Unchain My Heart delays opening until Spring 2011

Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical, which was scheduled to open at Broadway's Barrymore Theatre on 7 Nov 2010, following previews from 8 Oct, will now open in the Spring of 2011 at a Shubert Theatre to be announced.

The principal cast is expected to stay with the production. Producer Stuart Benjamin cited logistical reasons for the change in date.

Unchain My Heart stars Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon as 'Ray Charles,' Nikki Renée Daniels as 'Della,' Harrison White as 'Jeff Brown' and recording artist Tasha Taylor - in her Broadway debut - as 'Margie Hendricks. Further casting to be announced.

Unchain My Heart 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 the music of Ray Charles with a book by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Sheldon Epps with choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson0.

The score for Unchain My Heart includes 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."

The design team includes Riccardo Hernandez (Sets), Paul Tazewell (Costumes), Donald Holder (Lights) and Carl Casella (Sound).

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

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