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Keke Palmer to Star in Debbie Allen’s Play About Muhammad Ali and Stepin Fetchit’s Friendship

Keke Palmer is ready to take on Broadway once again! During a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actress, singer, and media mogul revealed that she’s set to star in a Broadway-bound play directed by the legendary Debbie Allen.

“This would be a play about Muhammad Ali’s life and his relationship with Stepin Fetchit,” Palmer shared with excitement. “It’s an exploration of our culture—what it means to have pride. I play Sonji, Muhammad Ali’s first wife. I’ve never done a play before, so I’m really looking forward to stepping onto the stage in this way.”

This upcoming project will mark Palmer’s first foray into non-musical theater. In 2014, she made history as the youngest actress to star in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Broadway, but this time, she’s stepping into an entirely new genre.

Sonji Ali, a trailblazing figure in her own right, married Muhammad Ali just one month after meeting him. Known for her independence, Sonji refused to join the Nation of Islam, a decision that ultimately led to their divorce after less than two years of marriage. Despite their short-lived union, Sonji remains a key figure in Ali’s life story, with many close to him describing her as the love of his life.

Last year we posted about the play, titled Fetch Clay, Make Man speaks on the unique exploration of the bond between two cultural icons—Muhammad Ali and Stepin Fetchit—set against the backdrop of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Written by award-winning playwright Will Power, the story dives into themes of pride, identity, and the tension between public personas and private realities.

SpringHill, the production company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, is backing the play, which is expected to make its way to Broadway following a successful run at Los Angeles’ Kirk Douglas Theatre in 2023. Directed by Debbie Allen, the production blends humor and drama to examine the legacies of Ali and Fetchit in ways that continue to resonate today.

Palmer’s Broadway announcement adds to an already packed slate for the Nope star. She recently wrapped filming on Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters and will soon be seen in Amazon’s heist movie The Pickup alongside Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy. She’s also set to star in Peacock’s The ‘Burbs, the action-thriller Gods Unknown, and Aziz Ansari’s highly anticipated directorial debut, Good Fortune.

With her undeniable talent and passion for storytelling, Palmer’s return to Broadway is shaping up to be a can’t-miss moment. Stay tuned as she prepares to bring Sonji Ali’s story—and the cultural weight of this play—to life on one of theater’s most iconic stages.

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