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Debbie Allen to Direct Authorized Maya Angelou Stage Play Targeting 2028 Premiere

The in-development work is positioned for Angelou’s centennial as the sole estate-approved theatrical portrayal of her life.

Overview

  • Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou is a play with music written by Angelica Chéri.
  • Producers are David Michael Rich and Tami Dew Rich of Corstoria and Todd Harris of J. Todd Harris Productions, with Octopus Theatricals as executive producer.
  • The project previously had a world premiere at North Carolina Black Repertory Company in 2021 and a developmental run at Ensemble Theatre Houston.
  • Aiming for a 2028 world premiere to coincide with Angelou’s 100th birthday, no venue has been set as the production continues development.
  • Allen said she knew Angelou personally and intends to dramatize the poet’s journey “from child to legend,” highlighting lesser-known chapters of her life.