Scandal's Joe Morton to Headline Turn Me Loose, Produced by John Legend, Off-Broadway

Tickets are now on sale to see Scandal’s Joe Morton, who will headline Turn Me Loose, a new comedic drama by Gretchen Law about the life of comedian and civil rights activist, Dick Gregory, off-Broadway. Directed by John Gould Rubin, co-starring John Carlin and featuring an original song by John Legend (who also co-produced the project), the show will begin previews on May 3. Opening night is set for May 19 at the Westside Theatre.

Morton is perhaps best known for his work on screen as Rowan Pope, Kerry Washington’s evil father on Scandal; he will soon be seen as Roy Wilkins alongside Bryan Cranston in HBO’s All The Way. A Tony nominee for Raisin, his additional Broadway credits include Art, Honky Tonk Nights and Oh, Brother!.

Turn Me Loose is a new play about 60’s comic genius Dick Gregory (Morton), the first black stand-up to make white audiences laugh at the absurdity of bigotry. The play reveals how the overwhelming power of activism enticed Gregory from one of the most successful show business careers of the postwar era into a life of sacrifice and danger alongside Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers and other Civil Rights leaders. Wielding razor-sharp wit Gregory hacked away at myths about race, poverty, war, and politics. Gregory is still championing the same messages today, at age 83.

The production will feature scenic design by Chris Barreca, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Stephen Strawbridge and sound design by Leon Rothenberg.