LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It could be dubbed the greatest story ever told. "ALI," a new musical celebrating the life and legacy of The Greatest, will see its world premiere hosted in Muhammad Ali's hometown next year.


What You Need To Know

  • A new musical about the life of Muhammad Ali will host its world premiere in Louisville next year

  • "ALI" will receive its pre-Broadway premiere at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Fall 2024

  • Casting will be announced soon

The Pre-Broadway premiere of "ALI," produced in partnership with Lonnie Ali, will be held at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville during the Fall 2024 season, lead producer Richard Willis announced Tuesday.

In telling Ali’s story, "ALI" will utilize the theatre medium to explore the life of a man who overcame tremendous odds to become the G.O.A.T and who used his platform to become one of the most influential and inclusive civil rights leaders in history.

"We are beyond delighted to announce the show's world premiere will take place in the great city of Louisville, where it all began. It is going to be an incredibly special event for everyone involved, and we hope to bring joy and healing to all Louisvillians, in light of the senseless tragedies over the past week," Willis said, referring to the Old National Bank shooting where five people died and eight others were wounded by a bank employee with an AR-15.

Joining Willis in the production crew are several Tony Award-winners and nominees, including Teddy Abrams, Anna Fleischle and Clint Dyer. Casting will be announced soon, according to a news release.

Deemed “The Greatest of All Time,” Ali was born in 1942 and raised during the early years of television and the American dream. His childhood in Louisville, Kentucky set the stage for him to become not only the greatest boxer of all time, but also an activist, entertainer, artist, and philanthropist.