Tupac Musical 'Holler If Ya Hear Me' Returns in Atlanta

17 previews and just 38 performances, then it was over on Broadway: In 2017, the musical Holler If Ya Hear Me, featuring Tupac’s songs and lyrics, was given a second chance. The True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta opened the production on September 12, as Rolling Stone reported, citing the New York Times. Directing once again was Kenny Leon, who had also staged the Broadway version.

On Broadway, Hip-Hop Remained an Uphill Battle

The Broadway production had launched in 2014 with Saul Williams in the lead role. It was the only Broadway musical with a hip-hop connection before Hamilton. Williams said at the time that Broadway prefers stories packaged “like Rocky,” and that it remained an uphill battle.

Fine-Tuning for the Atlanta Stage

The new version makes only minor changes: the lead character John is given more room at the start, 19 actors are in the cast, and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” moved from position five to two. For the title song, see Holler If Ya Hear Me.