Holler if Ya Hear Me: TUPAC Headed to Broadway in June 2014

th (4)  Tupac is coming to life.

la-et-cm-tupac-shakur-musical-broadway-2014010-001  Beginning May 2013 (May 26th to be exact) “Holla if Ya Hear Me,” a new musical inspired by the lyrics of slain rapper Tupac Shakur, will be premiering at the Palace Theatre.

th (3)  According to our sources, the production is not exactly a musical “biography” about Shakur (who at age 25 died in a drive by shooting in Las Vegas in 1996).

th (1) In a statement, the producers said it is (quote) “an original story about friendship, family, revenge, change, and hope as poor urban resident struggle against challenges in their lives” (unquote).

th (2) The show will include several of Shakur’s songs which includes “Me Against the World,”  “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Holler if Ya Hear Me.”

08artsbeat-tupac-blog480  The $8 million dollar musical will open on Broadway only.

It is directed by Kenny  Leon, Tony Award nominee for the 2010 revival of “Fences,” and scripted by Todd Kreidler (writer of the stage play “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”).

It will also include the creative team which includes “Wicked” choreographer Wayne Cilento.

Producers of the show are Afeni Shakur (Tupac’s mother), Eric L. Gold (a television producer for “The Wayans Brothers”), and Shin Chunsoosin (a prominent theater producer who recently collaborated with the La Jolla Playhouse on another pop-music themed musical called “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.”)

The actual shows opening night is scheduled for June 19, 2014 therefore, will not be in the running for the Broadways highest honor: The Tony Awards-2014’s-because the cut off for Tony eligibility is April 2014 however, is eligible to be nominated for 2015’s ceremony.

“Holler if Ya Hear Me” ’s casts and all other production details will be announced at a later date.  th

Eye Spied at NYTimes and LATimes

Author: OSFMagWriter

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