Live at the Eccles presents the live theatrical concert premiere of Alex Boyé’s The King of New York, a groundbreaking, hip-hop infused musical experience celebrating faith, history and untold pioneer stories at the Eccles Theater in on Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City.

When Alex Boyé’s face appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of a conversation about full page ads featured in playbills for The Book of Mormon musical, Kimmel remarked “Are there black people in the Mormon Church? I find that hard to believe.” Boyé was perturbed for a moment, then realized, if Jimmy Kimmel believed this, then millions must also feel the same.

It sparked an idea. Boyé was inspired to tell a story that would shine a spotlight on the untold voices of Black pioneers whose faith and resilience helped shape the American West. Through emotionally charged performances and powerful music, the show explores themes of redemption, unity, courage, and the complicated intersections of race, religion and American constitutional themes.

Described as a bold fusion of hip-hop, rap, cinematic visuals, dance, theatrical storytelling, featuring the ‘Dreamspire Orchestra’, directed by Blake Sharette The King of New York explores the life, legacy, and influence of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, through the eyes of five Black pioneers in the 1800s who journeyed west while wrestling with faith, freedom, race, and identity in America.

“This is more than a musical,” says Boyé. “It’s a musical conversation. It’s a celebration. It’s a reckoning. It’s about giving voice to stories that were often left out of history books and showing how faith, pain, hope, and humanity collide.”

Recommended for ages 8 and up. Infants not admitted. All patrons require a ticket regardless of age.