12 Years a Slave’s John Ridley Boards Musical Drama for Showtime

Oscar winner John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Guerrilla) has come on board an as-yet-untitled musical drama series for Showtime as executive producer, writer and director.

The project centers on an emotionally complex family story that spans generations and threatens the fabric of the community in present-day Milwaukee. A native of Milwaukee himself, Ridley won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for 12 Years a Slave. He was also the creator, showrunner and director of the critically acclaimed anthology series American Crime, receiving multiple Emmy nominations.

The 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys serves as executive producer along with the Oscar-, Tony- and Grammy-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman), who will also contribute music.

From Fox 21 Television Studios, the musical drama series will be executive produced, written and directed by Ridley. Keys, Pasek and Paul also executive produce. Tony winner and Oscar-nominated producer Marc Platt (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, The Band’s Visit, La La Land), Emmy winner R.J. Cutler (Nashville, American High) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Grease: Live!) also serve as executive producers.

“Having worked with John Ridley many times over the years, I know firsthand how talented and fearless he is both as a writer and director,” said Gary Levine, president of entertainment at Showtime Networks. “Combining his dramatic depth with the musical brilliance of Pasek and Paul and Alicia Keys promises a wildly original and entertaining series for Showtime.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to work not only again with Gary and Showtime, but to also collaborate with the phenomenal talents of Alicia Keys, the team of Pasek and Paul, Marc Platt, and R.J. and Adam as well,” said Ridley. “I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to set the series in Milwaukee, and examine the challenges and triumphs of my hometown; a city to which I remain deeply connected.”