Before “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda had an idea for a rollicking, improv show based on John Coltrane’s classic “A Love Supreme.” After a successful run on Broadway, ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ will hit Philadelphia in June.
The show, conceived by Philadelphia native Anthony Veneziale and created by Thomas Kail, Miranda and Veneziale, announced a national tour coming to the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Miller Theater from June 7-12. Produced by Kail, Miranda, Jenny & Jon Steingart, and Jill Furman, “Freestyle Love Supreme” is an intermission-less, roller-coaster ride of a show.
“Because the performers take suggestions from audience members during each performance, which they then spin into riffs and full-length musical numbers, no two performances of Freestyle Love Supreme are the same,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. “We look forward to welcoming audiences for repeat visits during ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’s’ special limited engagement. From the brilliant mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda, in partnership with Philadelphia native Anthony Veneziale, this electrifying show appeals to fans of hip-hop, musical theater, and comedic improv, as well as newcomers to the theater.”
Created before “In the Heights” and “Hamilton” and directed by Kail, “Freestyle Love Supreme” is a thrilling, improvised musical comedy show that features talented performers providing non-stop action throughout this fast-paced evening, spinning suggestions from the audience into humorous bits, instantaneous songs and riffs, and fully realized musical numbers. The electrifying vocals of the performers – from singing to rapping to beat-boxing with harmonies and freestyle flow – are backed by tight tunes from keyboards and human percussion. The show is created live every night with the audience contributing words, ideas, and inspiration. No two shows are ever the same.
“We’ve had many of our happiest and most fulfilling creative moments working on ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ and are excited to see its next chapter unfold on this national tour,” said Thomas Kail and Lin-Manuel Miranda. “It is a show that consistently surprises us: we have no idea what to expect any time we do it – and isn’t that the true beauty of live theater? ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ wouldn’t want or have it any other way!”
“Freestyle Love Supreme’s” company on tour includes Allentown, Pennsylvania native Morgan Reilly AKA “Hummingbird” and Philadelphia native Anthony Veneziale AKA “Two Touch” along with Andrew Bancroft AKA “Jelly Donut;” Simone Acosta AKA “Sims”; Richard Baskin, Jr. AKA “Rich Midway;” Jay C. Ellis AKA “Jellis J;” Mark Martin AKA “Mandible”; Kaila Mullady AKA “Kaiser Rözé;” James Rushin AKA “Shifty Hills;” and Dizzy Senze AKA “Dizzy”. Special spontaneous and unannounced guests are planned for select performances during the tour.
In name and beyond, ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ pays homage to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” with a nod to musical roots in jazz, soul, blues and hip-hop. “Freestyle Love Supreme” was originally developed and produced in 2004 by Ars Nova, in association with Jill Furman and Back House Productions.
The show has played in all five boroughs and many states, as well as the U.S. Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, and the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. Hulu premiered the documentary “We Are Freestyle Love Supreme” at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 and the acclaimed film was nominated for a Grammy Award. Watch the 2021 Tony Award closing performance performed by FLS here.
Source: Berkshire mont
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