Vineyard to Give Kander & Ebb's Scottsboro Boys Full World Premiere

By Ernio Hernandez
November 17, 2009

The Vineyard Theatre has announced dates for the upcoming world premiere of Kander & Ebb's The Scottsboro Boys, directed by Susan Stroman. The musical, previously announced for a developmental run, will instead enjoy a fully-staged production by the Off-Broadway not-for-profit.

Featuring music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman) and a book by David Thompson, the musical will begin previews Feb. 12, 2010 and open March 10 at the downtown venue. Musical direction is by David Loud.

The Scottsboro Boys, according to an announcement, "explores the famous 'Scottsboro' case of the 1930s — in which a group of young African American teenagers were unjustly accused of attacking two women — and the boys' attempts to prove their innocence." Billed as a "new musical," the work was one of the final collaborations from the famed songwriting team before Ebb's death.

The show reunites Stroman (The Producers), Kander, Thompson and the Vineyard which previously presented the revival of Flora, The Red Menace. The musical enjoyed a developmental reading in June at the Vineyard featuring John Cullum, Brandon Victor Dixon and Colman Domingo.

Casting and further creative team will be announced for the full production.

The Vineyard next presents the world premiere of Adam Rapp's The Metal Children. The troupe will also team this season with Playwrights Horizons to present the new musical The Burnt Part Boys. The work, penned by Mariana Elder, Nathan Tysen and Chris Miller, will be staged at the latter company's Off-Broadway home.

Tickets to The Scottsboro Boys at The Vineyard Theatre, will go on sale Jan. 4, 2010. For more information, call 212-353-0303 or visit VineyardTheatre.org