Photo Flash: First Look at Palace Theatre's Stadium-Style Seating for HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME

The seating at the Palace Theatre has been transformed into new stadium style seating specifically for Holler If Ya Hear Me, the new Broadway musical inspired by the lyrics of Tupac Shakur - and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the theater's new change!

The creative team wanted to create a more intimate environment for audience and the actors, so the stage has been brought forward to cover the orchestra pit and rows A through J now rise in a direct line from the edge of the stage to the front of the mezzanine. Now every seat in the theatre is prime viewing.

Written by Todd Kreidler and directed by Kenny Leon, Holler If Ya Hear Me will begin performances on May 29, 2014 and open June 19, 2014 at the Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway at 47th Street).

On the decision to transform the theatre, Holler If Ya Hear Me producers Eric Gold and Jessica Green, said "We believe our most important contribution is to do whatever is realistic to ensure that the audience has the best creative and entertaining experience possible." It is rare for a Broadway show to change the structure of the theatre's seating. The new seating for Holler If Ya Hear Me puts 217 audience members in raked-seating similar to stadium seating in a movie house in rows A through J. The theatre's capacity has been reduced from 1,740 to an intimate 1,120.

The cast of Holler If Ya Hear Me stars award-winning slam poet, actor, singer, musician Saul Williams (Slam), Christopher Jackson (After Midnight),Saycon Sengbloh (Motown The Musical, Fela!), Ben Thompson (Matilda), John Earl Jelks (Radio Golf - Tony nomination), Joshua Boone (Brownsville Song [b side for Tray] at Actors Theatre of Louisville), Dyllon Burnside ("Prison Break") and Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Jelly's Last Jam, Caroline or Change, Play On!)