Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis Discuss Their New Musical Concept Album “Warriors”

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the renowned playwright and actor, is set to release a new musical concept album inspired by the 1979 cult classic film “The Warriors.” The album, titled “Warriors,” features a gender-swapped cast with Lauryn Hill taking on the role of Cyrus, the leader of the Gramercy Riffs gang. The Warriors gang, typically portrayed as men in the film, will be played by a talented group of women including Kenita Miller, Sasha Hutchings, Phillipa Soo, Aneesa Folds, Amber Gray, Gizel Jiménez, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and Julia Harriman.

Miranda and his collaborator Eisa Davis have reimagined the story of “The Warriors” with a focus on unity and peace, exploring the themes of false accusations and the quest for home. The decision to flip the genders of the principal characters adds a compelling layer to the narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by a group of women who are falsely accused and must fight for their lives.

The decision to release “Warriors” as a musical concept album was a deliberate choice by Miranda, who wanted to create a visual and immersive experience for listeners. By presenting the story in a sung-through fashion, the album allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and themes, while also showcasing a hybrid of pop and musical theater aesthetics.

With Lauryn Hill on board as Cyrus, Miranda and Davis have created a powerful and evocative musical tribute to the iconic film. While there are no plans for a film adaptation, the possibility of a stage adaptation in the future is something the creators are excited to explore. As listeners immerse themselves in the world of “Warriors,” they are invited to envision the storytelling and imagine the possibilities for a theatrical experience.