Unchain my Heart: Brandon Victor Dixon to star

Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple) will star as 'Ray Charles' in Unchain My Heart The Ray Charles Musical, featuring the music of Ray Charles with a book by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Sheldon Epps, opening on Broadway on 7 Nov 2010, following previews from 8 Oct 2010 at a Shubert Theatre to be announced.

The cast will also feature Nikki Renée Daniels as 'Della,' Harrison White as 'Jeff Brown' and recording artist Tasha Taylor making her Broadway debut as 'Margie Hendricks. The remaining sixteen cast memmbers will be announced at a later date.

Unchain My Heart will be presented on Broadway by Stuart Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin knew and worked with Mr. Charles for 15 years and produced the multi Oscar nominated and award winning film "Ray."

Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical explores the strength, humor and musical genius of the legendary Ray Charles. One of the greatest pioneering musical artists of all time, Ray Charles mastered everything from soul and rhythm & blues to gospel, jazz, country and pop.

Set in his last live recording session, Unchain My Heart reveals Charles' remarkable life story through his music. Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog) weaves together true tales that reveal the spirit of the man whose life and music helped to define soul, and inspired people the world over.

Unchain My Heart features Charles' best-known hits including: "Georgia on My Mind," "What'd I Say," "Mess Around," "Hit The Road, Jack," "Unchain My Heart," "I Got a Woman" and "Hallelujah, I Love Her So."

An earlier, developmental production was produced at the Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director) in 2007 under the title of 'Ray Charles Live!'

Bios:

Brandon Victor Dixon (Ray Charles). Dixon was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of 'Harpo' in the musical 'The Color Purple.' He was recently nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for his role as 'Haywood Patterson' in the Kander and Ebb musical 'The Scottsboro Boys.' TV: Quincy Jones's "America's Millennium," ABC's" One Life to Live" (recurring) "L&O: Criminal Intent."

Nikki Renée Daniels (Della). Daniels is currently appearing in 'Promises, Promises' on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include 'Les Miserables,' 'Aida,' 'Nine,' 'The Look of Love,' 'Lestat' and 'Little Shop of Horrors.' She made her New York City Opera debut as 'Clara' in 'Porgy and Bess.'

Harrison White (Jeff Brown). Harrison as appeared on Broadway in 'Sarafina!' and in London's West End production of 'Smokey Joe's Café.' Television: "Modern Family" & "Viva Laughlin".

Tasha Taylor (Margie Hendricks) is making her Broadway debut. TV credits include "House", "Ugly Betty", "Yes, Dear", "Stripmall", "7th Heaven", "Abby" and "Moesha," Film credits include 'Dimples' and "Heaven Ain't Hard to Find." Also a songwriter, Taylor has been on the road with Aretha Franklin, Taj Mahal, Bernard Allison, Kenny Neal, Voices of The Wetlands, Carla Thomas, Allen Tussant, Los Lonley Boys, and many others. Her first album, "Revival" is now available on Itunes and Amazon.com.