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John Ridley to write and direct musical drama set in Milwaukee for Showtime

Even as he's found success in Hollywood, Oscar winner John Ridley ("12 Years a Slave") has maintained close ties to his native Milwaukee, working with the local film community and founding Nō Studios. Ridley's next project will hit especially close to home: It'll be a musical drama for Showtime set in Milwaukee.

As Deadline reports, the show was originally set in Detroit before Ridley changed the location to Milwaukee. There's some serious talent involved: The show will be executive produced by Alicia Keys and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of "La La Land," who will contribute music to the series.

John Ridley | Photo credit: Rocco Ceselin

The still-untitled series "centers on an emotionally complex family story that spans generations and threatens the fabric of the community in present-day Milwaukee," according to Deadline.

“I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to set the series in Milwaukee, and examine the challenges and triumphs of my hometown; a city to which I remain deeply connected," Ridley said in a statement.