A Bristol native and Broadway performer returned to his hometown for Jelly’s Last Jam, a musical telling the story of the birth of jazz, writes Melinda Rizzo for the Bucks County Beacon.
Stanley Martin stars as the musical’s lead, Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, also known as Jelly Roll Morton, at the Bristol Riverside Theatre.
Martin made his first appearance on the Bristol stage when he was just nine years old as a page to the Prince of Verona in Romeo and Juliet.
Since his first performance, Martin has learned countless lessons about the value of flexibility on the stage and the importance of trusting your gut.
The musical was written by George C. Wolfe with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and music by Luther Henderson.
In the show, Morton finds himself in limbo following his death, where he must confront his struggles with his identity, his influence on jazz music, and the impact of his actions on those around him.
“Talent and success don’t excuse the ways we deny ourselves and hurt others. Just because someone is a fantastic artist, doesn’t mean they are not causing harm, so how do you want to deal with their artistry,” said Martin.
Read more about Bristol native Stanley Martin’s performance in Jelly’s Last Jam in the Bucks County Beacon.
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