‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ Revival Dazzles Audiences with Jazz History and Stellar Performances

The Encores! production at City Center explores the complex legacy of Jelly Roll Morton, blending history with high-energy entertainment.

The revival of ‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ at City Center receives acclaim for its exploration of jazz history and Jelly Roll Morton’s controversial legacy.
Nicholas Christopher shines as Jelly Roll Morton, supported by a cast that includes Billy Porter and Joaquina Kalukango.
The production is praised for its elaborate staging, dynamic choreography, and powerful musical performances.
Themes of racial identity, self-aggrandizement, and the origins of jazz are central to the musical’s narrative.
Critics note the show’s ability to balance entertainment with a critical examination of Morton’s life and the early jazz era.