Ray Charles Tuner Unchain My Heart Books Ethel Barrymore Theatre

The Ray Charles musical bio Unchain My Heart has found a Broadway home. The new show will begin previews on October 8 and open on November 7 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, directed by Sheldon Epps. The Barrymore is currently home to David Mamet's Race, which is scheduled to close on August 21.

As previously announced, Unchain My Heart will star Brandon Victor Dixon as Ray Charles, Nikki Renée Daniels as Della, Harrison White as Jeff Brown and Tasha Taylor as Margie Hendricks. Additional members of the company will be announced at a later date.

Featuring the music of Ray Charles and a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, Unchain My Heart explores the strength, humor and musical genius of the pioneering musical artist. Set in his last live recording session, the show tells Charles’ remarkable life story through hits such as “Georgia on My Mind,” “You Don’t Know Me” and the title tune, weaving together true tales that reveal the spirit of the man whose life and music helped to define soul.

Unchain My Heart will be presented on Broadway by Stuart Benjamin, who knew and worked with Charles for 15 years and produced the award-winning film Ray.