Unchain My Heart to open at the Barrymore Theatre

Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical, featuring the music of Ray Charles with a book by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Sheldon Epps with choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson , will open at Broadway' Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 7 Nov 2010, following previews from 8 Oct 2010.

As previously announced the musical will star 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 will be announced at a later date.

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."

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 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).

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!'