NEW YORK, NY — Get ready to see a musical experience like no other as Jesus Culture and pop culture combine.
Jesus Is My Homeboy: The Muzikal is coming to the home of Broadway on Friday, October 18 at Central Baptist Church of NYC. There will be two showings at 3:00pm and 7:00pm for all ages. Tickets are on sale now.
Hear the story for yourself:
The production of this musical has been in the works for nearly 4 years and this Friday, cast and crew members are ready to take center stage and deliver something audiences have never seen before.
The story is set to reinvent and reimagine Jesus and other biblical figures during the emerging era of Hip Hop in the 80s and 90s. Characters such as Jesus (JC), Peter, Barabbas, and more all take on roles that depict the struggles we face in this day and age. The story lines cover struggles such as alcoholism, family dynamics, sickness, and more.
Van Zan Frater created this T-shirt and movement after a near-death encounter in Los Angeles with several gang members. After finding himself lost, several teenage boys surrounded Frater and all pointed guns towards him. On the verge of getting killed, Frater yelled out, "Jesus is my homeboy!" One young man heard him cry out those words and chose to not take his life in that moment. Frater ran home knowing he has to create a wearable reminder that Jesus can save anybody.
Kang took this idea of a musical to Frater himself and started working on how he could incorporate this story through song.
"The way he responded to my testimony confirmed that it was God, and that is when I had the confidence to go all out," Kang said.
Musical creator and lead producer, Mark Kang, said this all started during a simple prayer. Hoping to be more involved in his faith, Kang asked God to provide an opportunity that combines his talents in media and love for the Lord.
That is when a T-shirt changed it all.
"After I was being prayed over, I looked up and saw a simple T-shirt that changed everything." Kang said.
Based off the personal story of Van Zan Frater, the Jesus Is My Homeboy tee became an iconic look that swept the pop culture scene in the early 2000s. Many celebrities have been spotted rocking the popular look.
Resembling Hamilton, the musical is set to re-tell history through a more comprehendible lens. From rap battles to moving acting, the show will take audience members through stories that do not stray far from the Bible.
While striving to bring a new and fresh perspective, the cast and crew ensured they stayed true to the biblical stories told from the very beginning. Lead actor and lyrists, Keaton Shaheen worked not only behind the scenes but is gearing up to take center stage as he depicts the role of Peter.
"We wanted to make sure there are clear parallels to the Bible, and that we never went too far off course," Shaheen adds.
After years of workshops writing sessions, and prayer, the show is about to begin this Friday and all believers and non-believers are invited to be the first to see the show.
This passion project was created by a group of actors, creatives, lyrists, musicians, and more to glorify God. "It [musical] was created to heal and free people from everyday struggles," Kang says.
Although the team had a wonderful time creating this show, they also recognize the weighted responsibility bringing this story to life was on them. While keeping it entertaining, the show is being brought to audiences to honor God without creating any false implications or disrespectful undertones.
"We want to deliver complete excellence!" Shaheen exclaimed.
Recognizing the universal language of Hip Hop, Kang says it was a fun and creative way to communicate a time in history, the same way Lin Manuel Maranda does in his show, Hamilton. Following the same format, Kang and Shaheen hope those who catch the show leave with a takeaway that brings them closer to a time that is sacred and respected.
"If one person realizes the spirit of Jesus Christ and comes to know God, it will all be worth it," Kang adds.