This is not Tupac’s story—a matter of rights are reportedly involved—but a tale set in a Midwestern industrial city that addresses the issues reflected so dramatically in Tupac’s songs and poems. It may be difficult to follow all of the words for those not steeped in rap, but the passions are clear. The book is on the heavy-handed side, but when the large cast moves into the dances (choreography by Wayne Cilento) and the singing, the musical takes life with a firm beat and enthusiasm that strongly registers. The direction is by Kenny Leon, who works at integrating the story with Tupac’s rap legacy. Daryl Waters is in charge of music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements.

The foremost character is John, effectively played by Saul Williams, who carries most of the burden of instilling hope amid the chaos. One might regard him as closest in character to Tupac. Other key members of the cast include Christopher Jackson, Ben Thompson, John Earl Jelks, Joshua Boone and Dyllon Burnside. Tonya Pinkins is effective in the suffering but affirmative mother role, and Saycon Sengbloh is fetching as the hopeful Corinne, especially in a powerful duet with Williams as John called “Unconditional Love.”