(AllHipHop News) The Tupac Shakur inspired Broadway musical has announced its cast. Kenny Leon’s Holler If Ya Hear Me will feature spoken word poet and star of the 1998 film Slam Saul Williams.
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Besides acting Williams is also an accomplished musician and author. His last album was 2011’s Volcanic Sunlight. He has also worked with artists like Nas and Janelle Monáe, and Williams appeared on the Lyricist Lounge, Volume One compilation in 1998.
Other acts named to the principal cast of Holler If Ya Hear Me include Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam), Christopher Jackson (In the Heights), Saycon Sengbloh (Motown: The Musical), Ben Thompson (American Idiot), John Earl Jelks (Gem of the Ocean), Joshua Boone, and Dyllon Burnside.
Leon is directing the musical about two childhood friends and their struggles living in urban America. Tupac’s music and lyrics were used as inspiration for the story. It is not a biography of the iconic rapper.
The play was written by Todd Kreidler and choreographed by Wayne Cilento. Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur is a producer.
Holler If Ya Hear Me previews at New York City’s Palace Theatre on May 26th, and officially opens on June 19th.
[ALSO READ: Tupac Inspired Broadway Musical Gets Opening Date]
Watch the video for Saul Williams’ “List Of Demands(Reparations)” below.