Obamas' Higher Ground Producing First Broadway Show

Former President and First Lady’s production company bringing revival of ‘Proof’ to the stage.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions, is set to produce a revival of the play ‘Proof’ on Broadway. The play, which is scheduled to premiere on March 31 in New York, will star actors Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri. This marks an expansion into the theatrical world for the Obamas’ production company, which has previously focused on film, TV, and audio projects.

Why it matters

The Obamas’ foray into Broadway production is significant, as it demonstrates their continued commitment to storytelling and the arts. Higher Ground’s involvement in ‘Proof’ also highlights the company’s mission to champion stories that explore profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and legacy.

The details

The play ‘Proof’ was originally written by David Auburn and premiered on Broadway in 2000. It tells the story of Catherine, the daughter of a University of Chicago professor, who discovers a notebook containing a mathematical proof following her father’s death. The play explores the debate over the proof’s true authorship and Catherine’s need to confront the power of legacy and the cost of proving herself.

  • The play ‘Proof’ is set to premiere on Broadway on March 31, 2026.
  • Higher Ground Productions, the Obamas’ production company, was launched in 2018.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States and co-founder of Higher Ground Productions.

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States and co-founder of Higher Ground Productions.

Higher Ground Productions

A production company launched by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2018, which is producing the Broadway revival of ‘Proof’.

Don Cheadle

An American actor set to star in the Broadway revival of ‘Proof’.

Ayo Edebiri

An American actress set to star in the Broadway revival of ‘Proof’.

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What they’re saying

“To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy, and [producer Mike Bosner] at the helm is an extraordinary privilege, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production.”

— Barack and Michelle Obama

What’s next

The Broadway revival of ‘Proof’ is scheduled to premiere on March 31, 2026 in New York.

The takeaway

The Obamas’ foray into Broadway production with Higher Ground’s involvement in the revival of ‘Proof’ showcases their continued commitment to storytelling and the arts, as well as their mission to champion stories that explore profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and legacy.