Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
The lineup is set. See what's next for 88Nine's State of Sound.

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.