It Ain't Nothing But the Blues will move from a sold out run at Off Broadway's New Victory Theatre to a ten-week Broadway engagement at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center. The production begins previews April 22 for a Broadway opening April 26 -- just two days before the Tony Awards deadline.

The show, which was initially developed at NJ's Crossroads Theater Company, traces the history of the "Blues" genre from its African roots to contemporary recording artists. The 12-member ensemble performs songs including: "Fever," "Strange Fruit," "My Man Rocks Me," "I Can't Stop Lovin' You," "Someone Else Is Steppin' In (While You Been Steppin' Out)," "Walkin' After Midnight," and "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man."

Producer Krebs told PBOL (April 5) that the reason for moving the show was obvious, "Standing, clapping, screaming audiences, a great review... and a sold out run at the New Victory," Krebs continued "I knew we had something special."

The Beaumont's last tenant was the critical and commercial disappointment, Parade.

Blues was written by Charles Bevel, Lita Gaithers, Randal Myler, Ron Taylor and Dan Wheetman. Myler helms the cast including: Mississippi Charles Bevel, Gretha Boston, Carter Calvert, Eloise Laws, Gregory Porter, Ron Taylor and Dan Wheetman. The show is scheduled for a ten week run, through the last weekend in June. The Tony Awards ceremony, traditionally a night that can make or break a show's financial success, take place June 6 at the Gershwin Theatre. The box office for The Blues opens April 9.

-- By Sean McGrath