Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical, featuring a book by Suzan-Lori Parks, has named its Broadway home. It will play the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, with previews beginning October 8, and an opening on November 7. Sheldon Epps will direct the production.
As previously reported, Brandon Victor Dixon will play the title role, which will also feature Nikki Renee Daniels as Della, Harrison Brown as Jeff White, and Tasha Taylor as Margie Hendricks. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Set during Charles’ last live recording session, the musical explores the strength, humor and musical genius of this legendary figure. Unchain My Heart will feature some of Charles’ best-known hits including: “Georgia on My Mind,” “What’d I Say,” “Mess Around,” “Hit The Road, Jack,” “Unchain My Heart,” “I Got a Woman” and “Hallelujah, I Love Her So.”
The creative team will include Kenneth L. Roberson (choreography), Edgar Godineaus (associate choreographer), Rahn Coleman (musical supervision and arrangements), Harold Wheeler (orchestrations), Riccardo Hernandez (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Donald Holder (lights), and Carl Casella (sound).
Dixon, who starred in the L.A. production of the show, was recently seen in the Off-Broadway production of The Scottsboro Boys, for which he has received Outer Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award, and Drama League Award nominations. He received a Tony Award nomination for The Color Purple and his other stage credits include House of Flowers and The Lion King.
For more information, visit www.UnchainMyHeartOnBroadway.com.
