonald, who recently announced that she and her husband Will Swenson were expecting a child, was already scheduled to leave the show on July 24; Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens was on deck to fill in. Savion Glover, who received a Tony nomination for his choreography, was also scheduled to appear in the show at that time.

"I am overjoyed to be expecting a new addition to the family," McDonald said in a statement, "yet completely heartbroken that our tremendously talented cast and company—my 'Shuffle Family'—won't be able to continue telling this incredible story. We are all so fortunate to have worked with—and learned from—the genius that is George C. Wolfe and played a part in bringing this vital and illuminating work to life."

The new show explores the backstory of the 1921 musical Shuffle Along as it follows the creative team and performers who brought it to life. In addition to McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter, the cast includes Brandon Victor Dixon and Adrienne Warren, who were both Tony-nominated for their performances, Joshua Henry, Brooks Ashmanskas and Amber Iman.

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