It was announced that Jones, who was slated to direct and choreograph the production, would spend three weeks developing the musical in New York. “American Idol” Season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini was cast as “Priest” and a casting notice was sent out looking for a “woman to play ‘Georgia,’ a 20-something beauty with a fabulous voice who can match the ‘sexuality, fearlessness, and heart’ of ‘Priest,’ the college-educated cocaine dealer at the center of the show.” Music executive Tommy Mottola’s Mottola Group and the Dodgers were said to be backing the development of the show.

But after the casting announcements and several workshops, the last one in August 2013, we’ve heard no more news about the production.

Guarini, who appeared on Broadway in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and the 2013 revival of Romeo and Juliet, posted on his blog how through working on the show he “encountered the beautiful and at times haunting music of the era. Curtis Mayfield’s title track was, of course, the signature piece in the show. However, woven throughout the sonic tapestry were pieces from Issac Hayes, James Brown (‘Say it LOUD’), and even Bob Dylan.” Now, even his blog is silent, and the posts have been taken down.

“Super Fly” was one of the first and most successful films made and funded by African Americans. It followed the story of “Priest,” one of New York’s most successful drug dealers who is looking to get out of the dangerous drug life, played expertly by Ron O’Neal. When he tries to pull off one last large drug deal so that he can retire, he continues to run up against a variety of cops and other criminals who wish to stop him.

One of the highlights of the movie was the Curtis Mayfield-produced soundtrack that, arguably, is one of the best film scores ever produced. With hits like the title track, “Freddie’s Dead,” and “Pusherman,” the soundtrack was a classic and ranked number 69 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Is the production still happening? Has it been put on hold? If anyone has an answer, Broadway Black would like to know.

The post Where is Super Fly: The Musical? appeared first on Broadway Black.

Last year saw a successful turnout at Delacorte, the outdoor venue, so the show has been brought back for another showing. This year will feature performances from Hubble Street Dance Chicago, two-time Tony Award choreographer Bill T. Jones and the Arnie Zane Dance Company, as well as Lil Buck and another artist that has yet to be named.

Tickets for the September 12th and 13th shows will be distributed on the day of that show and through a virtual ticket lottery with each recipient getting two passes.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Fall for Dance back to the Delacorte again this year,” said Public Theater Associate Artistic Director Mandy Hackett to Theater Mania. “Partnering with Fall for Dance is a beautiful collaboration as our organizations share common goals and vision of making the arts and culture accessible to all New Yorkers. Experiencing such extraordinary work from the world of dance on the Delacorte stage is utterly thrilling.”

Get more information on the shows here and be sure to check back in with us and report on how they were!

The post Delacorte Presents Free Nights of “Fall for Dance” appeared first on Broadway Black.