The Scottsboro Boys

Opening Date: October 31, 2010
Theater: Lyceum Theatre, Broadway. Young Vic Theatre, London. Garrick Theatre, London's West End.

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS represents a triumphant final chapter in the illustrious career of Broadway icons,
John Kander and Fred Ebb. As they did in Chicago and Cabaret, Kander and Ebb use their words and music to explore a dark, but poignant and pivotal, period in history, exposing man’s inhumanity to man, shedding light on sociopolitical injustices and hypocrisies, yet still managing to keep their audiences enormously entertained. This time their sights are set on the racial prejudices of the American Deep South in the first half of the 20th century, focusing on the 1931 landmark Scottsboro case in which nine African-American teenagers were falsely accused of a terrible crime. Over the next two decades, in a series of trials, re-trials, plea bargains and parole hearings, these men fell victim to a corrupt American legal system laced with bigotry and hatred. The case became a benchmark in American jurisprudence and the story made a significant impact on the leaders of the Civil Rights movement. Challenging subject matter, indeed, but made palatable by the showmanship of an amazing group of creators and artists. Helmed by 5-time Tony-winning director/choreographer Susan Stroman, with a book by Tony Award nominee David Thompson, the production is staged as a traditional minstrel show, a daring and provocative choice that provides for a compelling and thrilling theatrical experience.

Credits

Book by David Thompson
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb

Awards

  • TWELVE TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL
  • CRITICS’ CIRCLE AWARD (London) – BEST MUSICAL
  • LONDON EVENING STANDARD AWARD – BEST MUSICAL
  • SIX OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATIONS (London) INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL

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