The First
Opened Nov 17, 1981 · Closed Dec 13, 1981 · Ran for 1 month
The First is a musical with a book by critic Joel Siegel. The music was composed by Robert Brush, and Martin Charnin wrote the lyrics. The show is based on the life of Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball in the 20th century.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Historical Production
Broadway Scorecard's critic review coverage begins in 2005. Cast, creative team, and production details are available for this historical production.
Critic Scorecard
Archived critic reviews for this production are being collected and will appear here as they're processed.
Audience Grade
This show predates most audience rating platforms. Critic reviews only.
Awards Scorecard
1981-82 seasonFrequently Asked Questions
Is The First still running on Broadway?
No, The First has closed. It played at Al Hirschfeld Theatre and closed on December 13, 1981.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Al Hirschfeld Theatre offers generally good sightlines, though some seats have minor obstructions. The sound quality is above average, enhancing the theatrical experience. However, the seating is cramped, especially for taller patrons, which detracts from comfort. The theater's ambiance is rich with historical character, though restroom lines can be long during intermission.
Original Broadway Cast
- Red BarberRed Barber
- Steven Bland3rd Baseman
- Steven BoockvorSwanee Rivers
- Clent BowersCool Minnie
- Bill BuellFroga busboy
- Stephen CrainPassenger
- Kim CriswellGirlat bar
- Patricia DrylieEunicethe cigarette girl
Notable Replacements
- Steven BoockvorDodger Fan
- Stephen CrainDodger Fan
- Kim CriswellDodger Fan
- Tom GriffithDodger Fan
- Margaret LaméeDodger Fan
- Bob MorriseyDodger Fan
- D. Peter SamuelWaiter
- Sam StoneburnerTommy Holmes
Creative Team
- Martin CharninDirector
- Joel SiegelBook
- Luther HendersonMusic Supervision
- Martin CharninLyrics
- Bob BrushMusic
Quick Facts
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Nov 17, 1981
- Closed
- Dec 13, 1981
- Run Length
- 1 month
- Theater
- Al Hirschfeld Theatre
- Synopsis
- The First is a musical with a book by critic Joel Siegel. The music was composed by Robert Brush, and Martin Charnin wrote the lyrics. The show is based on the life of Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball in the 20th century.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
