The King of New York Musical

Described as a Hamilton-inspired theatrical experience centered on Joseph Smith and the early Latter-day Saint movement, The King of New York brings to the stage the stories of five courageous Black men whose lives were shaped by slavery, racism, faith, and the search for freedom in 19th-century America.

Through an original combination of hip-hop, rap, live orchestral music, dance, narration, and immersive visual storytelling, the production explores how these men encountered Joseph Smith and a religious movement that offered them a new sense of hope, purpose, and belonging. Their journeys would ultimately carry them west to Utah, where they continued to confront hardship while helping build a new community.

“This is more than a concert,” Boyé said. “It is an opportunity to give voice to people whose courage, sacrifice, and faith have too often been left out of the story. Their experiences deserve to be known, and their voices deserve to be heard.”

The production examines themes of slavery and freedom, racism and redemption, religious conviction, constitutional ideals, and the continuing struggle to realize America’s founding promises. Rather than presenting these individuals only as supporting figures in someone else’s history, The King of New York places their experiences at the center of the stage.

The title reflects the production’s portrayal of Joseph Smith as an influential religious leader whose growing movement challenged social, political, and religious conventions in 1800s America. The concert also explores the complicated historical environment in which Black converts sought faith and community while confronting the realities of racial prejudice.

Featuring The Dreamspire Symphony, the world-premiere performance is designed as a large-scale theatrical concert rather than a traditional stage musical. Audiences can expect powerful vocal performances, contemporary musical storytelling, dramatic choreography, orchestral arrangements, historical narration, and cinematic imagery.

The King of New York is intended for families, faith communities, history enthusiasts, music lovers, and audiences interested in overlooked stories from the American experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUMgdB6iTDo