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Not able to see the show in-person? Pay what you can starting at $10 to stream the production from home, Dec. 13-26.

About the World Premiere

From the creator of Cincinnati King comes the life and times of King Records star Little Willie John. You love the music, now hear his personal story. This intimate and captivating world premiere recounts his meteoric career and turbulent life in the music industry fast-lane. The show features hits from the King Records catalog – including "Fever," "My Love Is," "Shakin'" and, of course, "Need Your Love So Bad." An extraordinary portrait of one of the most talented, influential and underrated R&B singers of all time.

Visit our Health & Safety page for more on our 2021-22 plans. 

 

 

Running Time

The show runs 90 minutes. There is no intermission.

 

 

Advisory

Recommended for adults and teenage audiences. This musical docudrama celebrates the life of R&B talented singer, whose behind-the-scenes tales feature some mild adult language and mature themes.

 

 

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Trailer

Photos

 

 

Events

 

 

Artists

Richard Livingston Huntley

Oct 4, 2021, 10:53 AM
Role : Music Director / Drummer
Order : 30
Following the success of the 2018 world premiere of Cincinnati King, Richard is thrilled to be returning to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for Need Your Love. A drummer and percussionist, he has performed in over 30 countries worldwide, including major jazz, blues and world music festivals. He has performed and or recorded with jazz greats such as John Benitez, Ron Blake, Luis Bonilla, Cameron Brown, George Coleman, Jerry Gonzalez, Harold Mabern, Mulgrew Miller, Scott Robinson, Lew Soloff, Esperanza Spaulding and Fred Wesley. For over 20 years he has played with Brazilian piano legend and samba funk innovator Dom Salvador. Other musical associations include singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, New York bordello blues band Hazmat Modine, and globe-trotting collaborations with the Gangbe Brass Band from Benin, the Tuvan throat singing groups Huun Hur Tu and Alash, and the Toureg guitarist and singer Bombino. Recent recordings include “The Art of The Hang,” a piano trio with pianist Nikolaj Hess and bassist Cameron Brown; “You,” a collaborative trio with guitarist Niklas Winter (Finland) and Emil Hess (Denmark); ”Evolution Stores,” a nonet recording by Emil Hess; and a cast recording of the musical This Beautiful City by the late Michael Friedman. He is a faculty member at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin and holds an M.M. from The Manhattan School of Music, where he was on the faculty for 12 years. He has also conducted clinics at various music schools and universities in Denmark and Japan. He is an endorser for Bosphorus cymbals and Beato drum bags. www.rlhuntley.com

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Photo of Antonio Michael Woodard by Mikki Schaffner.