‘School of Rock’ Musical Choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter to Direct Broadway-Bound ‘Yasuke: The Black Samurai’ (EXCLUSIVE)

JoAnn M. Hunter, the choreographer of Broadway’s “School of Rock” and “Bad Cinderella,” has been hired to direct the upcoming musical “Yasuke: The Black Samurai.”

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This production, which Hunter will choreograph as well, is aiming to open on Broadway during the 2026-27 season.

“Yasuke: The Black Samurai” is based on the true story of events that unfolded in the 16th Century of Feudal Japan. It recounts the journey of Yasuke, an African man who was uprooted from his native land of Mozambique and brought to Japan. Once there, he’s bestowed with respect in a society known for its discipline and moral codes and discovers the Samurai culture, where the way of living life carries the utmost significance. According to the official logline, “cultural differences create myriad conflicts for Yasuke at first, but the chasm starts slowly fading away as he recognizes his true potential in a world where men treat each other with honor. “

The book and music will be by Bálint Varga with lyrics by Azusa Fujikura, Jöel René Scoville and Joe Barros. Alexander Robertson of Emlex Entertainment is producing the show. More creative announcements will be forthcoming.

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Hunter’s other choreographic credits on include Broadway’s “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” and “She Loves Me,” as well as the 2019 West End revival of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” As a performer, she’s appeared in “Cats,” “Miss Saigon,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” “Yasuke: The Black Samurai” will mark her directorial debut.

She told the Ne w York Times of her choreography career in 2021: “People don’t really understand that a choreographer on a musical does much more than the dance sequences. You move people around, deal with the transitions, where the audience’s focus should go. You have to be totally connected to the vision of the composer, writer and director.”

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