The 'Girls Trip' star, the 'Bad Moms' actress and the TV mogul have signed up as the producers of Kerry Washington's new play that will be directed by Kenny Leon.
- Sep 26, 2018
AceShowbiz - Gabrielle Union, Jada Pinkett Smith, and TV mogul Shonda Rhimes are heading to Broadway as producers of Kerry Washington's new play "American Son".
The stars have teamed up to back the production, written by newcomer Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
Set in a Florida police station, it focuses on a separated interracial couple which attempts to locate its missing 18-year-old son, whose empty car was found during a traffic stop.
Actress Gabrielle, who is stepmother to husband Dwyane Wade's three boys and also helps to raise his teenage nephew, reveals the subject matter really struck her she grapples with daily fears about any interactions the kids may have with police during the current climate of increasing racial divide across America.
She celebrated the news of her involvement in the play by sharing a trio of photos on Instagram, including two of her young family from her wedding day.
"As parents who are raising black boys in Florida... @dwyanewade and I know firsthand the fear, anxiety and frustration that goes hand in hand when so many demonize, weaponize and criminalize black and brown bodies," she writes. "This wedding pic is right when the boys were preteens, and the reactions to them started to change from 'oh how cute' to 'clutch the pearls (concern).'
"#AmericanSon effectively and beautifully details this experience and we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with such a dynamic group of creatives, producers and investors to bring this powerful play to life. We are humbled. We are honored. We are ready. Thank you @kerrywashington for bringing us on board for this incredible journey. @americansonplay."
The project, which also stars Steven Pasquale, reunites Kerry with her "Scandal" creator Shonda Rhimes, while her husband, former American footballer-turned-actor Nnamdi Asomugha, and music mogul Steve Stoute have also been added as producers, alongside the leading lady.
The play marks the actress' first time back on Broadway since making her debut in the 2009 production of David Mamet's Race.
Performances will begin at the Booth Theatre on 6 October, ahead of opening night on 4 November.
