Tonya Pinkins Joins the Cast of Broadway's Tupac Musical Holler If Ya Hear Me
(© David Gordon)
Casting has been announced for the upcoming Broadway musical inspired by the work of rap artist Tupac Shakur, Holler If Ya Hear Me. Leading the cast will be slam poet and actor Saul Williams (Slam) as John, Christopher Jackson (After Midnight) as Vertus, Saycon Sengbloh (Motown The Musical) as Corinne, Ben Thompson (Matilda The Musical) as Griffy, Tony nominee John Earl Jelks (Radio Golf) as Street Preacher, Joshua Boone (Brownsville Song [b side for Tray]) as Darius, Dyllon Burnside (Prison Break) as Anthony, and Tony winner Tonya Pinkins (Caroline, or Change) as Mrs. Weston.
The ensemble also features Afi Bijou, three-time world hip-hop champion Mel Charlot, Carrie Compere, Otis Cotton, Ariana Groover, Jared Joseph, Jahi Kearse, Muata Langley, Valentine Norton, Christina Sajous, Charlene "Chi Chi" Smith, Jaime Lincoln Smith, Donald Webber Jr., and Joaquina Kalukango.
Holler If Ya Hear Me, with a book by Todd Kriedler, is directed by Tony nominee Kenny Leon, who directs the current revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, starring Denzel Washington. The production offers a nonbiographical story about the world of inner city struggle inside Tupac Shakur's music and lyrics. Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento will choreograph, with musical supervision by Daryl Waters.
The creative team also includes scenic design by Edward Pierce (based on original concepts by David Gallo), projections by Zachary G. Borovay, costumes by Reggie Ray, lighting by Mike Baldassari, and sound by John Shivers and David Patridge.
Performances begin at the Palace Theatre May 29 in advance of a June 19 opening.
