The First is a musical with a book by critic Joel Siegel. The music was composed by Robert Brush, and Martin Charnin wrote the lyrics. The show is based on the life of Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball in the 20th century.
The musical premiered on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 17, 1981 and closed on December 12, 1981 after 31 performances and 33 previews (although often erroneously reported as having 37 performances). Charnin has said that despite "stellar reviews," the musical failed to secure one: that of Frank Rich of The New York Times, "which at the time meant everything."Bill Rudman, "Martin Charnin, Pt 3," On the Aisle, on On Broadway on SiriusXM, 5 Dec 2014. Directed by Charnin and choreographed by Alan Johnson, the original cast included David Alan Grier as Jackie Robinson, and Lonette McKee as his wife Rachel.
Songs
Act I Jack Roosevelt Robinson The National Pastime Will We Ever Know Each Other The First Bloat It Ain't Gonna Work The Brooklyn Dodger Strike Jack Roosevelt Robinson (Reprise) The First (Reprise)
Act 2 Is This Year Next Year? You Do-Do-Do-It Good Is This Year Next Year? (Reprise) There Are Days and There Are Days It's A Beginning The Opera Ain't Over
Awards and nominations
Original Broadway production Year Award ceremony Category Nominee Result 1982 Tony Award Best Book of a Musical Martin Charnin and Joel Siegel Best Featured Actor in a Musical David Alan Grier Best Direction of a Musical Martin Charnin Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Lonette McKee Outstanding Set Design David Chapman Theatre World Award David Alan Grier
References
External links