Theatre News Wire

Get ready to experience the life and career of rock and roll legend Lloyd Price as the new musical-adaptation "Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical" hits the stage in Chicago. The critically acclaimed production will celebrate the unforgettable songs of Price, including "Stagger Lee," "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," and his trademark song "Personality."

The Chicago premiere will take place on June 2, 2023, at the renovated Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building. Opening night is set for June 14, with tickets available for purchase now.

The production features several native Chicagoans in the cast, including Saint Aubyn, who plays Lloyd Price, Stanley Wayne Mathis as Young Lloyd Price, and Alexandra Reese as Emma. The musical's book is by B. Jeffrey Madoff, based on extensive conversations with Price. Sheldon Epps directs the performance, with choreography by Edgar Godineaux and musical direction by Shelton Becton.

The story of Lloyd Price's rise to fame in the segregated Deep South during the pre-Civil Rights era is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing incredible obstacles, Price became the first teenager to sell over a million records and earn a Gold Record by hitting #1 on the R&B charts with his hit song "Lawdy Miss Clawdy."

But Price's path to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a winding one, as he was drafted to fight in the Korean War right after the success of his first record. However, he never let himself be held back and reinvented himself time and again. He became the first Black man to open a nightclub below Harlem in New York City, created his own record label, and generated more hits like "Stagger Lee" and "Personality," spreading the New Orleans R&B sound throughout the world.

"Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical" doesn't just cover Price's successes; it also focuses on the challenges he faced. Madoff emphasizes that Price never saw himself as a victim and always found ways to overcome his obstacles. In addition to his music career, Price also ventured into the business world, co-founding multiple record companies, opening a New York nightclub, and creating a food line specializing in Southern foods.

The musical debuted at the People's Light theater in the Philadelphia suburbs last year, receiving praise from critics and audiences alike. The Chicago production brings back several members of the original cast, including Saint Aubyn and Mathis.

If you're a fan of rock and roll or just want to experience a powerful story of determination, "Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical" is a production not to be missed. Tickets are available now for the limited engagement at Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building from June 2 - September 3, 2023.