About this Orbit: From Broadway to Ballet and Back
Jamaica (1957)
Synopsis
Set on tropical paradise Pigeon’s Island, Jamaica centers around Savannah, a young woman who dreams of leading a life of modernity in New York City. Two suitors vie for her attention: Koli, a handsome but poor fisherman, and Joe Nashua, a Big Apple businessman who has come to the remote island to dive for pearls. Although Savannah is enticed by Joe’s promises that the pair could exchange life on the island for that in the city, she ultimately decides to remain with Koli, after he saves her younger brother during a hurricane.
Background
On October 31, 1957, Jamaica opened at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway. Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy, known for their collaboration on Finian’s Rainbow, wrote the book. Harburg also wrote the lyrics and Harold Arlen composed the music. The two had previously worked together on The Wizard of Oz. “Father of American jazz dance,” Jack Cole choreographed the musical. Oliver Smith designed the set; Miles White designed costumes.
Actress and activist Lena Horne starred in the musical, which also featured dancers Alvin Ailey, Barbara Wright, Jayne Craddock, Frank Glass, Nat Horne, Charles Moore, and Billy Wilson.
The production ran for just short of two years, closing after 555 performances on April 11, 1959.
Sources:
Jamaica, Internet Broadway Database
New Musical in Manhattan, Time Magazine
New York Public Library Digital Collections
Yip Harburg Biography, yipharburg.com
Leila Abou-Jaoude
