Slam Frank Musical Began Previews in New York City
The musical reimagines the story of Anne Frank through Afro-Latin hip-hop at the Orpheum Theatre.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Comedy
Live Poll
Do you prefer art that challenges your beliefs over art that provides comfort?
The musical Slam Frank, created by Andrew Fox and Joel Sinensky, has commenced preview performances at the Orpheum Theatre in New York City. The production uses Afro-Latin hip-hop to tell its story and has already prompted audience walkouts during these early shows.
Why it matters
The creators designed the production to provoke shock, laughter, and strong reactions from the audience. By shifting narrative directions to avoid lecture-like tones, the show aims to use satire to explore complex questions of identity and ethics.
The production originated from a 2022 viral post on X and underwent a developmental run at the Asylum NYC comedy club. The Orpheum Theatre, located at 126 2nd Avenue, currently serves as the host venue for the run.
The players
Andrew Fox
He is one of the co-creators of the musical who helped develop the concept based on a viral post.
Joel Sinensky
He serves as a co-creator of the production and worked to translate the original concept into a stage musical.
Sam LaFrage
He is the director responsible for staging the production and managing its shift between satirical and narrative elements.
Ben Brantley
He is a prominent theater critic who publicly shared his support for the project on X in October 2025.
Orpheum Theatre
This historic venue located at 126 2nd Avenue in New York City serves as the primary stage for the production.
The details
Directed by Sam LaFrage, the musical reimagines the story of Anne Frank through the lens of Afro-Latin hip-hop. The show employs satire as a core mechanic to navigate sensitive thematic territory regarding identity and ethics.
Timeline
The concept for the musical originated from a viral post on X in 2022.
Critic Ben Brantley praised the show on X in October 2025.
Preview performances began at the Orpheum Theatre on September 17, 2026.
The production has an official opening scheduled for October 4, 2026.
Performances are currently scheduled to run through November 30, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the pattern of using online virality as a direct catalyst for professional stage development. It highlights a shift where social media engagement serves as the primary proof-of-concept for new theatrical projects.
Attendees can currently purchase tickets for preview performances at the Orpheum Theatre ahead of the October opening. Prospective audience members should be prepared for a satirical production that has been noted for prompting mid-show walkouts.
The takeaway
The show serves as an experiment in how digital-first content translates to live performance environments. Potential theater-goers should be aware that the production intentionally leans into provocative satire to challenge viewer expectations.
What happens next
The official opening night of the production is scheduled for October 4, 2026, with performances continuing through November 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current stage scene, visit New York City Comedy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
Live Poll
Do you prefer art that challenges your beliefs over art that provides comfort?
