Former U.S. president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are taking their storytelling ambitions in an exciting new direction. Rather than returning to politics, the couple has announced a creative collaboration through their production company, Higher Ground Productions, as they prepare to help produce their first Broadway show.
The project is a revival of the Pulitzer Prize–winning play Proof by David Auburn. The story follows the daughter of a brilliant but troubled mathematician who uncovers a mysterious notebook after his death—one that may contain groundbreaking discoveries. The narrative explores themes of genius, inheritance, and trust, making it a powerful and emotionally layered production.
This new Broadway revival will feature acclaimed actors Don Cheadle as the mathematician and Ayo Edebiri as his daughter, marking both of their Broadway debuts. The production will run for 16 weeks beginning in April and will be directed by Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, who is also serving as a producer alongside Mike Bosner and the Obamas.
In a joint statement, the Obamas expressed their enthusiasm for the project, calling it an “extraordinary privilege” to help bring such a meaningful story back to the stage. They emphasized that Proof reflects the type of storytelling Higher Ground Productions was created to support—stories that explore human complexity, emotional depth, and the connections that shape our lives.
This move marks a significant expansion for Higher Ground, which has already achieved major success in film, television, and podcasts, earning Academy Awards, Emmys, and Grammys—including a win for American Factory. With the Obamas now stepping into Broadway, theater fans are eagerly watching to see if this revival of Proof will capture the same acclaim and cultural impact as its original run.