Once Upon a Mattress

(1891 – 1941)

Ferdinand Le Menthe “Jelly Roll” Morton was born into the Creole gentry of New Orleans in 1891, but was irresistibly drawn to the excitement of the infamous Storyville district where he made his reputation as a pianist. At a young age he left New Orleans to travel the country, landing in Chicago in the 1920s. He and his band, The Red Hot Peppers, became the top Black recording artists for RCA Records in 1927-28. Morton’s music integrated the sounds of ragtime, blues, African rhythms, and French opera, establishing him as one of the great jazz pioneers, but by 1930 his music was considered old hat. He died in Los Angeles in 1941. 

Susan Birkenhead (Lyrics) received a Tony Nomination, a Grammy nomination and a Drama Desk Award for her lyrics for Jelly's Last Jam. She was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Triumph of Love, and won a Drama Desk Award and a Tony nomination for Working. She won an Outer Critics Circle award for What About Luv, and an LA Drama Critics Award for Minsky’s. She wrote additional lyrics and new songs for the Broadway version of High Society, and wrote songs for the Off Broadway Stars of David, and A My Name Is Alice. The Secret Life of Bees, which she wrote with Lynn Nottage and Duncan Sheik, directed by Whitney White, played the Almeida Theatre in London this past year, and BOOP!, which she wrote with Bob Martin and David Foster, directed by Jerry Mitchell, just played in Chicago prior to a 2025 Broadway opening.

George C. Wolfe is the author of Shuffle Along (Broadway) and The Colored Museum (Crossroads Theatre, New York Shakespeare Festival/The Public, The Royal Court Theatre). He directed and was the book writer of the original Broadway run of The Wild Party with music by Michael John LaChiusa. Wolfe co-directed a production of the play for PBS’s “Great Performances.” He adapted and directed Spunk, three tales by Zora Neale Hurston, for which he received an Obie Award. As an Artistic Associate of the NYSF/The Public, he curated a festival of New Voices and directed Thulani Davis’ adaptation of Brecht’s Caucasion Chalk Circle. Wolfe was the Artistic Director of The Public Theater from 1993 - 2004.

(1919 – 2003)

At an early age, Luther Henderson’s family moved to Harlem and became neighbors with Duke Ellington. His association with Ellington became a major influence in his life. After his 1942 graduation from the Juilliard School and later New York University graduate study, he adapted and orchestrated Ellington’s symphonic works — “Harlem,” “Three Black Kings” and his Broadway musical Beggar’s Holiday. Ellington later referred to Henderson as “his classical arm.”  

Henderson worked in various capacities on more than 50 Broadway productions, television shows, and recordings: Ain't Misbehavin'; Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music; Raisin; Play On; Jelly's Last Jam; Flower Drum Song; Do Re Mi; Funny Girl; and No, No Nanette. His unique skill in bringing a jazz sensibility to musical theater was in great demand. For Jelly's Last Jam, he rearranged Jelly Roll Morton's jazz compositions and musical fragments into a hit musical. Henderson received Emmy nominations for his work on several productions. Shortly before his passing, Henderson received recognition as a 2004 National Endowment of the Arts “Jazz Master.” 

Robert O'Hara is the Tony-nominated director of Slave Play and is currently working on several film, television, and Broadway projects. He’s a two-time Obie Award Winner and two-time NAACP Award Winner whose work has been seen around the country. 

Composer/arranger: MJ the Musical (Tony and Grammy nominee, Drama Desk winner), The Mrs. Pat Show (BET+), Harlem (Amazon), Much Ado About Nothing (The Public), Choir Boy (MTC, Special Tony Award), Beebo Saves Christmas (CW). Director: The Last Five Years (film). Executive music producer: Respect (film), John Doyle’s The Color Purple (Broadway). IG: @jasomichaelwebb

Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Award nominee 2023, Outstanding Choreography for The Harder They Come at The Public Theater. Jeff Awards nominee, Choreography for Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical at Studebaker Theater in Chicago. Barrymore Award, Outstanding Choreography/Movement for Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole at Geffen Playhouse. NAACP nominee, Best Director/Choreography for Larger Theatre in Los Angeles for Memphis. Broadway Associate Choreographer: Ain't Too Proud:The Life and Times of the Temptations (Tony Award for Best Choreography), Memphis (Tony Award for Best Musical and Olivier Award for Best Choreography). Godineaux has with the iconic artists Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Karyn White, and Diana Ross. Godineaux loved his Broadway performance days and is bringing that along to every show he choreographs! @egoconcepts edgargodineaux.com 

Dormeshia is an award-winning tap dancer and choreographer. Her first full-length choreographic work, And Still You Must Swing, was recognized by The New York Times as the “Best of Dance” in 2016 and again in 2019. Broadway credits include Black and Blue; Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk; and After Midnight (Astaire Award for best female performer).