Stompin’ at the Savoy
by Phaedra Michelle Scott and Alan Govenar
About
Details: A New Musical
Book by Alan Govenar and Akin Babatundé
Based on the book Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller
Collected and Edited by Alan Govenar, Published by Candlewick Press
Directed and Choreographed by Edgar Godineaux
Website
Norma Miller has big dreams of becoming a dancer at the Savoy Ballroom in 1935 Harlem, the only dance floor in America where Blacks and Whites could mix. Her skill sharpens when she joins the Lindy Hoppers swing dance team and experiences the world. Norma learns life on the dance floor is far simpler than reality as she is pulled in multiple directions in this coming-of-age tale.
Stompin’ at the Savoy dramatizes the early career of dance legend Norma Miller and brings the Swing Era to life on stage, energized by the beat of the street, jump roping, and the intensity of the Lindy Hop, featuring new arrangements of iconic songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Webb, Benny Goodman, and other Big Band hits.
Stompin’ at the Savoy premiered at the Delaware Theatre Company (April 16 - May 4, 2025).
Reviews
BroadwayWorld
by Greer Firestone
"Delaware Theatre Company’s latest production, Stompin’ at the Savoy, bursts onto the stage with heart, harmony, and a whole lot of swing. It’s a vibrant, music-infused stage play that immerses audiences in the golden age of swing"
"Set against the backdrop of the famed Savoy Ballroom, this play doesn’t just tell a story—it pulsates with rhythm, memory, and soul. It’s part history, part celebration, and all heart."
"It’s a vibrant and emotionally rich evening of theatre that honors not only the rhythms of the past, but the women who carried those rhythms into the present."
"As stories unfold and music fills the air, the audience grasps – and identifies - their passion for song and dance at the Savoy Ballroom, where the Lindy Hop reigned supreme and the ballroom floor offered escape, empowerment, and joy. These characters live their highs and heartbreaks, conjuring a rich portrait of resilience and sisterhood."
"Music, of course, is the soul of Stompin’ at the Savoy. The production features timeless jazz and swing standards, evoking the pulse of Harlem nightlife at its peak. The Savoy Ballroom was one of the first integrated dance halls in the country, and this production honors its legacy as a symbol of freedom, defiance, and delight. Whenever the characters take to the floor, the stage ignites with energy. The choreography is electric, energetic and effervescent, while the costuming—sharp suits, and polished shoes—completes the visual journey."
"The atmosphere is nostalgic but never sentimental—it respects the past while recognizing the complicated realities these women faced, particularly regarding race, gender, and opportunity."
"These are not women frozen in time, but rather individuals carrying the weight of years. Their comments are tinged with both laughter and regret. Yet the play never sinks into melancholy—instead, it celebrates survival, endurance, and the way music and friendship continue to sustain the spirit."
