Hip Hop comes to Broadway as the premiere of Holla If Ya Hear Me, the musical based on the lyrics of Tupac Shakur, premieres June 19, with Tony Award nominee Kenny Leon slated to direct. Produced by Pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, and a who’s who of Broadway behind the scenes moguls, the show focuses on the plight of the inner city and the bonds that can lead to hopeful difference. Starring actor Saul Williams, and using the music of Pac as its backbone, the audience gains insight into the musical’s theme of ghetto survival and faith through the prophetic lyrics of Tupac Shakur.
Pac was on an amazing path to becoming one of the greatest entertainers of all time before he died by drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 13, 1996. His death moved him more into the mainstream of acceptance. And in 2010, his emotional hit, “Dear Mama,” was selected to the Library of Congress to become part of the National Recording Registry. On the Hollywood side, Pac appeared in a slew of films, including street classics like the unforgettable Juice with Omar Epps, Poetic Justice as the love interest of Janet Jackson, and the basketball favorite, Above the Rim, with Marlon Wayans. His countless albums including All Eyes on Me, 2Pacalypse Now, and Me Against the World, to name a few, left melodic imprints and memories of a young, talented life taken way too soon.
Now, the ghost of Pac will float through halls of The Palace Theater when Holla if Ya Hear Me hits the Broadway stage. Featuring choreography by Wayne Cilento, and music supervision by Daryl Waters (Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk, The Color Purple and Memphis), this show will likely, and hopefully, be a Broadway hit.
For more information log on to HollerIfYaHearMe.com.
