Russell Simmons developing 'The Scenario' B'way musical

Hip Hop pioneer and Tony Award-winning producer Russell Simmons is developing a Broadway musical under the title of The Scenario, which is aiming for a New York premiere in Fall 2016. The stage musical will be "driven by the music that defined a generation: 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."

Mr. Simmons released the following statement:

"Hip hop's explosion was fueled by a generation with an incredible hunger to discover new ways of expression. 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."

Co-Producer Scott Prisand of Big Block (Producers of 'Rock of Ages' and 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder') added:

"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. 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."

Finally, Co-Producer Jake Stein of Def Pictures said:

"These classic songs, stories and rhythms will find a new audience on the theater stage. We believe this show will be an entirely new entry point for appreciating hip hop as a transformative art that has shaped culture, fashion, music and entertainment of all forms, and we hope it will help open the door for other live theatrical experiences."

The Scenario will feature an original story by author and hip-hop historian Dan Charnas and will be produced on Broadway by Russell Simmons; Def Pictures/Jake Stein; Big Block/Scott Prisand, Scott Benson, Tom Pellegrini and Jamie Bendell; Brian Sher and Stella Bulichnikov.

Russell Simmons is perhaps best known for co-founding Def Jam Recordings in 1984 and the Def Comedy franchise in 1989. He won a Tony Award in 2003 for 'Best Special Theatrical Event' for Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.

- by Tom Millward

Russell Simmons