'Ali,' the Broadway-bound musical about legendary boxer and 20th-century icon Muhammad Ali, who sought to use his fame to advocate human rights, will premiere in Chicago in 2025.
The production will begin performances at the James M. Nederlander Theatre on Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2025, and run through Sunday, May 18. The cast has not yet been revealed.
Clint Dyer is slated to direct, and Rich + Tone Talauega will choreograph the new musical that will be part of Broadway in Chicago's subscription series. Dyer will also be the musical writer, co-lyricist, music producer Q-Tip, and composer Teddy Abrams. The musical had previously scheduled a world premiere in Kentucky.
Lead producer Richard Willis said it was exciting and fitting that 'Ali' is premiering in Chicago.
"Muhammad called the South Side home, and the city held a special place in his heart. We are thrilled to be working with everyone at Broadway in Chicago to bring this powerful new musical to such a passionate, theater-loving audience that will help us shape the show's future. We can't wait to be there," he added.
Born in Louisville as Cassius Clay, Ali competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics and earned a gold medal in light-heavyweight boxing. Ali became deeply active in the civil rights movement after winning the world heavyweight championship in 1964, earning the nickname "The Greatest." He made a brief career change into acting, appearing on Broadway in the 1969 musical 'Buck White.'
'Ali' will feature Tony Award nominee Anna Fleischle, costume design by Tony nominee Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Tony nominee Jen Schriever, sound design by Benjamin Grant and Tony winner Kai Harada, and video/projections/media design by Tony nominee Tal Yarden and Gino Ricardo. Abrams and Sean Mayes will work as arrangers and orchestrators, and Mayes will also be a music supervisor.
Other creative team members include associate director Asmeret Ghebremichael, creative dramaturge Fred Carl, and associate music producer emeritus Casey Benjamin. The production's special boxing adviser and coordinator will be Michael "Silk" Olajide, Jr.
Furthermore, the new musical is being co-produced by Brook T. Smith, David and Michelle Campbell, Ian Rupert, Jim and Kathy Mora, and TheTribecaWorkshop in collaboration with ABG Entertainment and Lonnie Ali.
