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Death of A King - A Live Theatrical Experience Tickets

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On the schedule

Death of A King - A Live Theatrical Experience Tour Dates & Tickets

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Inside the performance

Sound, stage & company

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Death of A King is a groundbreaking live theatrical experience that blends jazz, film, and archival imagery to explore the final year of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. Conceived by Tavis Smiley and featuring jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, the show is notable for its original score and visuals projected across three large screens, creating an immersive, documentary-inspired performance. While the national tour announced for fall 2017 and a January 15, 2018 launch in Brooklyn progressed through highly anticipated markets such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Oakland, and beyond, the planned run was ultimately canceled in 2017–2018 amidst misconduct allegations surrounding Smiley. As of February 2, 2026, there are no publicly announced 2025 tour dates. This page highlights the performer’s biography, discography highlights, and the project’s touring history, along with official social media and related links.

The essentials

Quick Facts About Death of A King - A Live Theatrical Experience

  • Multimedia MLK-focused show created by Tavis Smiley, featuring jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and footage/ imagery about Martin Luther King Jr.'s final year.
  • Marcus Roberts composed 14 original works for the production; the show uses three large screens for visuals and archival footage.
  • Initial national tour announced fall 2017, with a January 15, 2018 launch in Brooklyn; planned runs across dozens of markets were documented, including stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Oakland, and more.
  • In December 2017–April 2018, producers cancelled the national tour after misconduct allegations against Tavis Smiley; the project did not continue as planned.
  • Discography and collaborations connected to Marcus Roberts (as performer/composer) include New Orleans Meets Harlem, Romance, Swing and the Blues, Across the Imaginary Divide (with Béla Fleck), and Trio Crescent: Celebrating Coltrane.
  • Major awards/achievements for Marcus Roberts include Thelonious Monk Piano Competition winner (1987) and Helen Keller Award (1998); he has been active as an educator and composer with commissions from major ensembles.

The records

Death of A King - A Live Theatrical Experience Discography

  • Trio Crescent: Celebrating Coltrane
    2018 · J-Master Records
  • Romance, Swing and the Blues
    2014 · J-Master Records
  • From Rags to Rhythm
    2013 · J-Master Records
  • Together Again in the Studio (with Wynton Marsalis)
    2013 · J-Master Records
  • Together Again Live in Concert (with Wynton Marsalis)
    2013 · J-Master Records
  • Across the Imaginary Divide (with Béla Fleck)
    2012 · Rounder
  • Deep in the Shed: A Blues Suite
    2012 · J-Master Records
  • Celebrating Christmas
    2011 · J-Master Records
  • New Orleans Meets Harlem, Volume 1
    2009 · J-Master Records
  • Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F
    2006 · Philips Classics
  • A Gershwin Night with Seiji Ozawa and Berlin Philharmonic
    2004 · EuroArts Music International
  • Cole after Midnight
    2001 · Columbia/Sony
  • In Honor of Duke
    1999 · Columbia/Sony
  • The Joy of Joplin
    1998 · Sony
  • Blues for the New Millennium
    1997 · Columbia
  • Time and Circumstance
    1996 · Columbia
  • Portraits in Blue
    1995 · Columbia/Sony
  • Gershwin for Lovers
    1994 · Columbia
  • If I Could Be with You
    1993 · Novus
  • As Serenity Approaches
    1991 · Novus

The hits

Top Death of A King - A Live Theatrical Experience Songs

  • The Duo (from From Rags to Rhythm)
    2013 · iTunes Top 100 peak #91 (June 27, 2021)

Marcus Roberts, a renowned pianist and composer, contributed 14 original works to Death of A King. His career includes prestigious wins like the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition (1987) and the Helen Keller Award (1998). Beyond this production, Roberts has released collaborative projects such as New Orleans Meets Harlem, Romance, Swing and the Blues, Across the Imaginary Divide with Béla Fleck, and Trio Crescent: Celebrating Coltrane. While Death of A King did not continue as planned after the 2017–2018 announcement window, Roberts’ extensive discography and education-focused work continue to influence contemporary jazz and multimedia performance. For those seeking similar live experiences, we’ll keep you informed about future projects and touring possibilities as details emerge. Follow the artist and project for official updates:

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