Photos and Video: It's Opening Night! The Rockstar Rabbi Arrives on Broadway in SOUL DOCTOR!

Soul Doctor, about the life and music of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and his unlikely friendship with Nina Simone, officially opens tonight, 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. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!

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).

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.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg