Casting is complete for Soul Doctor: Journey of a Rock-Star Rabbi, the new musical about the life and music of Shlomo Carlebach. Amber Iman (Rent, A Civil War Christmas) will play Nina Simone opposite previously announced star Eric Anderson as Shlomo. Written and directed by Daniel Wise, Soul Doctor features music by Carlebach and Nina Simone, with lyrics by David Schechter. Soul Doctor will begin performances July 17 at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre, with an official opening night set for August 15.
In addition to Anderson and Iman, Soul Doctor will feature Jacqueline Antaramian, Dianna Barger, Richard Cerato, Maria Conti, Alexandra Frohlinger, Afra Hines, Abdur-Rahim Jackson, Jamie Jackson, Ethan Khusidman, Dillon Kondor, Zarah Mahler, Vasthy Mompoint, Ron Orbach, Ian Paget, Heather Parcells, Michael Paternostro, JC Schuster, Eric J. Stockton, Ryan Strand and Teddy Walsh.
Soul Doctor tells the story of the beloved yet controversial father of popular Jewish music, rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and his friendship with legendary jazz singer Nina Simone. As a “Rock Star Rabbi” of the 1960s, Carlebach struggled to harmonize his traditional beliefs with the “free love” generation. Soul Doctor premiered in the summer of 2012 at off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop.
The new musical features choreography by Benoit-Swan Pouffer, scenic design by Neil Patel, costume design by Maggie Morgan, lighting design by Jeff Croiter and sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge.