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.

From ABT: Kenneth MacMillan’s masterful interpretation of Shakespeare’s enduring romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, has become one of ABT’s signature productions. Against a sumptuous setting in Renaissance Italy, MacMillan weaves a dance tapestry rich in character nuance and sensuality, and Sergei Prokofiev’s stirring music underscores the lyric beauty and passion of this beloved ballet’s star-crossed lovers. Copeland will perform as Juliet during the matinee performance on June 20 at 2:00pm in the Metropolitan Opera House.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, Swan Lake’s romantic tale of love and forgiveness is often considered the world’s most beloved ballet. With breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes and visually spectacular sets evoking a lakeside Renaissance court, ABT’s production “glides to the forefront of stagings all over the world. The fabled lake of the swans has risen into view, inspiring awe for its mystery and magic.” (The Wall Street Journal). Copeland will perform as Odette/Odile, the Swan Queen, during the matinee performance on June 24 at 2:00pm in the Metropolitan Opera House.

Misty Copeland made history earlier this year at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC when she and fellow dancer Brooklyn Mack performed the lead roles in Swan Lake, the first Black duo in American ballet to do so. More about their groundbreaking performance can be seen HERE.

The post Misty Copeland in Groundbreaking Performances this Summer appeared first on Broadway Black.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosseg
For tickets and more information visit romeoandjulietbroadway.com

Joining Condola and Orlando in the cast are Tony-winner Chuck Cooper (as Lord Capulet), Roslyn Ruff (as Lady Capulet), Corey Hawkins (as Tybalt), Geoffery Owens (as Prince Escalus), Brent Carver (as Friar Laurence), Jane Houdyshell (as Nurse), and Justin Guarini (as Paris).

The post Romeo & Juliet Opens On Broadway appeared first on Broadway Black.

Joining Condola and Orlando in the cast are Tony-winner Chuck Cooper (as Lord Capulet), Roslyn Ruff (as Lady Capulet), Corey Hawkins (as Tybalt), Geoffery Owens (as Prince Escalus), Brent Carver (as Friar Laurence), Jane Houdyshell (as Nurse), and Justin Guarini (as Paris).

On August 7th, Condola and a motorcycle-mounted Orlando joined each other at a photo call outside of the Richard Rodgers Theatre. They posed for pictures, spray painted one of the stage doors, and kissed to “oooh’s” and “aahh’s” from the crowd!

(*Thanks to our friends over at JustJared.com for these fabulous photos! Check them out for more! )

 The show begins previews at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 24th, and officially opens on September 29th!
Get your tickets now! This is sure to be a steamy interpretation of the piece. 

The post Condola Rashad and Orlando Bloom “Rev It Up” for ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Revival appeared first on Broadway Black.