Marsai Martin (“Black-ish”) has been cast as Melody in Amazon’s original upcoming live-action “Melody, 1963: Love Has to Win, an American Girl Story,” which will premiere on Amazon Prime Video this fall. Executive produced by Common, “Melody” will also star Frances Fisher as Miss Abbot, Frankie Faison as Melody’s grandfather Frank Ellison, and Idara Victor as Melody’s mother Frances Ellison.
Set in 1963 Detroit during the civil rights movement, “Melody” centers around a 10-year-old girl Melody (Martin) whose eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her, including the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing. As a result, her belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance comes into question as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this, given the horrific tragedy. After an emotional journey of self-reflection, her mother gives her the courage she needs by reminding her that it’s important to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.
This project is written and executive produced by Alison McDonald, directed and produced by Tina Mabry, and executive produced by Common’s Freedom Road Productions. Christopher Keenan and Melinda McCrocklin are executive producers for American Girl. The “Melody” special is an Amazon adaptation on American Girl’s original created stories written by Denise Lewis Patrick.
Amazon and American Girl have also partnered to feature unique Melody product collections in the American Girl brand store at Amazon: www.amazon.com/americangirl.
Marsai Martin currently plays the sassy youngest daughter Diane on ABC’s Emmy nominated comedy “Black-ish.” She most recently performed in the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Tony Award winning Musical “Dreamgirls” with the original stars (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday), singing the hit song “Move.” Marsai also recently worked on the films “How To Die Happy” with Meagan Good, and “Fun Mom Dinner,” with Toni Collette and Adam Levine.
Amazon’s American Girl Melody special will be available for Prime members using the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/originals.
