Blackbirds of 1933 is a musical revue

Revue

A revue is a type of multi-act popular theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance and sketches. The revue has its roots in 19th century American popular entertainment and melodrama but grew into a substantial cultural presence of its own during its golden years from 1916 to 1932...

 that debuted Dec 2, 1933 at the Apollo Theatre

Apollo Theatre

The Apollo Theatre is a Grade II listed West End theatre, on Shaftesbury Avenue in the City of Westminster. Designed by architect Lewin Sharp for owner Henry Lowenfield, and the fourth legitimate theatre to be constructed on the street, its doors opened on 21 February 1901 with the American...

 in New York. It featured the premiere of the Joseph Young

Joseph Young

Young was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the eighth child born to John Young and Abigail Howe.In 1830, while he was a preacher for the Methodist Church in Upper Canada, Young was introduced to the Book of Mormon by his younger brother Brigham...

/Ned Washington

Ned Washington

Ned Washington was an American lyricist.-Biography:Washington was nominated for eleven Academy Awards from 1940 to 1962...

 standard "A Hundred Years From Today

A Hundred Years from Today

"A Hundred Years from Today" is a popular song.The music was written by Victor Young, the lyrics by Ned Washington and Joe Young. The song was published in 1933.This song is about how we should enjoy life because what we do won't matter in a hundred years...

."

Productions

The original Broadway

Broadway theatre

Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...

 production opened at Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

 on December 2, 1933 and ran for 25 performances. It was staged by Lew Leslie

Lew Leslie

Lew Leslie was a Broadway writer and producer. Although white, he was the first impressario to present black artists on stage...

 and featured scenic design by Mabel A. Buell. The opening night cast featured James Thomas Boxwill, Pike Davis' Continental Orchestra, Eddie Hunter, Brady Jackson, John Mason, Blue McAllister, Lionel Monagas, Kathryn Perry, Speedy Smith, Slappy Wallace, Henry Williams, Edith Wilson and Worthy & Thompson.