Ray Charles Musical Unchain My Heart to 'Mess Around' on Broadway in Fall 2010

Unchain My Heart, a new musical biography of Ray Charles, is headed to Broadway in the fall of 2010. Featuring a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog, The Book of Grace) and direction by Sheldon Epps, the show will begin previews on October 8 and open on November 7 at a Shubert theater to be announced. Casting for the 20-member company will be announced shortly.

Unchain My Heart explores the strength, humor and musical genius of the legendary Ray Charles. One of the greatest pioneering musical artists of all time, Charles mastered everything from soul and rhythm & blues to gospel, jazz, country and pop. Set in his last live recording session, the tuner reveals Charles’ remarkable life story through his own music. Parks weaves together true tales that reveal the spirit of the man whose life and music helped to define soul, and inspired people the world over. Songs featured in the production will include “Georgia on My Mind,” “What’d I Say,” “Mess Around,” “Hit the Road, Jack,” “Unchain My Heart,” “I Got a Woman” and “Hallelujah, I Love Her So.”

Unchain My Heart is presented on Broadway by Stuart Benjamin, who knew and worked with Charles for 15 years and produced the award-winning film Ray. The show will feature choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson, musical arrangements and supervision by Rahn Coleman and orchestrations by Harold Wheeler. The design team includes Riccardo Hernandez (Sets), Paul Tazewell (Costumes), Donald Holder (Lights), Carl Casella (Sound) and Charles LaPointe (Hair & Wig Design).