Jolson: A Vaudeville

Though Al Jolson is mainly remembered today for his performances in blackface, he was once an entertainment giant. A vaudeville headliner and Broadway star, his charismatic personality and dynamic singing style helped launch the songwriting careers of both Irving Berlin and George Gershwin, as well as almost single-handedly changing motion pictures. The world premiere of James Racheff and Ted Kociolek’s musical entertainment, Jolson: A Vaudeville is based upon an idea by John Sannuto, directed and choreographed by Gary Slavin, and features musical direction and arrangements by Ted Kociolek.

From skits and comic routines to silent movies and minstrel shows, the show illustrates Jolie’s connection to his times–his immigrant beginnings, his rise to super-stardom, his personal failings and private pain, and his ultimate fade into caricature. It gives insight into the life of a man who grew up in vaudeville, lived it, eclipsed it, and was more than partly responsible for its demise.