Writer, director, and producer Je’Caryous Johnson and Marvin Gaye III, eldest son of Marvin Gaye, Jr., are collaborating on a new bio-musical about and featuring the song catalogue of the Prince of Soul. The new work, to be co-written and co-produced by the duo, will debut in 2023.
With Gaye's son on the project, the team promises an authentic behind-the-scenes account of the recording artist. One of Motown's most famous voices, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner's hits include "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," “Sexual Healing,” “What’s Going On?” and “Let’s Get It On.” Gaye's works have previously been featured in the Broadway show Motown the Musical, as well as the revues Street Corner Symphony and Uptown...It's Hot!.
Johnson's most recent stage productions include Redemption of a Dogg, an original bio-musical loosely based on the life and music of rap superstar Snoop Dogg, and Set It Off: Live, a stage adaptation of the 1996 Warner Brothers cult film.
“I have the beautiful privilege of collaborating with Marvin Gaye III to celebrate and pay homage to the incredible legacy of Mr. Marvin Gaye,” said Johnson. “His music has provided a soundtrack for Black America, putting to music our collective experience as a people. I am delighted and excited to show the true makings of the man and uncover the lesser-known side of this legend through this musical. I am grateful to MGIII Global Licensing International, LLC for entrusting me to partner on this project and tell this epic story.”
Casting and premiere information will be announced at a later date.
