Cast announced for “Unspeakable,” the Richard Pryor “fantasia”

SHARE Cast announced for “Unspeakable,” the Richard Pryor “fantasia”

Broadway In Chicago has announced full casting for the Chicago premiere of “Unspeakable,” a dramatic fantasia inspired by the life of comedic legend Richard Pryor.

The show, to be presented at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, is set for a limited five-week engagement (Oct. 6 – Nov. 8),  and will feature a cast of 10, many playing multiple roles. Starring as “Richard Pryor” will be James Murray Jackson, Jr., who originated the role in the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival. The cast also will include Chicago natives E. Faye Butler as Mama (seen recently in the Goodman Theatre production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”), as well as Lamar N. Barnes, Ebony Joy and Akilah Perry. Also featured will be Northwestern University alum Taryn Reneau, Roosevelt University alum Chris Amos, Kierra Bunch, Jeff Award winner Ginneh Thomas (“The Submission”) and Chicagoan Ronald L. Conner (“King Hedley II”).

Chicago actress E. Faye Butler will be part of the cast of “Unspeakable,” a “fantasia” on the life of comedian Richard Pryor to be presented at the Broadway Playhouse this Fall.

Chicago actress E. Faye Butler will be part of the cast of “Unspeakable,” a “fantasia” on the life of comedian Richard Pryor to be presented at the Broadway Playhouse this Fall.

“Unspeakable,” directed and co-authored (with Jackson) by Rod Gailes, is a “ride through the emotional landscape of Richard Pryor spanning sixty-one years and focused on the period between 1967 and 1982.” Born and raised in a Peoria brothel owned and operated by his grandmother – with a pimp for a father and a mother who was a prostitute – Pryor faced situations that forever shaped and scarred his sensitive soul. This show captures the energy of a man who battled success and the demons it invited.

Given the strong language and adult situations inherent in this story, this production is recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older. Note: 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).

Individual tickets for “Unspeakable” are now on sale. For more information visit http://www.BroadwayInChicago.com.


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