Bert Williams, Harlem

Egbert Austin “Bert” Williams (November 12, 1874 – March 4, 1922) was one of the preeminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. “(Bert Williams was)…central to the development of a global black modernism centered in Harlem’s Renaissance.”

Harlem Casino, 1889, Harlem

This is the Harlem Casino. Some have said it was the oldest theatrical building left in Manhattan. After that initial laying of the cornerstone on June 11th 1889, everything went wrong for what was going to be the West End Theatre.

Walter’s World: Porgy and Bess

By Walter Rutledge Porgy and Bess triumphantly returned to Broadway on last night; Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the Richard Rogers Theatre with a new streamlined musical version of the beloved American folk opera.