Blair Underwood to Develop and Produce the Broadway-bound '6888: The Musical'

Blair Underwood has revealed he will produce a new stageplay called 6888: The Musical, a musical based on the first and only all-Black female Army battalion to serve overseas in World War II.

Underwood will develop the play and serve as executive producer teaming with Joe Trentacosta and Holly Garman who conceived the play and are also listed as producers. Morgan J. Smart will write the play's book with music and lyrics by Ronvé O'Daniel, while composer Jevares C. Myrick will handle orchestrations. The production will also include historical advisors Ret. US Army Col, Edna Cummings, and James Theres. There are hopes that the musical will have a Broadway run.

The story of the women who bravely served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion which was led by Major Charity Adams had gone mostly unnoticed in the public eye until an article was published in the New York Times in September 2020. The article inspired producer Holly Garman to create the play. During their time of service in Europe, the women battled racism and sexism as they were tasked with sorting and routing over 17 million pieces of mail, which they completed in record time. Along with getting their just due with the musical the battalion is also set to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, which is Congress' highest national honor. The honor makes the 6888 the only female unit serving in a military status to receive the award.

Underwood has a long history with Broadway theatre having performed in a revival of A Streetcar Named Desire, and received a Tony Award nomination in 2021 for his performance in the Roundabout Theatre's Tony Award-winning revival of A Soldier's Play. In 2021 Underwood also served as producer of the play Pass Over. He recently spoke to Variety about his involvement in the 6888 musical project saying, "The women of the 6888 are true American patriots, who are long overdue to have their story told. I am honored to be part of a team bringing their story to the stage."

While 6888: The Musical is still in development, Underwood is currently working on film and television projects. Amongst his upcoming television projects is reprising his leading role as Jonathan Rollins in ABC's reboot of L.A. Law which he will also serve as executive producer, as well as co-starring in the upcoming Showtime series Three Woman. He is also currently portraying Vernon Jordan in Ryan Murphy's FX series Impeachment: American Crime Story.