While film stagnates, theater continues to innovate, as word comes that there’s going to be a Broadway musical inspired by the music of Tupac Shakur. Can you think of any better combination than Tupac and earnest theater kids? Singing and dancing and backwards bandannas oh my.
Penned by Todd Kreidler, a frequent dramaturg for August Wilson, “Holler If Ya Hear Me” tells a non-biographical story about inner city lives. Kenny Leon, helmer of the upcoming revival of “A Raisin in the Sun” starring Denzel Washington, directs “Holler” with choreography by Wayne Cilento (“Wicked”).
The production looks poised to become a potentially significant draw for African-American auds, a demo of theatergoers that for years had gone largely untapped before productions including 2005′s “The Color Purple” and the 2008 all-black staging of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” proved that African-American ticketbuyers will turn out in force for a property that turns their heads.
That seems a little presumptuous, doesn’t it? “Hey, you blacks like rap music, right?”
Project has been in the works for some time, but has only now confirmed a venue and a timeline, which sees the musical begin previews May 26 ahead of its June 19 opening at the Palace.
Holler If Ya Hear Me” comes to Broadway backed by a team of commercial producers led by Afeni Shakur, Tupac Shakur’s mother, as well as Eric L. Gold, Chunsoo Shin and Jessica Green. [Variety]
God, I love musical theater. This whole thing sounds like something Max Fischer would’ve written.
I remain very excited for the musical rendition of “Hit ‘Em Up.” As well as for my upcoming play, “Tender is Suge Knight.” (With thanks to everyone’s favorite Frotcast guest, Joe Sinclitico).