NOW PLAYING: After Midnight

The Fifth Avenue Theatre is about to swing its doors open to a place that transports audiences straight into the heart of Harlem’s legendary Cotton Club during the roaring Jazz Age. This production is no mere nostalgia trip — it’s an electrifying celebration of artistry, survival, and joy that ripples with the unmistakable sounds of Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, Harold Arlen, and the lyrical genius of Langston Hughes.

Conceived by Jack Viertel and helmed by director Jay Santos, After Midnight ignites the stage without pause, a nonstop showcase of mesmerizing tap dance, soulful vocals, and a live jazz band that fills the theater with an authentic heartbeat. From the first vibrant note to the last lingering chord, audiences find themselves immersed in an era where jazz was not just music but a cultural revolution — a defiant anthem of a people claiming their voice in a segregated America.

The production pulses with timeless standards like “Stormy Weather,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” and the swinging rally cry “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” These numbers are far more than familiar tunes; they are reimagined with fresh urgency and daring, as the talented cast brings each piece to life with charisma and reverence. The choreography by Pamela Yasutake crackles with energy, the tap sequences dazzle, and the band—under the expert musical direction of William Knowles—creates a soundscape that is both a homage and a revelation.

Jay Santos, whose intimate knowledge of jazz and deep respect for the era’s cultural significance shines throughout the production, describes After Midnight as a “love letter to the Harlem Renaissance.” He explains that Harlem is more than geography; it’s a living pulse of brilliance, struggle, and joy. Santos’ direction goes beyond mere reenactment. He seeks to breathe life into the show’s essence, making Langston Hughes’ poetry and Ellington’s compositions converse as parts of one spiritual whole. The result is a revue that, despite lacking a traditional narrative, carries an emotional arc as compelling as any scripted drama.

The scenic design by Carey Wong complements this vision by evoking Harlem after dark—not just as a place, but as a vibrant organism alive with music and movement. Wong’s set wraps the audience in a lush, dreamlike cityscape that invites them to feel the rhythm in every beam and shadow.

At the heart of the performance is an exceptional ensemble of singers and dancers who embody the spirit and swagger of the era. Their passion and precision bring to life the stories etched in Hughes’ poetry and the emotions woven through the songs. The live jazz band, a powerhouse of regional talent, fuels the production with the swing and soul that made the big band era legendary.

The legacy of the composers whose music forms After Midnight’s backbone is vast and profound. Duke Ellington, the “originator of big band jazz,” not only revolutionized American music with his sophisticated arrangements but also used his influence to champion racial justice. Dorothy Fields, a titan among songwriters, broke barriers with over 400 songs and musicals that remain standards to this day. Harold Arlen’s complex melodies, including the immortal “Stormy Weather,” continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Langston Hughes’ poetry provides a resonant narrative texture that honors the everyday lives, struggles, and joys of Black Americans during this transformative era.

Since its Broadway debut, After Midnight has garnered Tony®, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and now it finds a home in Seattle’s historic Fifth Avenue Theatre. The production promises not just entertainment, but an invitation to reconnect with a vital piece of American history and culture—brought vibrantly to life through music, dance, and poetry.

The show also offers affinity nights, pre-show events, and special guest appearances, weaving community into this celebration of jazz’s enduring power. It’s a rare chance to experience the glamour, grit, and genius of Harlem’s heyday, all while tapping your feet to some of the most beloved songs ever written.

For those who think jazz is merely background music, After Midnight offers a revelation: jazz is a living, breathing force. It’s the soundtrack of survival, defiance, and exuberance — and now, it’s playing loud and proud at the Fifth Avenue Theatre.

Tickets are selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to witness a piece of history brought back to life with all the flair, fire, and finesse it deserves.