The cast for Holler if You Hear Me, a Broadway musical inspired by the lyrics of Tupac Shakur, has been set. Saul Williams has been picked to lead the production.
Holler was announced in January, with the production being staged at the Palace Theater. Previews start on May 26 and the official opening is set for June 19. It will be eligible for the 2015 Tony Awards.
According to The New York Times, Williams is known for starring in the 1998 film Slam. He also worked with Trent Reznor in 2007 for The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust. Although the musical will not tell the story of Shakur’s life, which was cut short in 1996 in a drive-by shooting, Williams will play the rapper.
Other members of the cast include Tonya Perkins (Jelly’s Last Jam); John Earl Jelks (Radio Golf); Christopher Jackson (In The Heights); and Saycon Sengbloh (Motown the Musical). Joshua Boone and Dyllon Burnside will be making their first appearances on Broadway.
Kenny Leon is directing and the musical was penned by Todd Kreidler.
A film about Shakur is set to film this spring.