DELTA BLUE Musical To Hold Industry Presentation In New York

The new musical DELTA BLUE will hold a special industry presentation in New York on Thursday, April 30, as the project continues its development toward a full production.

Written by Trey Ellis and Matt Williams, with music by Masi Asare and Jimmy Vivino, DELTA BLUE follows one man's journey as he wrestles with his troubled past and attempts to save what matters most to him. Set in 1946, the story moves from the Mississippi Delta to Memphis’ Beale Street and the nightclubs of Chicago. The musical is produced by Tamara Tunie and directed by Kent Gash.

The presentation will feature Donald Webber, Jr. (Hamilton), Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical), NaTasha Yvette Williams (Some Like It Hot), JD Mollison (Les Misérables), Keziah John-Paul (The Book of Mormon), Brenda Braxton (Chicago), Nora Cole (Jelly’s Last Jam), Charl Brown (Tammy Faye), Walter Russell III (MJ The Musical), Sam Encarnacion (The Bandaged Place), Rheaume Crenshaw (Ragtime), Phillip Boykin (Hadestown), Malik Bilbrew (BloodLove), Maya Jerome Thomas (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and Terrence Reddick (Les Misérables).

The score draws on blues influences alongside contemporary musical theater storytelling, reflecting the cultural landscape of 1940s America.

“Delta Blue tells the story of transformation, faith, and the extraordinary power of music to heal – with a fresh, unforgettable sound that leaves you wanting more. I'm thrilled to share this next step in our show's journey with the industry,” said producer Tamara Tunie.

The presentation is cast by Peter Van Dam/The TRC Company. Clayton Howe of Ampersand Theatrical Management serves as general manager, and Lark Hackshaw is the production stage manager.

The invite-only presentation marks a developmental milestone for the musical. DELTA BLUE previously held a staged song night at The Green Room in 2025 and has undergone additional workshops following its inception at the Cherry Lane Theater and the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals.

Creative Team

Matt Williams (Writer/Producer) is the creator of the television series Roseanne and Home Improvement, and a producer of films including Where the Heart Is, What Women Want, and Bernie.

Tamara Tunie (Producer) is a Tony Award-winning producer for Spring Awakening and an Obie Award-winning actor for Familiar. She currently appears in the CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates and is a founding member and board member of Black Theatre United.

Trey Ellis (Writer) is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, novelist, and playwright whose works include True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality and The Tuskegee Airmen.

Masi Asare (Songwriter/Composer) is a Tony-nominated songwriter for Paradise Square and the author of Honors for Blues Mamas, which examines Black women singers in U.S. musical theatre between 1900 and 1970.

Jimmy Vivino (Songwriter/Composer) served as musical director for Conan O’Brien for more than 30 years and brings experience in blues and rock music to the score.