Ray Charles musical due in Pasadena

The producers who brought Ray Charles’ biography to movie screens three years ago are now doing the same for theater. “Ray Charles Live! -- A New Musical” will round out the Pasadena Playhouse’s 2007 season.

Set during the singer’s last live recording session, the play features a book by Suzan-Lori Parks (“Topdog/Underdog”) interwoven with such signature Charles hits as “Georgia on My Mind.” Helmed by Artistic Director Sheldon Epps, the show is presented by special arrangement with producing partners Stuart Benjamin and Howard and Karen Baldwin -- producers of the Academy Award-winning film “Ray” -- and Steve Markoff, along with Charles’ longtime manager, Joe Adams. It will run Nov. 9 to Dec. 9.

The playhouse also announced its season lineup has changed to include “Matter of Honor,” a new drama by Michael J. Chepiga (“Getting and Spending”) about Johnson Whittaker, the second African American cadet to be admitted to West Point. It will run Aug. 31 to Sept. 30, replacing the previously announced “On Golden Pond.”