Russell Simmons Plans Hip-Hop Musical

Russell Simmons

RUSSELL SIMMONS is developing "The Scenario," a stage musical featuring the greatest hits from a two-decade span of hip-hop – from the "golden age" of the mid-'80s to mid-'90s to the chart-topping artists at the turn of the millennium. 

SIMMONS will produce through his L.A.-based production company DEF PICTURES, alongside TONY-winning producer BIG BLOCK/SCOTT PRISAND ("Rock Of Ages," "Heathers," "Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder"). "The Scenario" will feature an original story written by acclaimed author and hip-hop historian DAN CHARNAS ("The Big Payback"), and aims to premiere in NEW YORK CITY in late 2016.

"Hip-hop's explosion was fueled by a generation with an incredible hunger to discover new ways of expression," said SIMMONS. "These artists were always breaking the mold with new rhythms and new ideas, while at the same time telling so many important and timeless stories that over the decades have continued to remain just as relevant.  This is why the music continues to strike a chord with fans worldwide.  It felt like such a natural fit to weave the best of these sounds and stories into an energetic and thrilling musical that would transport audiences through one of the most innovative artistic movements of our time."

"Part of what made the 'Rock Of Ages' experience so incredible for theatregoers was the joy of hearing the most beloved songs of an era serve as the storyteller," said PRISAND. "RUSSELL is the catalyst of all this extraordinary music that has already touched generations to the core around the world; we're taking those beats everyone knows and loves, and setting them into a fun original story."  

JAKE STEIN is shepherding the project on behalf of DEF PICTURES and will also co-produce with SIMMONS.

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