Barack and Michelle Obama Have Broadway Producing Debut With 'Proof'

Mar 11, 2026 11:51am PT Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Making Broadway Producing Debut With ‘Proof’ (EXCLUSIVE) The revival stars Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri. By Marc Malkin Plus Icon Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events marcmalkin Latest Barbra Streisand to Receive Cannes Honorary Palme d’Or 9 hours ago ‘Heated Rivalry,’ Cynthia Erivo and Lady Gaga Win Big at Queerties Awards: Full Winners List 14 hours ago ‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Hudson Williams to Attend Oscars (EXCLUSIVE) 21 hours ago See All Getty Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to Broadway. The former president and first lady are making their Broadway producing debut with the upcoming revival of “Proof” through their Higher Ground production banner. Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri are making their Broadway debuts in David Auburn’s Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The limited engagement will be directed by Tony winner Thomas Kail and also produced by Mike Bosner and Kail. Related Stories Netflix Acquires AI Filmmaking Start-Up Founded by Ben Affleck, Who Will Serve as Adviser to Streamer Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Artists Equity Sets First-Look Streaming Deal at Netflix “To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy, and Mike at the helm is an extraordinary privilege, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production,” the Obamas said in a statement Wednesday. “‘Proof’ is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion, a play that asks profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and what we inherit from the people we love most.” Popular on Variety Bosner and Kail said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Higher Ground as partners on ‘Proof’ and to have their creative vision and passion behind this production. Their impeccable taste in storytelling and community-building makes them ideal collaborators for this revival.” In “Proof,” Catherine (Edebiri), the daughter of renowned mathematics professor Robert (Cheadle), is thrust into turmoil when a notebook containing a revelatory proof is discovered after her father’s death. The production also features Jin Ha and Samira Wiley. The strictly limited 16-week engagement of “Proof” will play the Booth Theatre beginning March 31 ahead of its official opening night on April 16. Higher Ground’s expansion into theater comes after the company’s work across film, television and podcasting. The company has earned three Academy Award nominations (winning the Oscar for the documentary “American Factory”), plus six Emmy and three Grammy wins. In podcasting, Higher Ground’s network includes “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” “Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso” and Audible Originals “The Wonder of Stevie” and “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.” Jump to Comments Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sombr Ramp Up for Grammy Awards With Performances at Spotify’s Best New Artist Party Jason Concepcion Hosts ‘Wait a Second…’ Video Podcast From Spotify’s The Ringer About Conspiracy Theories, True Crime and More: ‘Stories That Make You Say What the F—’ Music Industry Moves: Range Sports Acquires Bonnaroo Founders Superfly; Olivia Dean Producer Zach Nahome Signs With Universal Publishing and NWS Spotify Paid Out a Record $11 Billion to the Music Industry in 2025 Spotify Says More Than 1,500 Artists Earned Over $1 Million in Royalties Last Year Spotify Adds Record Monthly Users and Hits 290 Million Paid Subscribers in Q4, New Co-CEO Says 2026 Will Be ‘Year of Raising Ambition’ JavaScript is required to load the comments. Loading comments...