Produced by Temple Israel member Eric Winer, Bojangles of Harlem hopes to bring the story of the legendary entertainer to Broadway and beyond.
Produced by West Bloomfield native Eric Winer, a new musical with Broadway ambitions aims to shine a spotlight on Bill “Bojangles†Robinson, the groundbreaking tap dancer who became one of the most influential Black entertainers of the early 20th century.
Bill Robinson
Bojangles of Harlem: The Bill Robinson Musical originated at the Brooklyn Theatre Arts Project before enjoying a successful run at Portland 5's Stumptown Stages.
The production is now continuing to build momentum, with discussions underway about potentially opening at Harlem's iconic Apollo Theater following the renovation of its historic 1,500-seat venue.
Winer, 65, a Temple Israel member and longtime fixture in Detroit's punk, new wave and alternative rock scene, says he's been captivated by Robinson's story for decades.
His connection to the project began in the early 2000s through his work as a singer-songwriter, when he met Christopher George Patterson, a New York-based Black dancer, singer and performer who was searching for a lyricist to help bring his vision of a musical centered on Robinson to life.
Telling the Story of a Trailblazer
Eric Winer
Long before modern celebrities crossed racial and cultural barriers in mainstream entertainment, Robinson was doing it on vaudeville stages, in Hollywood films and on Broadway.
Known for his signature stair dance and unmatched charisma, Robinson rose from poverty to become one of the most recognizable entertainers in America during the Harlem Renaissance.
At a time when segregation shaped nearly every aspect of American life, Robinson became one of the first Black performers to achieve crossover fame with white audiences while maintaining enormous popularity within Black communities.
“He was considered the first Black superstar,†Winer says. “He broke down barriers and paved the way for all who followed him.â€
Robinson also made history by becoming one of the first performers to appear onstage and onscreen in his natural skin without the use of blackface makeup, a significant milestone during an era when racist caricatures dominated American entertainment.
Winer says the musical not only celebrates Robinson's artistry but also highlights the social and cultural impact he had during a transformative moment in American history.
“Bojangles was nicknamed the ‘Mayor of Harlem,'†he explains. Therefore, the team behind the production believes a run at the Apollo Theater couldn't be more fitting.
Bringing the Harlem Renaissance to Life
Winer describes Bojangles of Harlem as a high-energy production filled with “great music, great tap dancing and a lot of big production numbers.â€
Set within an intimate nightclub atmosphere, the musical aims to transport audiences to the glamour, rhythm and excitement of the Harlem Renaissance. The show features an original score inspired by the jazz and swing sounds of the era while incorporating dance performances and classic theatrical storytelling.
“It's an old-fashioned show that just wants to entertain you,†Winer says.
At the same time, the production explores themes that remain deeply relevant today, including racial inequality, perseverance and the power of art to create connection across communities.
For Winer, who spent years immersed in Detroit's music scene, the project also reflects his own appreciation for artists who challenge convention and reshape culture.
Without Bojangles and his longstanding impact on pop culture, he believes many performers would never have had the opportunities they did.
Celebrating a Legacy on Stage
As Bojangles of Harlem: The Bill Robinson Musical continues pursuing its Broadway aspirations, the New York- and Michigan-based team behind the production staged a private backer showcase June 2 at Aretha's Jazz Cafe at Music Hall in Detroit.
For Winer, the event marked a meaningful homecoming for a project more than two decades in the making.
“It was the perfect setting,†he says of the venue.
Beyond Broadway, the production team is also exploring future possibilities including London's West End and a national touring production.
After more than 20 years of development, Winer believes Robinson's story still resonates strongly with modern audiences.
It's a timeless tale of overcoming obstacles and changing history. Paired with music and dancing, it's a distinctive production that resonates with audiences across backgrounds.
