FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

SUPER FREAK: THE RICK JAMES STORY

CELEBRATING THE KING OF PUNK-FUNK

MAKES ITS WAY TO RICHMOND, APRIL 18

 

Tickets On Sale Starting Friday, February 9 at 10AM Local

 

(FEBRUARY 6, 2024 – Richmond, VA) – Just Announced! “Super Freak: The Rick James Story” comes to Altria Theater on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 9, at 10:00AM. Tickets will be available online at altriatheater.com, by phone at (800) 514-3849 via Etix, or in-person at the Altria Theater Box Office, located at 6 N. Laurel Street, open Monday-Friday, 10AM-2PM local.

 

The charismatic, flamboyant, provocative musician Rick James dominated the airwaves with his infectious song Super Freak. His fusion of funk, groove, and rock made the unruly pioneer the trendsetter of the 80's. Always outrageous, Rick James was a master of celebration and now the party lives on through “Super Freak: The Rick James Story”. With a stellar cast, breathtaking choreography, and popular hits such as "Give It to Me Baby," "Mary Jane," and "Super Freak," this musical odyssey bursts to life on the gritty streets of Buffalo – the backdrop for the arrival of the King of Punk Funk.

 

With his iconic braids and leather-clad body, Rick's flamboyant and rebellious stage persona takes center stage as we follow his turbulent life; tracing his rise to stardom, his chart-topping hits, and the profound impact he made on modern music as a brilliant hitmaker, and influential Producer.

 

Produced by acclaimed Writer/Producer/Director Je'Caryous Johnson and Ty James, James’ only daughter and President of the Rick James Estate, “Super Freak: The Rick James Story” is based on the books ‘Glow’, by Rick James and David Ritz and ‘Memoirs of a Superfreak,’ by Rick James,” and is written by Johnson, J Kyle Manzay, and Troy Byer.

 

Johnson, who has earned acclaim for his dynamic and immersive theatrical productions, expressed his excitement about bringing Rick James' story to the stage. "Rick James was a true trailblazer whose influence continues to resonate in today's music landscape. With 'Super Freak: The Rick James Story,' we aim to honor his unparalleled talent and captivating persona, giving audiences an unforgettable experience."

Ty James, who has been instrumental in preserving and promoting her father's musical legacy, shared her enthusiasm for the project. "This project is a labor of love and a tribute to my father's extraordinary life. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Je'Caryous Johnson to create an authentic and exhilarating portrayal of Rick James' journey, showcasing his musical genius and larger-than-life spirit."

Rick James was Motown’s hottest artist in the 80s releasing chart-topping hits "Super Freak" and "Give It To Me Baby" on his 1981 LP, Street Songs. These tracks showcased James' mesmerizing bass lines and infectious grooves that beckoned listeners to the dance floor. He was a sought-after producer, working on hits for Eddie Murphy (“Party All the Time”), The Temptations (“Standing On The Top”), The Mary Jane Girls and Teena Marie.

 

"Super Freak: The Rick James Story” takes audiences beyond the glittering facade.  The musical explores the layers of Rick's internal struggles and insane lifestyle filled sex, drugs, and music. From humble beginnings to the glitzy, hedonistic world of Hollywood, "Super Freak: The Rick James Story" captures the essence of a musical icon, leaving audiences with an unforgettable experience and the resounding declaration, "He's Rick James, B*tch!

 

Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, February 9, at 10:00AM. Tickets will be available online at altriatheater.com, by phone at (800) 514-3849 via Etix, or in-person at the Altria Theater Box Office, located at 6 N. Laurel Street, open Monday-Friday, 10AM-2PM local.

 

As a courtesy reminder, Altria Theater urges ticket buyers to buy direct from the Altria Theater website or from the sources listed above. All other ticketing sources are through unauthorized sellers. More information on buying direct can be found at altriatheater.com/events/buy-direct.

 

For more information, visit altriatheater.com.

 

###

 

About Je’Caryous Johnson

For almost two decades, Je’Caryous Johnson has transformed the world of Urban Theatre and propelled himself into mainstream notoriety and success. It all started for him with his forward thinking to turn African American romance novels into stage plays. The four-time National Championship Playwright is a recipient of the NAACP 2007 Trailblazer Award and is the youngest Producer/Playwright to garner national media attention. He was the first person to adapt an African American romance novel into a stage play. He was also the first person to write and produce a novel and a play, simultaneously.

 

To date over 3.5 million people have seen Johnson’s shows and they have grossed over $150 million dollars in revenue. Some of Johnson’s hit plays have included Men Cry in the Dark with Allen Payne, The Maintenance Man with Billy Dee Williams, Friends and Lovers and Cheaters with Grammy Award winning singer Brian McKnight, Johnson’s original productions include, Married But Single and Married But Single Too, which starred LisaRaye McCoy and Bill Bellamy, sold out from coast to coast and continued to garner Johnson a groundswell of support and fans. Even his most recent endeavors Redemption of A Dogg, adapted for the stage and based on the hit gospel album of hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, Two Can Play That Game starring Vivica A. Fox, Set It Off starring Da Brat as Cleo, and New Jack City, starring Allen Payne, reprising his role as Gee Money and Naughty by Natures’ Treach, both based on the hit movies, continue to establish Johnson as a trailblazer and put him in a league of his own.

 

About Ty James

As the President of the Rick James estate, Ty James is wholeheartedly dedicated to honoring her father's musical contributions and ensuring his enduring impact on the history of music. She has joined forces with Showtime and Mass Appeal as an executive producer for the official documentary chronicling her father's life. The documentary premiered on September 3, 2021, offering an intimate and comprehensive portrayal of the legendary artist.

In addition to her involvement in the documentary, Ty James has launched a clothing line named after her father's band, "Stonecity." This clothing line serves as a tribute to Rick James funky style and his profound musical legacy. Furthermore, she has established a music label called Dreammakers Worldwide, inspired by one of Rick James' hit songs. Through this label, Ty aspires to sign and promote artists whose music carries deep meaning and touches hearts, transcending through decades, much like her father's music does.

Ty James embraces her role as a custodian of her father's musical heritage, actively working on various projects to honor Rick James' legacy and support the continuation of his influential musical impact.

 

About ASM Richmond

ASM Richmond is the Richmond, Virginia division of ASM Global, the world’s leading provider of innovative venue services and live experiences. The company manages three local venues including Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center on behalf of the Richmond Performing Arts Corporation (RPAC) and Bon Secours Training Center on behalf of the Richmond Economic Development Authority. Previously known as SMG Richmond, the company became ASM Richmond in 2019 following the merger between its parent company, SMG Worldwide, and AEG Facilities. ASM Richmond oversees all facets of venue management including administration and finance, sales and marketing, event production and promotion, and facilities maintenance.

---