The New Jack City stage play is an adaptation of the 1991 cult classic film that starred Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Allen Payne, and Chris Rock. The film told the story of Nino Brown, a rising drug lord in New York City during the crack epidemic of the 1980s. Directed by Mario Van Peebles, New Jack City was known for its gritty realism in portraying the violence and despair of the crack era.
Now, over 25 years later, New Jack City has been reimagined for the theater in the form of a dynamic stage play. While retaining the basic storyline of Nino Brown’s rise and fall, the stage version of New Jack City has cast new actors to put their own spin on the iconic roles. As the play gears up for productions across the country, there is much anticipation over who will be stepping into the shoes of characters like Nino, Scotty, and GiGi.
About the New Jack City Stage Play
The New Jack City stage play had its world premiere in October 2017 at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. The play was conceived and directed by the Tony Award-winning choreographer and director Otis Sallid. Sallid, known for his work on Broadway productions like Smokey Joe’s Cafe, brought his creative vision to adapt New Jack City for the stage.
The script for the play was penned by the accomplished playwright and author Je’Caryous Johnson. Johnson is widely considered one of the top African American playwrights in the industry today. Some of his popular works include I Know I’ve Been Changed and Things Your Man Won’t Do.
The New Jack City stage play took nearly a year of development before its big premiere. The whole creative team from the director to the writers aimed to pay homage to the original film while also bringing an innovative new spin. The play combines music, dance, multimedia effects, and great drama to retell the New Jack City story for a modern theater audience.
Casting the Main Roles
Filling the shoes of an iconic film character is no easy task. But the producers of the New Jack City play conducted extensive auditions to find just the right performers. Here are the actors who landed the main roles in the stage version of this classic story:
Nino Brown – Played by the rapper and actor Treach of the hip hop duo Naughty by Nature, Vinson “Treach” Hardimon takes on the role of the ruthless, charismatic crime lord Nino Brown. Treach has some experience acting, with film credits that include Strapped, Love and a Bullet, and Dead Heist. But this marks his biggest dramatic acting role to date as he steps into a part made famous by Wesley Snipes.
GiGi – New Jack City fans will remember Nino Brown’s girlfriend GiGi, played in the film by Vanessa Williams. Taking on the part of GiGi in the stage version is R&B singer Alyson Williams. She is known for 80s and 90s hits like “Sleep Talk,” “Just Call My Name,” and her cover of “I Need Your Lovin’.” Williams has extensive musical theater credentials, having starred in shows like Dreamgirls, Mama I Want to Sing, and more.
Scotty Appleton – Ice-T memorably played undercover cop Scotty Appleton in the original film. Now, actor Omar Gooding, best known for classic 90s movies like Baby Boy and Dead Presidents, steps into the role on stage. He also appeared in the Barbershop franchise and on TV shows like Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.
Stone – In the New Jack City film, comedian Chris Rock portrayed the character Stone, one of Nino’s close associates. For the stage version, the hip hop artist Da Brat takes on the role. Da Brat is known for hit songs like “Funkdafied” and “Not Tonight.” She brings her vivacious energy to the character of Stone.
Selina – R&B singer Shirley Murdock stars as Selina, the mother of Nino Brown. Murdock is best known for her 1986 chart-topping single “As We Lay” as well as other hits like “Husband.”
Supporting Cast and Ensemble
In addition to the main principals, the New Jack City stage play also features a strong supporting cast and ensemble:
– Veteran actor Roger Guenveur Smith plays Detective Stone, Scotty Appleton’s partner in bringing down Nino’s drug empire. Smith has appeared in numerous Spike Lee films over the years.
– Nino’s henchman, Gee Money, is played by up-and-coming young actor Bryant “Cierrah P” Colbert. He appeared in the film Imperial Dreams.
– Actress LeToya Luckett, original member of the platinum-selling group Destiny’s Child, takes on the role of Nino’s neglected girlfriend Keisha.
– Meanwhile, Nino’s main rival, the Jamaican cartel leader Kareem Akbar, is played by Brooklyn-based reggae singer Bon Tarrant.
– The ensemble features additional cast members like Jerod Mixon, Iyana Halley, Tobias Truvillion, and more.
– The overall cast totals 27 members, allowing for big dance numbers and crowd scenes befitting a major stage production.
