We just recently discovered the news that there is a play based on Richard Pryor in the works that we hear is going to be produced for a Chicago production, to eventually end up on Broadway!
The production of the play will take a look at Pryor who we all know as a comedian but who we discover was an extremely complex man full of truth, contradictions and pain. The new production will be based on his life, and cover all aspects of the man and the legend, and will be titled Unspeakable, which is an unflinching dramatic fantasia unfolding inside the mind of this iconic comedic genius.
As of this writing, no casting decisions or commitments have been made for the Chicago production, but we hear that there are several people who the producers are looking at when the show ramps up.
Below is the official synopsis of the production:
“Unspeakable”, is an unflinching look at the life and times of an iconic, comedic genius. Covering a span of 61 years, we travel through the emotional landscape that is Richard Pryor. Growing up in a Peoria brothel his grandmother owns and operates, Pryor faces situations that forever shaped and scarred his sensitive soul. Coping with the reality of being born to a prostitute, his imagination allows him to escape and ultimately leads him to comedy.
Fueled by a strong desire to be accepted by mainstream audiences, Richard gains initial notoriety as a clone of his then role model Bill Cosby. Beneath the surface however, lay trapped the spirit of the more biting Richard of legend. Living in the shadow of his famous contemporary, Richard unhinges during his now famous 1960’s Aladdin Casino walk-off in Vegas.
Leaving his wife and child behind, Richard embarks on a journey to find himself in the hotbed of ‘60s political, social, and racial unrest: Berkeley, California. Following this cathartic self-exile, he reemerges as the most provocative comedian of his time and is thrust into superstardom. The pressures of fame and wealth take their toll however. They, coupled with the scars of childhood trauma and family pressures, send his life spinning out of control. Through his use of women, alcohol, and drug of choice, cocaine, he becomes hell-bent on self-destruction. The trials of life tormenting him, Richard finds a moment of clarity during a sojourn to Africa where he realizes his signature use of the word “nigger” is no longer valid.
With a renewed sense of purpose Richard returns to the states, but the demons are too many and too strong. His love affair with cocaine evolves into a freebasing nightmare, and his inner turmoil takes him to the brink of insanity. As a result, Richard Pryor takes control of it all in a blazingly self-destructive flourish.
Stay tuned as this story is developing!
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