Breakin' The Mummy's Code, Featured inSing Sing, Is Performed Again for the First Time in 20 Years: 'Feels Amazing to Be Appreciated at Home' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The cast of ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code' at New York Theatre Workshop.Photo:Jenna Jones

Jenna Jones

Breakin’ the Mummy’s Codeis bringing its cast home.

On Monday, Feb. 3, A24 andThe Just Trustpresented an intimate, live performance of the play showcased in the three-time Oscar-nominated movieSing Singat New York Theatre Workshop in New York City. The production featured the cast of formerly incarcerated actors – many of whomplayed themselves in the movie.

The cast of ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code' at New York Theatre Workshop.Jenna Jones

“This is the very first time it has ever been performed again on a stage,“Sing Singdirector Greg Kwedar said while introducing the play.

PEOPLE was in the audience for one of two closed performances, and caught up with actor Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Kwedar after the show. In addition to Buell, Kwedar and Maclin, actors Cornell Nate Alston, Mosi Eagle, David “Dap” Giraudy, Carmine LoVacco, Sean “Dino” Johnson, Dario Peña, John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield, James “Big E” Williams and Miguel Valentin also participated.

Brett Buell at the New York Theatre Workshop performance of ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code'.Jenna Jones

The theater came alive as soon as the first cast member walked on stage – and stayed that way well after the show ended. While performing, the cast expertly toed the line between hilarious and sincere as they embodied the characters they have spent years crafting – first in prison, then on a movie set and, most recently, on an Off-Broadway stage.

Seeing Maclin deliver Hamlet’s iconic “To Be or Not to Be” speech with the knowledge of the emotional journey he goes on in the movie was incredibly moving, and met with teary eyes and rounds of applause.

Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin in ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code' at New York Theatre Workshop.Jenna Jones

Kwedar also recognizes the significance of the evening, saying it has been “a long held dream” for many of the people involved in the movie production. “It’s been nine years since we started on this project, and we’ve dreamt about seeing this group of men get to performBreakin' The Mummy’s Codeon stage again,” he says. “It’s happened now and I just feel like I can let go of this journey and see what’s beyond. But I will always feel part of this community because they welcomed me in.”

As for the show itself, the director says, “It’s bonkers!'

“It jumps through time but there’s a genius in how it helps you recapture the joy of creativity. That’s something that we’ve, a lot of us, have lost inside. This production and this group of people proves that you can find it again,” he adds.

Johnson, a participant and founding member of the rehabilitation group, said, “I just want to mention that the arts saved me. It was love coming back together.”

CelebritiesJ. Smith Cameron,Mariska Hargitay,Jaeden Martell,Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parkerwere in attendance for the second showing.

Mariska Hargitay and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin at ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code' at New York Theatre Workshop.Jenna Jones

Sean “Dino” Johnson at the New York Theatre Workshop production of ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code'.Jenna Jones

Meanwhile, The Just Trust, dedicated to criminal justice reform, launched a partnership with A24 in 2024 to support the flick. Since, the organization has hosted screenings and panels. They also recently launched a podcast,When It Clicked,which welcomed Maclin as a guest.

Sing Singiscurrently nominated for three Oscar Awards, including Actor in a Leading Role for Domingo, Best Original Song and Best Adapted Screenplay – shared among Clint Bentley, Kwedar, Maclin and Whitfield.

Looking towards the future, Maclin says he would like forBreakin' The Mummy’s Code"to be used as a teaching tool all over the country, all over the world.”

“I think this show is able to educate, as well as entertain, and bring our society to a better place,” he says. “I think that’s what this thing could do.”

source: people.com