Unique Aspects of the Stage Play
While the New Jack City stage play pays homage to the much-loved film, it also takes the material in some new creative directions that will surprise and delight audiences. Some unique aspects of the stage version include:
– An original soundtrack featuring all new music: The play incorporates original songs and compositions rather than using the film’s famous soundtrack produced by Quincy Jones.
– Elaborate dance numbers: Choreographer Otis Sallid has incorporated several show-stopping dance routines, allowing him to showcase his Tony-winning talents.
– Magic tricks and stunts: To heighten Nino’s larger-than-life persona, the character performs elaborate magic tricks and stunts on stage.
– Multimedia effects: Dynamic video projection, 3D mapping technology, and digital backgrounds help fully immerse the audience in the world of New Jack City.
– 80s nostalgia: From the costume design to the music, the show celebrates the unique style and culture of the 1980s that defined the film.
– Deeper character development: The play expands on characters like Keisha and Selina who take on greater significance.
– Surprise cameos: Producer Je’Caryous Johnson hinted that some special surprise guests may make cameo appearances in select productions.
Early Reviews
The New Jack City stage show premiered in Washington DC to strong reviews, generating positive buzz before taking the production on the road. Here are some excerpts from early critical reactions:
“Director Otis Sallid’s spectacular staging is replete with dazzling musical performances and brightly lit ladders of churning fog that lead Nino Brown into the heavens of the crack trade.” – Washington Post
“Leads Treach, Omar Gooding, and Alyson Williams inhabit their roles with a naturalistic freshness that works in ideal synchronicity with the play’s more presentational elements.” – Hollywood Reporter
“Though it remains faithful to the plot of the movie, the play manages to go deeper into themes of addiction, loss, and the cyclical nature of violence.” – Rolling Stone
“If you were a fan of New Jack City the movie, you will be blown away by New Jack City the live experience.” – The Root
“This stage production succeeds remarkably in preserving the original film’s energy and danger.” – Variety
Upcoming Tour Dates
Following its initial run in Washington DC, the New Jack City stage play embarked on a national tour in 2018 that will continue through 2019. Here is a look at some of the upcoming scheduled performances:
January 4-6, 2019 | Kodak Center, Rochester, NY |
January 11-13, 2019 | Orpheum Theater, Madison, WI |
January 18-20, 2019 | Fox Theater, Detroit, MI |
January 25-27, 2019 | Saenger Theater, New Orleans, LA |
February 1-3, 2019 | Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX |
February 8-10, 2019 | Orpheum Theater, Wichita, KS |
February 15-17, 2019 | Pantages Theater, Los Angeles, CA |
February 22-24, 2019 | Majestic Theater, San Antonio, TX |
March 1-3, 2019 | Au-Rene Theater, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL |
March 8-10, 2019 | Saenger Theater, Mobile, AL |
March 15-17, 2019 | Wharton Center, East Lansing, MI |
March 22-24, 2019 | Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank, NJ |
March 29-31, 2019 | Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, FL |
Future Productions
Due to its initial success, producers have announced plans to continue touring productions of the New Jack City stage play through at least 2020. There is also discussion of bringing the show to Broadway in the future.
International productions are also a possibility. The creators have noted that the musical style and themes of New Jack City could prove popular in markets like London and South Africa. A Spanish language production for Latin American tour is also being explored.
Whatever the future holds, the excitement over New Jack City’s reemergence as a stage play proves the timeless appeal of this classic story. For both loyal fans of the film and newcomers, the opportunity to experience New Jack City in an entirely new medium is truly thrilling.
Conclusion
The New Jack City stage play stands as a testament to the original film’s cultural significance. By reimagining New Jack City through the lens of a live theatrical production, director Otis Sallid has found a creative way to reenergize the classic narrative for modern audiences. The talented cast succeeds in making the roles their own while paying respect to the cinematic performances that came before them.
Early reviews have been glowing, and advance ticket sales are strong. For those who get the chance to catch the show on its national tour, the New Jack City stage play promises to be a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. It manages to feel both nostalgic and innovative all at once. Even viewers familiar with every line of the movie are sure to be enthralled by the play’s fresh take and electrifying staging.
New Jack City was a definitive film of the 1990s. Over 25 years later, the New Jack City stage play stands poised to introduce Nino Brown and his ruthless, tragic story to thrill a whole new generation.