Monday, April 7, 2014

B'way Musical Inspired By Tupac Shakur Lyrics

Award-winning slam poet, actor, singer, musician Saul Williams (Slam), Christopher Jackson (After Midnight),Saycon Sengbloh (Motown The MusicalFela!), Ben Thompson (Matilda), John Earl Jelks (Radio Golf – Tony nomination), Joshua Boone (Brownsville Song [b side for Tray] at Actors Theatre of Louisville), Dyllon Burnside(“Prison Break”) and Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last JamCaroline or Change, Play On!) will star in HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, the new Broadway musical inspired by the lyrics of Tupac Shakur.  Written by Todd Kreidler and directed by Kenny Leon, HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME will begin performances on May 29, 2014 and open June 19, 2014 at the Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway at 47th Street).

HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, the world inside Tupac Shakur’s music and lyrics, blazes to life in a non-biographical story about friendship, family, revenge, change and hope. Inner city lives struggle for peace against the daily challenges they face in this entertaining and original musical. Through the poetry of one of the 20th century’s most influential and culturally prominent voices, we are given a window into realities of the streets still relevant today.

Saul Williams will play John, Christopher Jackson is Vertus, Saycon Sengbloh is Corinne, Ben Thompson will play Griffy, John Earl Jelks will play Street Preacher, Joshua Boone is Darius, Dyllon Burnside is Anthony and Tonya Pinkins will play Mrs. Weston.

The ensemble features Afi Bijou (Fela!), Mel Charlot (Three-time World Hip Hop Champion),
Carrie Compere (Shrek National Tour), Otis CottonAriana Groover (Bare Off-Broadway), Jared Joseph (Book of Mormon National Tour), Jahi Kearse (Baby It’s You), Muata Langley (freestyle Krump performer), Valentine Norton(“American Idol”), Christina Sajous (Spider-Man:  Turn off the Dark), Charlene “Chi Chi” SmithJaime Lincoln Smith (Ruined Off-Broadway), Donald Webber, Jr. (Motown The Musical) and Joaquina Kalukango (Antony and Cleopatra).

Joining director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun [2004 and 2014], Fences [2010], The Mountaintop) and author Todd Kreidler (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and direction of How I Learned What I Learned) on the creative team, are Tony Award winning choreographer Wayne Cilento (Wicked, The Who’s Tommy, How to Succeed…[1995], AIDA, Sweet Charity[2004]), and musical supervisor Daryl Waters (Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk, The Color Purple, Memphis).

The creative team also includes scenic design by Edward Pierce (The Other Place, Shatner’s World) based on original concepts by David Gallo, projections by Zachary G. Borovay (No Man’s LandWaiting for Godot), costumes by Reggie Ray(Stick Fly), lighting by Mike Baldassari (Cabaret [1998/2014], First Date) and sound by John Shivers (Kinky Boots) andDavid Patridge (Soul Doctor).

HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME is produced on Broadway by Afeni ShakurEric L. GoldChunsoo ShinJessica Green andMarcy Kaplan-Gold.  General Manager is Richard Martini for KL Management.


Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877-250-2929.  Tickets available in person at the Palace Theatre box office, 1564 Broadway at 47th Street beginning May 8 at 10AM.  Ticket prices range from $59 to $139 (all prices include a$2.00 facility fee).  A limited number of student tickets at $35 are available through TIX4STUDENTS at www.tix4students.com.  TIX4STUDENTS is an annual membership program for students 18+ only that provides access to purchase student tickets online in advance (validation of student status required). HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME is participating in this program as part of their commitment to being accessible to college students.

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