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One-Woman Show Based on Maya Angelou’s Life and Writing in the Works

Angelou in "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise"

A Broadway show about Maya Angelou’s life and work might be on the way. Deadline confirms one-woman show “Phenomenal Woman: An Evening With Maya Angelou” is being developed with the blessing of Angelou’s son, Guy Johnson. The play’s producers hope to bring “Phenomenal Woman” to the Great White Way in 2021.

“Phenomenal Woman’s” narrative will integrate Angelou’s life story and writings, along with “some private musings that have never before been made public,” the source hints. Producers David Michael Rich of Corstoria, LLC — who represented Angelou for 11 years — and J. Todd Harris of Branded Pictures Entertainment have acquired “exclusive theatrical rights for key works from Angelou’s estate” for the show. Johnson has also signed on to produce “Phenomenal Woman.”

“My mother lived an extraordinary life,” Johnson stated. “She brought a sense of passion to living and invested herself wholly in it. What she wanted most was justice for all human beings, and the freedom to experience joy and laughter. We hope to capture her joie de vivre. We’re going to include some private anecdotes that will be a revelation to audiences,” he added. “I’m pleased to be working with this team in bringing her story to life and can’t wait for the public to experience it.”

Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928, Angelou penned autobiographies, poetry, plays, children’s books, and television. She also acted, directed, and was active in the Civil Rights Movement. Her notable works include memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and poem “On the Pulse of Morning.” Angelou was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. She died in 2014 at the age of 86.

Angelou is the subject of Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules’ 2016 doc “Maya Angelou and Still I Rise.” The film traces Angelou’s life and writing and features commentary from Johnson, Cicely Tyson, Alfre Woodard, Hillary Clinton, and more.


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