Invitation-only developmental readings of Slippin’ Through the Cracks, a new musical about bluesman Bobby Rush, will be presented in New York City March 7-8. 

The cast will be led by Walter Russell III (MJ The Musical) as Young Bobby Rush, Cedric Lemar as Bobby Rush, and Mark Henderson (Hawthorne) as Emmett Eliss Sr. and Older Bobby Rush.

The company, who will play family members, business associates, and fellow musicians, will also feature Melvin Abston (Death of a Salesman), Max Clayton (The Music Man), Hosea Griffith, Sheldon Henry (Tina), David Jennings (Tina), Jessie Lenat (Sneaky Pete), Lizan Mitchell (Ohio State Murders), Kyle Taylor Parker (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Akilah Ayanna Sailers (Mrs. Doubtfire), Carla R. Stewart (Tina), and NaTasha Yvette Williams (Some Like it Hot).

Two-time Grammy winner Rush will join the company performing the final song in the show.

Slippin’ Through the Cracks has music and lyrics by Bobby Rush with a book by Rush and Stephen Lloyd Helper, who co-directs with Arminda Thomas. The readings will also feature musical direction by Felton Offard, stage directions read by Asha Etchison, and casting by The Telsey Office.

Rush has been making music for nearly 70 years with more than 400 recordings and 27 studio albums to his name.

Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTownProductions, Wendall K. Harrington, and Stephen Lloyd Helper are developing the new musical.