The story of Soul Train and its iconic founder Don Cornelius is coming to the Great White Way in 2021. The new production will be written by Ain’t Too Proud’s Dominique Morriseau, directed by Kamilah Forbes, choreographed by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown and executive produced by Grammy winner and hip hop icon Ahmir “Quest Love” Thompson.
Through more than 20 classic hit songs from the era, Soul Train will tell the personal story of Cornelius as he creates the iconic television series that transformed a generation and revolutionized black music.
“I am so excited to help bring the narrative of one of our culture’s most influential and legend-making endeavors to the stage,” said Dominique Morisseau. “Having grown up on this series and being immersed in the culture around it, I never knew what it took to make it the iconic staple that it is. Through the socio-political challenges both internally and externally, Don Cornelius’ uncompromised vision, and the revolutionary dance culture that the show made visible to the mainstream, there are a million handprints on what we know as “Soul Train.” I cannot wait to partner with this legendary creative team of incredible women to celebrate the history and the unsung heroes of our nation’s longest running televised music and dance series.”
Soul Train will be produced by Tony Award-nominee Matthew Weaver (Rock of Ages) and Jeffrey Tick (former owner of Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater), alongside new general producing partner Richard Gay (5Pack Entertainment founder, and former EVP of Viacom’s Music Networks & BET Networks). It will also be executive produced by Don Cornelius’ son Tony Cornelius.
Soul Train will premiere in 2021 in celebration of the landmark series’ 50th Anniversary. It was created in 1971 by visionary Don Cornelius and predominantly featured performances by R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop artists. It was also the longest running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history.
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