Reading is fundamental. But being human, it’s a safe bet to expect 40 percent of people to read this story or the headline and immediately say, “Hey, they’re doing a play about Tupac’s life!” No, that would be wrong. Although there is a long-delayed Tupac film that is scheduled to start shooting this year. And we’ve seen Pac portrayed in the past to little love. But the Broadway pursuit is completely different.
The much-anticipated Broadway show Holler If Ya Hear Me, inspired by the music of the late Tupac Shakur, is slated to open at New York’s Palace Theater on June 19th with preview performances scheduled to begin on May 26th. The production has an $8 million budget and will feature songs from throughout Pac’s career.
Let's be clear: The story itself will not be based on anything remotely connected to the life and times of the late rapper. The Todd Kreidler script is centered on two childhood buddies living in a rust belt, Midwestern city, struggling to make their dreams come true. The producers of the show call it a story of “friendship, family, revenge, change and hope.”
Tony Award nominated director Kenny Leon will direct. While Pac’s mother Afeni Shakur will produce the play, along with television producer Eric L. Gold, and theater producer Shin Chun-soo. Casting and ticket information has not yet been announced.
