CSI Creator Anthony E. Zuiker to Write Broadway-Hopeful Soul Train Musical

”Rock of Ages” producer Matthew Weaver acquired stage rights to the series last year.

CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker will pen the script for Soul Train the musical.
CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker will pen the script for the musical Soul Train.

Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of the CBS CSI franchise, is on board to write a Soul Train musical for Broadway. Zuiker will team with Tony-nominated producer Matthew Weaver (Rock of Ages), who acquired the theatrical stage rights to the musical variety television series Soul Train last year.

The Soul Train musical is described as a "lyrical narrative" that will weave together the personal story of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius with more than 20 classic hit songs from the TV series including "Proud Mary" (Ike and Tina Turner), "Loving You" (Minnie Riperton), and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (Gladys Knight and the Pips).

Created in 1970 by Don Cornelius, Soul Train introduced the world to new music, artists, and dance moves on a weekly basis. Featuring performances by R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, gospel, and disco artists, the show ran from 1971 to 2006, becoming the longest-running nationally syndicated music program in television history.

"I speak from the heart when I say that Soul Train touched me deeply," said Zuiker in a statement. "It has impacted this country on so many levels, bringing joy and hope to so many people out there, including me. I am truly honored that Matthew Weaver and the rights holders have trusted me to share this important story and look forward to bringing Soul Train the musical to Broadway."

"When you think about Soul Train and what it did for television, you immediately think of words like groundbreaking, risk taking, and innovating," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, chairman of Soul Train Holdings, LLC. "As the creator of CSI and a brilliant writer, Anthony is cut from that same cloth, and I personally look forward to him bringing his experience to this project."

Tony Cornelius, son of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, will serve as executive producer on the musical. Jeff Tick (former owner of the Helen Hayes Theatre) and Nick Stern are coproducers, and Paula Kaminsky Davis is associate producer.