Barack and Michelle Obama’s media company, Higher Ground, is expanding into live theater with a co-production of the upcoming Broadway revival of Proof, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn. Performances begin March 31 at New York City’s Booth Theatre, with an official opening on April 16.
The production marks the Broadway debuts of Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri and Golden Globe winner Don Cheadle. They are joined by Grammy nominee Jin Ha and Emmy winner Samira Wiley. In Proof, Edebiri plays Catherine, the mathematically gifted daughter of Cheadle’s character, Robert, who confronts questions of authorship and legacy after her father’s death.
“To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy and Mike at the helm is an extraordinary privilege,” the Obamas said in a statement. “Proof is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion — a play that asks profound questions about brilliance, doubt and what we inherit from the people we love most.”
Higher Ground is partnering with Tony Award-nominated producer Mike Bosner and Tony-winning director-producer Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton, on the revival. “We’re thrilled to welcome Higher Ground as partners on Proof,” Bosner and Kail said. “Their creative vision and commitment to storytelling make them ideal collaborators for this production.”
The Obamas’ move into Broadway follows the company’s success across film, television and podcasting, including Academy Award-winning American Factory, the Emmy-winning documentary Crip Camp, and Audible Originals such as The Wonder of Stevie. Higher Ground has accrued three Oscars, six Emmys, and two Grammys.
The revival of Proof will run for a strictly limited 16-week engagement. Tickets are available now.
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