'Buck, Boogie, Bop & Beyond' Pays Homage to African American Experience

Carlos Jones, associate dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, tapped into his longtime affinity for dance and musical theater to create the original music revue Buck, Boogie, Bop & Beyond: The Black and Brown of Broadway Musicals. The narrated music revue pays homage to the contributions of African diaspora artists and includes works from such musicals as Five Guys Named Moe, Sophisticated Ladies, Cabin in the Sky, Shuffle Along, and Ain’t Misbehavin.'

Casting Hall Productions will present Buck, Boogie, Bop & Beyond February 8 through February 11 at 8:00 p.m. and February 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Savage Theater and Communication Building’s Flexible Theatre. 

Jones, who choreographed and directed the 75-minute long revue, said they were looking for a smaller-scare musical production to coincide with Black History month. 

“What better time to pull together a revue from such esteemed musicals that capture the black experience through the decades?,” he said.

Along with 10 student cast members, six musicians, and eight crew members, Jones designated an assistant director and assistant choreographer who get the experience of staging a musical. He said it’s been a fun learning experience for all involved.

“I think the entire cast and crew have had the opportunity to learn about the subject matter to complement what they may be learning in the classroom about black history,” Jones said. “Through these lively and historic musical pieces, they are living it, too.”

Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 for Buffalo State faculty, staff, and alumni, senior citizens, and students from other schools; and $6 for Buffalo State students. Tickets may be purchased at the Rockwell Hall box office, by phone at (716) 878-3005, or online.