Barack and Michelle Obama are set to make their Broadway debut as producers of the revival of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Proof. The former US president and first lady announced the venture through their media company, Higher Ground.
The production will feature Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri in their Broadway debuts, alongside Jin Ha and Samira Wiley. Directed by Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail, the 16-week run begins previews on March 31 at the Booth Theatre in New York City, with opening night on April 16.
In a statement, the Obamas said: “To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy, and Mike at the helm is an extraordinary privilege, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production. Proof is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion.”
This marks Higher Ground's first theatre production, following successes in film, TV, and podcasts, including the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory and the Netflix film Rustin. The company has earned three Academy Award nominations, six Emmy wins, and two Grammy wins.
