Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis are taking a bold approach with their latest musical project, Warriors, releasing it as a concept album before it hits any stage. Known for pushing boundaries, the duo explains their reasons for this unconventional choice and how it shaped the musical’s unique sound and story.
A Musical Odyssey Born from a Cult Classic
Lin-Manuel Miranda, famed for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton, and playwright Eisa Davis have transformed the 1979 cult classic The Warriors into a musical. The story follows the titular gang as they traverse New York City, falsely accused of murder and pursued by both gangs and police. Inspired by themes of peace and community, Davis has reimagined the story as a tale of hope amidst chaos.
“Peace is possible,” Davis says, highlighting the musical’s core message. “It’s about fighting for that dream even when it seems out of reach.”
Why Release an Album First?
Miranda and Davis drew inspiration from concept albums like Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, which allowed the music to speak for itself before any staging. Miranda notes, “We didn’t have to worry about how to stage it. Our job was just to musicalize it to the best of our ability.”
This freedom allowed them to cast high-profile artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, and RZA, a lineup impossible for a live production. “I could never get all these people doing eight shows a week,” Miranda explains.
Reimagining the Sound and Style
The musical’s score reflects the diversity of New York City’s cultural landscape, blending punk rock, heavy metal, rap, and even K-pop. Davis’s contributions were pivotal in pushing the boundaries of Miranda’s musical style. A trumpet line she envisioned became the opening motif, showcasing the collaborative spirit behind the project.
“I wanted to explore new musical areas,” Davis says, emphasizing the importance of experimentation during the album’s recording sessions.
Modernizing the Gangs of New York
The musical introduces several updates to the original story. The Warriors gang is now all-female, played by powerhouse performers like Jasmine Cephas Jones and Phillipa Soo. The campy, stylized gangs from the movie also receive modern reinterpretations, such as the roller-skating group reimagined as part of the ballroom scene.
“There’s a strong feminist impulse here,” Davis shares, reflecting her New York City experience and the legacy of community organizations like the Black Panthers.
What’s Next for Warriors?
While no concrete plans exist for a Broadway production, the album hints at the possibilities. Miranda and Davis have intentionally crafted a sung-through narrative with minimal dialogue, ensuring the story stands independently.
“We debate whether a stage version would need more or less dialogue,” Miranda muses. “The album already paints such a vivid picture.”
For now, fans can immerse themselves in the album, which captures the essence of Warriors while leaving room for future growth. As Miranda jokes, “Three bucks, two bags, one us!”—a playful nod to the possibility of a stage production down the line.
Warriors isn’t just a musical; it’s a reimagining of a beloved story with themes of peace, resilience, and community. Miranda and Davis have created an album that stands as both a musical masterpiece and a call to rethink how we tell stories.
Stream it now—because the next version might be a Broadway hit worth every penny.
