Saul Williams Takes the Lead Role in the Tupac Musical

The January announcement had not yet mentioned any names. On April 7, 2014, the creators of “Holler If Ya Hear Me” announced the cast: Saul Williams takes on the lead role of John. In 1998, the poet and musician had won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance as the star of the film “Slam”.

The ensemble includes Tonya Pinkins as Mrs. Weston, Christopher Jackson as Vertus, Saycon Sengbloh as Corinne, Ben Thompson as Griffy, and John Earl Jelks as Street Preacher. Joshua Boone and Dyllon Burnside are on board as younger leads.

The Show Tells No Biography

Todd Kreidler wrote the book, and Kenny Leon directed. According to the announcement, the show is a “non-biographical” story about friendship, family, revenge, change, and hope.

Ticket sales were already underway. According to Rolling Stone and The Guardian, previews were scheduled to begin on May 29 (which later became June 2), before the premiere on June 19 at the Palace Theatre.