Shades of Harlem was created by playwright Jeree Wade and billed as "A Cotton Club Musical.
"[1][2] Wade wrote the show both to celebrate the past of black history and to look forward to a hopeful future for African Americans.
[10] Jones, Juanita Boisseau, and Alice Wilkie, original dancers from the Harlem Renaissance, were involved in the shows.
[10][11] Classic songs featured in the musical include "Stompin' At the Savoy," "I Got it Bad (and That Ain't Good)," and "God Bless the Child.
[13] The history of Harlem is depicted behind the dancers and singers during the show, highlighting landmarks of black culture and famous people.
"[2] The Daily News through the Associated Press wrote that while the performances of the "Harlem Renaissance Ladies" which included Ludie Jones, Juanita Boisseau and Alice Wilkie, were wonderful, the rest of the show lacked their "style, grace and good humor.