Beat Street Musical Adds Director Schele Williams, Writer Kristoffer Diaz
The Broadway-bound Beat Street musical has assembled its creative team, with Schele Williams directing, Kristoffer Diaz writing the book and Jason Michael Webb handling music.
A Broadway-bound musical adaptation of Beat Street has assembled its principal creative team, with Schele Williams, Kristoffer Diaz and Jason Michael Webb joining previously announced producer and artist Nas. The announcement was reported by Deadline.
Williams will direct the production, Diaz will write the book, and Webb will serve as music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator. Nas is creating new material for the show and expanding the film's soundtrack.
The team held a 29-hour workshop last month to develop the stage adaptation, with Nas, Williams, Diaz and Webb all taking part. Casting and production timeline details will be announced in the coming months.
About the original film
The original Beat Street was released in 1984 and was one of the first films to depict hip-hop culture. It was produced by Harry Belafonte and David V. Picker, directed by Stan Lathan, and starred Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis and Jon Chardiet.
The Beat Street soundtrack, released in two volumes and produced by Arthur Baker, had Volume One cited as one of the first rap albums to be certified gold.
Quick answers
Who is directing the Beat Street musical?
Schele Williams will direct the Broadway-bound adaptation.
What is Nas's role in the Beat Street musical?
Nas is creating new material for the production and expanding the film's soundtrack.
When will casting be announced?
Casting and production timeline details will be announced in the coming months.