Just in time for Juneteenth, the award-winning musical 'Lenox Ave' is back on an Orlando stage, but this time, it's not just a revival. It's a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that revolutionized Black art and music in the early 20th century. Personally, I think this production is more than just a show; it's a time capsule, a window into a pivotal moment in American history. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way it intertwines the past with the present, using the music and poetry of the Harlem Renaissance to explore the enduring impact of this era on modern culture.
The musical, written and composed by Brandon Martin, is a tribute to Langston Hughes, the iconic writer, social activist, and early innovator of jazz poetry. Inspired by Hughes' first collection of poetry, 'The Weary Blues', Martin has created a unique blend of musical styles, from jazz to hip-hop, rock, blues, and calypso, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance. In my opinion, this approach is brilliant, as it not only pays homage to the past but also demonstrates how the music of the Harlem Renaissance laid the foundation for popular music as we know it today.
The Harlem Renaissance, a Black arts explosion in early 20th-century New York, was spurred in part by the Great Migration, where African Americans moved to the North and Midwest in large numbers for work and opportunity. This movement was a response to the oppression of Jim Crow laws in the South, and it marked a turning point in American history. New York City's Harlem neighborhood became a melting pot of culture, where art and music flourished, and the struggles and joys of the Black working class were chronicled and celebrated. From my perspective, this was a time of immense creativity and innovation, and it's fascinating to see how it continues to influence and inspire artists today.
The musical, produced by Orlando's Renaissance Theatre Co., recreates the sights, sounds, and streets of the Harlem Renaissance with Hughes' poetry at its heart. The innovative staging, including a cabaret cocktail-style set, immersive interplay beyond the stage, and costuming that references styles of the 1920s, creates a feeling of intimacy between theatergoers and the actors. This, in my opinion, is a crucial element of the show's success, as it allows the audience to connect with the story and the characters on a deeper level.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way the musical explores the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on popular music. Caila Carter, the director of this production, explains that popular music has its origins in jazz standards created for stage shows on Broadway, and all of that has its roots or is inspired in some way by what was created in the Harlem Renaissance. This, she says, birthed Latin jazz, calypso, and even early hip-hop, which has a lot of jazz influences and uses jazz samples. What many people don't realize is that the Harlem Renaissance was a catalyst for the evolution of popular music, and this musical is a testament to that.
The new staging of 'Lenox Ave' features changes to the music and sets, giving audiences the opportunity to see the award-winning musical like never before. There might even be a new song or two debuting at this weekend's Judson's Live performances. I think the thing that I would want people to take away is not just this explosion of Black culture, because that is important, but an explosion of American culture. So many things and aspects of American culture can have their lineage traced directly back to the Harlem Renaissance. I feel, especially with this being staged on Juneteenth, that is even more important to shed some light on.
In conclusion, 'Lenox Ave' is more than just a musical; it's a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that continues to inspire and influence artists today. Through innovative staging, a unique blend of musical styles, and a focus on the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on popular music, this production offers a thought-provoking and engaging experience for audiences. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Black art and music in America, and it's a testament to the enduring power of the Harlem Renaissance.
