“Unspeakable,” a fantasia on Richard Pryor, headed to Broadway Playhouse

The timing might be precisely right for a visitation from Richard Pryor, the Peoria, Illinois-born comedian, actor, film director, social critic, satirist and writer who was the uncensored voice of the 1970s and all its racial and social turmoil.

And audiences here are slated for just such a visitation with the Chicago premiere of “Unspeakable,” the “dramatic fantasia inspired by the life of comedic legend” that is headed to the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut for a limited five-week engagement, Oct. 6 – Nov. 8.

With a cast of seven (many of whom play multiple roles), the show features James Murray Jackson, Jr. as “Richard Pryor,” a role he originated in the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival. (Additional casting will be announced shortly.)

Described as “an unflinching ride through the emotional landscape of Richard Pryor, spanning 61 years, and focused on the period between 1967 and 1982, “Unspeakable” homes in on the mix of sex, drugs and comedy that was part of tempestuous life and career. Born and raised in a Peoria brothel owned and operated by his grandmother, Pryor faced situations that forever shaped and scarred his soul. With a pimp for a father and his mother a whore, young Pryor’s imagination allowed him to escape and ultimately led him to comedy, and this show has been designed to capture the energy of the man and his response to success, and the demons that can invite. The comedian died in 2005 at the age of 65.

Directed and co-authored by Rod Gailes OB (based on a script by OBC and Jackson), the show aims to bring a cinematic vision to the provocative odyssey of Pryor, highlighting the comedian’s journey from damaged child to comic legend.

In a prepared statement OBC explained: “What began as an idea for a one-man show has evolved into an epic ensemble biographic tale exploring history’s most provocative entertainer. A true labor of love, ‘Unspeakable’, like Richard himself, is dark, funny and disturbing in places… but a whole lotta fun!”

For his portrayal of Richard Pryor in the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival production of “Unspeakable,” Jackson received the Festival’s Outstanding Lead Actor Award.

Note: Given the strong language and adult situations inherent in this story, the production is recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older. This play is in no way supported, endorsed or created by, nor does it in any manner emanate from, Richard Pryor, his estate or other successor(s).

Group tickets for 10 or more are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit http://www.BroadwayInChicago.com.