Run-DMC To Make A Run On Broadway?

With Broadway licking its wounds from years of sagging revenues, empty seats and few shows that are still huge draws, what's next for the great white way? If super producer Paula Wagner has her way, it would be a musical about the godfathers of rap, Run-DMC.

After parting ways with longtime partner Tom Cruise, Wagner is striking out on her own and has set her sights on developing a musical about the rap legends, according to gossip columnist Liz Smith.

Apparently, Wagner plans to base the story on the group's journey from growing up in Queens to eventually going mainstream, becoming the preeminent cross over rap act of the 1980's. Their b-boy style and flair matched with their love for Adidas anything made them standouts. They've influenced not only the New York born and bred like Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, but Faith No More, NWA and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

"I feel their story lends itself perfectly to the stage. This project has been a passion of mine for some time and I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with them, " Wagner told Smith.

The story of Simmons, McDaniels and their musical partner Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell (who was murdered in 2002) will be told in a "unique manner." say Wagner. She will meet with Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels this week to check out other musicals for inspiration together.

Imagine the possibilities!

So, is Broadway ready for its first rap musical? If Jay-Z can sell out Madison Square Garden in five minutes twice, I think we have a contender. Run-DMC introduced a rapping cadence, style and lifestyle that broke the mold and created a model for every artist in the field.

Any great hip-hop or rap artist will count them as an influence. Just look at their list of firsts:

• A #1 R&B charting rap album
• The second rap act to appear on American Bandstand (the Sugar Hill Gang appeared first on the program in 1981)
• The first rap act to chart in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 more than once
• The first rap artist with a Top 10 pop charting rap album
• The first rap artist with gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums
• The first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine
• (one of) The first rap act(s) to receive a Grammy Award nomination
• The first rap act to make a video appearance on MTV
• The first rap act to perform at an arena
• Signed to an athletic product endorsement deal (Adidas)

So, boys and girls, just remember that no matter what you love Lil Wayne for, these guys did it all before he was even born. We must honor the forefathers of rap! If this comes to fruition don't be shy — buy a ticket! Support the arts!

Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamagenious/ / CC BY 2.0