The Roots’ Black Thought will write and perform in new Black No More musical

After building up a resume in film and on television, Black Thought is about to become an off-Broadway star. The Roots’ lead MC is writing the music and lyrics to a musical adaptation of the novel Black No More, and will also star in The New Group‘s production of the show this fall.

Black No More, a 1931 novel by George S. Schuyler, is an Afrofuturistic satire on race relations in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance. According to The New Group, “It’s June 1928 in New York City, and Howard University graduate Dr. Junius Crookman promotes a mysterious machine that promises to remove the burden of race from any person of color by turning them white — Crookman’s plan to ‘solve the American race problem.’ Black No More is an examination of race, identity and the very nature of love.”

The musical is slated to premiere at Pershing Square Signature Center in October. The book was written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley, known for 12 Years a Slave. Other cast members will include Tony-nominated actress Jennifer Damiano, Hamilton star Brandon Victor Dixon, Tamika Lawrence, and Theo Stockman. Read more about the Black No More musical production here.