'Ali' musical, about Muhammad Ali, aiming for Broadway

The show will celebrate the late boxing champion's life and legacy.

Gillian Russo
Gillian Russo

Plans have been announced for Ali, a new musical in development about the life of world boxing champion Muhammad Ali. The show is currently assembling its creative team and plans to play a pre-Broadway engagement in the U.S. before launching a Broadway run. Performance dates and location have yet to be announced.

The musical's two creators are Clint Dyer, who will write the book and direct; and Teddy Abrams, who will write the music and lyrics. Abrams previously wrote a rap oratorio, The Greatest: Muhammad Ali, for the Louisville Orchestra, and he plans to adapt some of his compositions from that show in addition to writing original music, as reported by Deadline.

Ali was born in 1942 in Louisville, and he would overcome great odds as he grew up to become the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time and one of the greatest athletes in history. His accomplishments also went beyond the boxing ring, as he became a prominent face in the Civil Rights Movement and united people with his optimism, confidence, and compassion. Ali will use music to celebrate pivotal moments in his life that shaped his career and inspired others.

Casting and additional creative team for Ali have yet to be announced.

Originally published on

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