John Legend To Produce “Turn Me Loose” Starring Scandal’s Joe Morton

Shondaland is letting us borrow one of our favorites in May. Joe Morton who plays Rowan Pope/ Command on ABC’s hit, Scandal, is coming back to the stage in Turn Me Loose.

Written by Gretchen Law, directed by John Gould Rubin, and produced by John Legend, “Turn Me Loose” will start previews May 3rd and is set to open May 19 at the Westside Theater.

Morton brings to life the story of Dick Gregory and explores his existence at the intersection of celebrity and activist.

On the timeliness and relevance of bringing the story of this legend to stage, Legend comments:

People like Dick Gregory, Paul Robeson, Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone show me what the definition of an artist is – it isn’t just to make art but to speak truth to what’s happening, speak beauty into the world, speak love into the world and also get involved.

And speak truth, Dick Gregory has. Gregory first hit the scene in the 60s and he’s always had a way of simultaneously reading people for filth and taking a political stance, that shows you he is a proud member of #WokeAsHell. He’s equal part comedian and civil rights activist, and at 83, he’s still politicking and educating the masses.

Legend promises audiences will “laugh, have a great time, be empowered, and turned loose.” If anything will be turned loose, it’s me when I hear the new song the Oscar winner wrote for the show. #WERK

Joe Morton may be best known for portraying Olivia Pope’s father on Scandal. But like I said, he’s been #BroadwayBlack. He was Tony nominated for his work in Raisin. Additional credits include:  Art, Honky Tonk Nights, Oh, Brother!, Tricks, and Two Gentlemen of Verona.

To get your tickets click HERE.