Magic Johnson Moves Ahead With Plans to Bring SOUL TRAIN to Broadway

As BroadwayWorld reported earlier this year, NBA star-turned-entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson has plans to bring SOUL TRAIN to Broadway as a musical.

Johnson purchased the Soul Train brand in 2011 and had been considering reviving it via TV, print and stage outlets, among other ideas. Today, the NY Post's Michael Reidel reports that Johnson has been working with other investors to actively move forward with a musical.

SOUL TRAIN wouldn't be his first foray into the world of theatre: Johnson had a hand in producing this year's short-lived MAGIC/BIRD, which was based on his rivalry and friendship with Larry Bird.

In its 35-year history, Soul Train primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, along with funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists. Over 1,100 episodes were produced from the variety show's 1971 debut through the 2005-06 season. Soul Train's creator, Don Cornelius, passed away this February; Cornelius stopped hosting the show in 1993 and had reportedly been involved in a movie project involving the brand from 2010.

In addition to the musical, Johnson had reportedly been considering plans for a cruise, a book and potential film deals.