Legendary performer Stevie Wonder will be producing an eight-hour miniseries for NBC titled Freedom Run, which will tell the story of the actual people involved in the Underground Railroad. Wonder will also create the score for a Broadway musical which will be based upon the same idea.
The new series and Broadway show will be based on a book by Betty DeRamus: Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad. The story tells about three different couples and the struggles and hardships that come from being in love during a time of slavery and oppression. B. Swibel, Adam Westbrook and Charles Randolph-Wright are writing and will serve as executive producers for both endeavors.
Though Wonder has had some producing experience with musical specials or live-benefit concerts, this will be his first time producing a larger production. B. Swibel, Adam Westbrook and Charles Randolph-Wright are writing and will serve as executive producers for both endeavors. Tara Smith and Brian LaRoda will also executive produce.
“We’re increasingly looking for projects that qualify as television events, and these harrowing true stories of courageous young men and women who found love, in spite of the heinousness of slavery, certainly does that,” said Robert Greenblatt, entertainment chairman at NBC, to The Hollywood Reporter. “Furthermore, the idea of also developing this into a Broadway musical with Stevie Wonder is very exciting as we look to expand the scope of our live stage business. We’re thrilled that these producers wanted to bring this important project to us.”
Another project about the Underground Railroad has been announced by WGN this year. The project is titled Underground and is currently still in development. The same goes for Freedom Runner, with no firm release date being announced.
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