Earlier this month, on what would have been Rick James’ 76th birthday, it was announced that his story would be coming to the stage. His daughter Ty James and playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson have joined creative forces for the musical production Super Freak: The Rick James Story, which will chronicle the King Of Punk-Funk’s wild life and times. The traveling musical premieres in mid-March, and it’s finally been revealed who will play the coveted lead role.
Former Mint Condition frontman Stokley has been cast to play Rick James with his larger-than-life persona. Casting Stokley in this role is quite an intriguing and inspired choice. He can sing, dance, perform and command any stage that he hits. Anyone who has seen him live in concert over the past few years can attest to the fact that he’s got the range. We cannot wait to see him play Rick and get into character in his braided wigs, leather outfits and thigh-high boots.
Ty James is also looking forward to seeing how he does. “I know playing my dad is stepping into some big shoes, but I am confident Stokley will kill it. My dad would be so proud,” she shared via press release.
“I am so delighted to have Stokley, the voice of Mint Condition, bring the character of Rick James to life,” Je’Caryous stated, equally as excited. “It takes a talent such as Stokley who is a master of many instruments to fill the shoes of a maestro like Rick James.”
With Stokley locked in as the star of the show, anticipation for Super Freak: The Rick James Story is officially high. The musical is set to debut in Houston on March 14th before traveling to numerous cities across the country through June. A few stops include Detroit, Atlanta, D.C., Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Louisville, Memphis, Dallas, New Orleans and Los Angeles, where the final show will happen on June 8th.
View the complete 30-city itinerary for Super Freak: The Rick James Story starring Stokley below. Tickets for all shows may be accessed from the production’s website.
Super Freak: The Rick James Story Tour dates:
March 14-17 - Houston, TX - The Hobby Center For The Performing Arts
March 20 - Buffalo, NY - Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
March 21-24 - Detroit, MI - Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts
March 28 - Raleigh, NC - Memorial Auditorium
March 29-31 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
April 2-7 - Washington, D.C. - The National Theatre
April 10 - Wallingford, CT - Toyota Oakdale Theatre
April 11 - Boston, MA - Emerson Colonial Theatre
April 12-14 - Brooklyn, NY - Kings Theatre
April 17 - Norfolk, VA - Chrysler Hall
April 18 - Richmond, VA - Altria Theater
April 20 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met Philadelphia
April 21 - Baltimore, MD - Lyric Theatre
April 24 - Akron, OH - Akron Civic Theatre
April 25 - Milwaukee, WI - Miller High Life Theatre
April 26-27 - Chicago, IL - Arie Crown Theater
April 28 - Columbus, OH - Palace Theatre
May 1 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre
May 2 - Louisville, KY - Palace Theatre
May 3-4 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
May 5 - St. Louis, MO - Stifel Theatre
May 9-12 - Dallas, TX - The Black Academy Of Arts And Letters
May 16 - Jacksonville, FL - Moran Theater
May 17 - Columbia, SC - Township Auditorium
May 18 - Fayetteville, NC - Crown Theater
May 19 - North Charleston, SC - North Charleston PAC
May 28 - Little Rock, AR - Robinson Center
May 30 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC Concert Hall
June 2 - New Orleans, LA - Saenger Theater
June 6-8 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Pantages Theatre
