The musical "Jamaica" made its Broadway debut at the Imperial Theatre on October 31, 1957, marking a significant event in the theatrical landscape of the late 1950s. This production, which ran for 558 performances before closing on April 11, 1959, was a collaborative effort involving a team of notable talents in direction, production, and design. Its creation was notably influenced by the popular calypso music trend of the era, a genre that had gained
widespread recognition largely due to the artist Harry Belafonte.
Initially conceived with Belafonte in mind for a starring role, the musical's direction shifted when he withdrew from the production due to illness. This change led to the show being specifically tailored to showcase the talents of Lena Horne, who ultimately took on the lead role of Savannah. The narrative of "Jamaica" is set on a small island off the coast of Jamaica, exploring themes of a simple island community's struggle against the encroaching forces of American commercialism. The book for the musical was penned by Yip Harburg and Fred Saidy, with Harburg also contributing the lyrics, and Harold Arlen composing the music.
Creative Vision and Design on Broadway
The success and aesthetic of "Jamaica" on Broadway were shaped by a distinguished creative team. Robert Lewis was at the helm as director, guiding the cast and crew through the intricate process of bringing the story to life on stage. David Merrick served as the producer, overseeing the financial and logistical aspects of the ambitious production. The choreography, a crucial element for a musical, was crafted by Jack Cole, known for his distinctive style.
Visual elements played a vital role in transporting the audience to the island setting. Oliver Smith was responsible for the scenic design, creating the backdrop against which the story unfolded. Miles White designed the costumes, ensuring that the characters' attire reflected the island culture and enhanced their performances. The lighting design, which set the mood and highlighted key moments, was expertly handled by Jean Rosenthal, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere of the show.
Star-Studded Cast and Thematic Depth
The cast of "Jamaica" featured a blend of established stars and emerging talents, contributing to its appeal. Lena Horne, a celebrated vocalist and performer, led the cast as Savannah, delivering a performance that became central to the musical's identity after its re-tailoring. Ricardo Montalbán played the role of Koli, providing a strong male lead opposite Horne. The ensemble also included Ossie Davis as Cicero, Erik Rhodes as the Governor, Adelaide Hall as Grandma Obeah, and Josephine Premice as Ginger.
Beyond the main roles, the production also showcased the talents of principal dancers Alvin Ailey and Nat Horne, highlighting the importance of dance in the musical's presentation. The musical's score, composed by Harold Arlen, deliberately parodied the popular calypso form, reflecting the widespread cultural impact of artists like Harry Belafonte at the time. The satire embedded within the musical was unusually pointed, a characteristic attributed to Harburg being blacklisted in Hollywood during the period of the musical's writing. Many of the topics explored in the songs, such as evolution, nuclear energy, and consumerism, remain relevant and topical even today, demonstrating the musical's enduring thematic depth.
