Higher Ground, the media company founded by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, is stepping into the theater space as a co-producer of the upcoming Broadway revival of Proof, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn.
The new production stars Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, both making their Broadway debuts. Alongside Edebiri and Cheadle, the cast includes Jin Ha and Samira Wiley.
Edebiri will portray Catherine, the brilliant but conflicted daughter of a renowned mathematics professor, Robert (Cheadle). After Robert’s death, a mysterious notebook containing a groundbreaking mathematical proof is discovered, igniting debate over who truly authored it. As questions swirl, Catherine must navigate grief, legacy, and the challenge of proving herself in a world eager to doubt her.
The strictly limited 16-week engagement begins previews on March 31 at the Booth Theatre, with an official opening night set for April 16.
Through Higher Ground, the Obamas join producer Mike Bosner and director-producer Thomas Kail—best known for directing Hamilton—on the production team.
In a statement, the Obamas shared their excitement about bringing the acclaimed play back to Broadway:
“To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy, and Mike at the helm is an extraordinary privilege, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production. Proof is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion. A play that asks profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and what we inherit from the people we love most.”
Bosner and Kail also welcomed the partnership, noting Higher Ground’s storytelling sensibilities and community-focused approach as a natural fit for the revival.
The production also marks Higher Ground’s Broadway debut, expanding the company’s reach beyond film, television, and podcasting.
Since its launch, Higher Ground has built an award-winning portfolio that includes projects such as American Factory, Crip Camp, Rustin, American Symphony, and the Netflix thriller Leave the World Behind. The company has earned three Academy Award nominations (including one win), 12 Emmy nominations with six wins, and three Grammy nominations with two wins.
Producer Mike Bosner previously backed Broadway productions including Cats: The Jellicle Ball and Shucked, while Kail’s directing credits include Hamilton, Sweeney Todd, Freestyle Love Supreme, and In the Heights.
The Obamas’ involvement continues a growing trend of high-profile figures stepping into Broadway producing. In recent years, Hillary Clinton served as a lead producer on the 2024 suffragist musical Suffs.
