NEW YORK (AP) — A play about comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory will open off-Broadway this spring starring Joe Morton and with an original song by John Legend.
“Turn Me Loose,” by Gretchen Law will play the Westside Theatre starting May 3 with John Gould Rubin directing. Legend and Mike Jackson will produce.
Gregory, 83, was one of the first black comedians to be embraced by white America in the early 1960s. His sharp commentary soon led him into civil rights activism, where his ability to woo audiences through humor helped bring national attention to fledgling efforts at integration and social equality.
Morton is best known for his role as Rowan Pope on “Scandal.” His film roles include “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” ”Speed,” ”American Gangster” and “The Astronaut’s Wife.”
Legend has lately turned his attention to theater, producing the solo off-Broadway show “3 Mics” by Neal Brennan and contributing to “The SpongeBob Musical” in Chicago.
Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
(Photo Source: AP)
