Broadway Rastus (revue) explained

Broadway Rastus was a 1915-1928 revue written by Irvin Miller.^{[1] [2]} It toured for several years^[3] at various venues with casts including many successful performers. Miller performed in the show. Other cast members included Esther Bigeou and Henry Jines. Lester Walton reviewed a Philadelphia performance of the show lauding many of the performances and calling the show a diamond in the rough that would benefit from more funding.^[4]

Lillyn Brown eventually succeeded Esther Bigeou in the show's starring role.

Maceo Pinkard's work was in the show.^[5]

Cast

• • Esther Bigeou (later succeeded in the show by Lillyn Brown Edna Alexander
• Billy Cumby
• James Woodson

Notes and References

1. Book: Peterson, Bernard L.. A Century of Musicals in Black and White: An Encyclopedia of Musical Stage Works By, About, Or Involving African Americans. 1993. Greenwood Publishing Group. 978-0-313-26657-7. 57. en.
2. Book: Peterson, Bernard L.. Profiles of African American Stage Performers and Theatre People, 1816-1960. 2001. Greenwood Publishing Group. 978-0-313-29534-8. 181–183. en.
3. Book: Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance: K-Y. Cary D.. Wintz. Paul. Finkelman. August 6, 2004. Taylor & Francis. 9781579584580. Google Books.
4. News: "Broadway Rastus". The New York Age. July 12, 1917. 6. newspapers.com.
5. Book: Spreadin' Rhythm Around: Black Popular Songwriters, 1880-1930. David A.. Jasen. Gene. Jones. October 31, 2013. Routledge. 9781135509798. Google Books.