FREEZE FRAME: Meet the Company of SOUL DOCTOR

The upcoming Broadway musical Soul Doctor, about the life and music of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and his unlikely friendship with Nina Simone, will begin performances at the Circle in the Square Theatre on Wednesday, July 17, with an official opening slated for Thursday, August 15. Soul Doctor has music by Shlomo Carlebach, orchestrated and arranged for Broadway by Steve Margoshes (Smokey Joe's Café, The Who's Tommy), book and direction by Daniel S. Wise, and lyrics by David Schechter. The cast and creative team just met the press, and BroadwayWorld brings you a few snapshots below! Be sure to check back later for full coverage!

The new Broadway musical Soul Doctor tells the fascinating story of the beloved yet controversial father of popular Jewish music, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. A modern-day troubadour, Shlomo ignited the spirit of millions around the world with his soul-stirring melodies, transformative storytelling and boundless love. After his childhood escape from Nazi Germany, the young Rabbi formed an unlikely friendship with legendary jazz singer Nina Simone, who introduced him to soul and gospel music. Fusing his roots with his newfound inspiration, Shlomo created a revolutionary musical sound, writing songs that became instant standards. As a "Rock Star Rabbi" of the 1960s, he struggled to harmonize his traditional beliefs with the "free love" generation. Today, his uplifting music and message help to define America's most defiant era.

Featuring over 30 of Shlomo's timeless hits, Soul Doctor is an exhilarating musical journey through the triumphs and tribulations of a cultural phenomenon.

Eric Anderson will play Shlomo, the role that garnered him a 2013 Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, for his performances Off-Broadway, and Amber Iman, making her Broadway debut, will play the role of Nina Simone. They will be joined by a multi-cultural cast including Jacqueline Antaramian, Dianna Barger, Richard Cerato, Maria Conti, Alexandra Frohlinger, Afra Hines, Abdur-Rahim Jackson, Jamie Jackson, Ethan Khusidman,Dillon Kondor, Zarah Mahler, Vasthy Mompoint, Ron Orbach, Ian Paget, Heather Parcells, Michael Paternostro, JC Schuster, Eric J. Stockton, Ryan Strand and Teddy Walsh.

The award-winning design team for Soul Doctor includes scenic design by Neil Patel ([title of show]), costume design by Maggie Morgan (David's Red-Haired Death), lighting design by Jeff Croiter (Newsies) and sound design by John Shivers (2013 Tony-winner for Kinky Boots) and David Patridge, as well as choreographer Benoit-Swan Pouffer (acclaimed former artistic director of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet).

This production is produced by Jeremy Chess, Jerome Levy, Robert Beckwitt, Edward Steinberg, Joel Kahn and Danny Boy Productions.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride