Theater News

Madonna Celebrates Tupac's Birthday at Holler If Ya Hear Me

The pop singer honored the memory of her old friend at a preview performance of the new Broadway musical.

Editorial Staff
New York City
Madonna, Sting, and Tupac Shakur pose together before the rap artist's death in 1996.

Pop superstar Madonna attended a preview performance of Broadway's new Tupac Shakur-inspired musical, Holler If Ya Hear Me, on Monday, June 16. The date marked what would have been the 43rd birthday of the late rap artist, who was shot dead in 1996 at the age of 25. Madonna, an old friend of Shakur's, attended the same night as Shakur's mother and show producer Afeni Shakur.

Holler If Ya Hear Me, directed by recent Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun), officially opens this Thursday night at the Palace Theatre. The production offers a nonbiographical story about the world of inner-city struggle, taking its score from Shakur's extensive collection of popular songs including "California Love," "Dear Mama," "I Get Around," and "Keep Ya Head Up." The musical features a book by Todd Kreidler, choreography by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento, and musical supervision by Daryl Waters.

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