Approximately three decades ago, Sheldon Epps conceived an innovative concept for a musical. He envisioned merging Duke Ellington’s music with the storyline of Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’, set in 1930s Harlem. Epps expressed his goal, stating, “My idea was to celebrate Black excellence, Black artistry, and Black joy.”
At the time, Epps held the position of associate artistic director at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre. This is where ‘Play On!’ commenced in the fall of 1996 before it transitioned to Broadway the following spring. The Broadway version featured a cast including Tonya Pinkins and André De Shields, renowned actors.
Epps enlisted Cheryl L. West, notable for works like ‘Holiday Heart’ and ‘Puddin ‘n Pete’, to write the musical’s book. ‘Play On!’ received favorable reviews, earning Tony nominations for Pinkins and De Shields. Despite this, Epps felt the show was “overshadowed” that season, resulting in a brief run of only 61 performances.
In 1998, Epps reached out to Goodman Theatre’s artistic director, Robert Falls, to discuss a new Chicago production. Falls, captivated by the cast recording, eagerly agreed. Pinkins, De Shields, and new cast member Paul Oakley Stovall participated. This Chicago version was praised by Tribune critic Richard Christiansen as a “summer-long smash,” revitalizing the production.
After some quiet years for ‘Play On!’, Epps continued his acclaimed tenure as artistic director at Pasadena Playhouse until 2017. Now, the musical returns to Chicago at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Epps, directing once again, hopes it may move onto London’s West End and possibly back to Broadway.
The production features a 16-member cast, half from Chicago, and a six-piece band performing Ellington’s hits. The new performance follows a successful UK tour in 2024, directed by Michael Buffong, sparking renewed interest in the U.S.
This revival incorporates enhanced Shakespearean elements and expanded choreography by Edgar Godineaux. Epps remarks, “What we are doing is a lot more challenging this time.” His choice of projects is now more selective, allowing Epps to engage in work that fuels his passion, beyond monetary needs.
Epps, also known for directing TV series like ‘Frasier’ and ‘Girlfriends’, recently presented ‘Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical’ in Chicago. This project about the R&B pioneer Lloyd Price was intended for Broadway but faced challenges due to the pandemic. Epps commented, “I love working in Chicago. I do like to do something that ignites my passion. That’s true of this show, even after all these years.”
“Play On!” runs Sept. 11 to Oct. 18 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.; www.chicagoshakes.com