Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Casting is finally complete for Kenny Leon’s upcoming hip-hop drama, Holler If Ya Hear Me. The non-biographical Broadway show is based on the musical and cultural influence of the late rapper,Tupac Shakur.
Headlining the production is award-winning spoken word artist, singer and actor Saul Williams. The 42-year-old poet is best known for his work in the award winning 1998 film, Slam. He will be joined by Award winning-actress Tonya Pinkins, who won a Tony award for her work in Jelly’s Last Jam. Other cast members include some of Broadway’s brightest stars like Christopher Jackson, Ben Thompson, John Earl Elks, Joshua Boone, Dyllon Burnside and Saycon Sengbloh.
As previously reported, Holler If Ya Hear Me is a story about friendship, family, revenge, change, hope and the inner city lives struggling for peace against the daily challenges they face. 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 that is still relevant today.
The show is written by Todd Kreidler and produced by the rapper’s mother Afeni Shakur. The musical begins preview performances May 29 at Broadway’s Palace Theatre with opening night scheduled for June 19.
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