Jon Batiste, a multi-instrumentalist and leader of the house band on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, is working alongside director John Doyle on a musical based on the life and work of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Producers Alan D. and Barbara Marks are also involved and apparently have access to the Basquiat archives.
“I want people to leave this show inspired to create,” said Batiste in a statement. “I want them to not only learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat, an innovator, but to also feel the visceral thrill of the creative process and to deepen and discover their own creativity.”
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s younger sisters, Lisane and Jeanine, also released a statement about the project, revealing that people have approached them regarding stage projects in the past but their interest was piqued by this version once they realised that its “approach to telling our brother’s story treats his life, his art and his legacy with respect and passion.”
“With Jon Batiste and John Doyle leading the creative team, we are thrilled with the possibilities. We cannot wait to begin the developmental process. Broadway is a new world for us, and we looking forward to sharing our brother’s life and art,” they added.
A title and premiere date for the musical are yet to be announced.