Chicago set for premiere of Unspeakable
Broadway In Chicago announced the Chicago premiere of Unspeakable, a dramatic fantasia inspired by the life of comedic legend Richard Pryor, will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St.) for a limited five-week engagement Oct. 6 through Nov. 8, 2015.
Sex, Drugs and Comedy. Unspeakable is an unflinching ride through the emotional landscape of Richard Pryor spanning sixty-one years and focused on the period between 1967 and 1982. Born and raised in a Peoria brothel owned and operated by his grandmother, Pryor faced situations that forever shaped and scarred his sensitive soul. With a pimp for a father and his mother a whore, young Pryor's imagination allowed him to escape and ultimately led him to comedy. Unspeakable captures the energy of a man battling success and the demons it invites.
The cast of seven - many playing multiple roles - features James Murray Jackson, Jr. as "Richard Pryor," a role he originated in the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival earning him a New York Times rave for his "magnetic lead performance." Additional casting will be announced shortly.
Director and Co-Author Rod Gailes OBC brings a cinematic vision to the provocative odyssey of Pryor with an ensemble approach highlighting the comedian's journey from damaged child to comic legend, based on a script by OBC and Jackson.
"What began as an idea for a one-man show has evolved into an epic ensemble biographic tale exploring history's most provocative entertainer. A true labor of love, Unspeakable like Richard, is dark, funny and disturbing in places... but a whole lotta fun! Don't be afraid to laugh and enjoy the ride. Richard would!" said OBC.
For his portrayal of Richard Pryor in the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival production of Unspeakable, Jackson received the Festival's Outstanding Lead Actor Award.
Given the strong language and adult situations inherent in this story, this production is recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older. This play is in no way supported, endorsed or created by, nor does it in any manner emanate from, Richard Pryor, his estate or other successor(s).