In the high-stakes world of New York theater, few productions manage to capture the cultural zeitgeist quite like Slam Frank. The off-Broadway hip-hop musical, which concluded its residency at Asylum NYC this past winter, was far more than a sought-after engagement—it was a lightning rod for controversy. Inspired by a viral 2022 social media debate regarding Anne Frank, the satirical production emerged as one of the most polarizing and discussed theatrical works of 2025.
The show’s creator and composer, Andrew Fox, recently reflected on the visceral reactions the musical elicited. “We’ve been labeled as everything from left-wing propaganda to right-wing rhetoric,” Fox told Billboard. He noted that the production has been simultaneously accused of being anti-Zionist, Zionist, fascist, and even the work of a disillusioned progressive. This ideological tug-of-war suggests that Slam Frank has successfully challenged audiences across the political spectrum, leaving few observers indifferent.
While the musical’s initial run ended on December 28, the project is entering its next chapter. On Tuesday, January 20, the creative team officially initiated a Kickstarter campaign to finance an Original Cast Recording. To celebrate the launch, the team has released an exclusive preview of the track “Rewrite My Diary,” featuring the vocal talents of original cast member Olivia Bernábe in the role of Anita.
Fox views the preservation of the show’s music as a vital artistic endeavor, comparing modern theatrical recordings to the enduring oil paintings of the Italian Renaissance. He framed the crowdfunding effort as a form of cultural resilience, offering backers exclusive incentives such as unreleased songs, behind-the-scenes footage, and limited-edition collectibles.
The upcoming album will be produced by Fox alongside Mikhail Pivovarov, with Ricky Sour providing additional production. The recording will feature the full original cast, including Bernábe, John Anker Bow, Alex Lewis, Anya van Hoogstraten, Austen Horne, Rocky Paterra, Jaz Zepatos, and Kris Bramson. The stage production was brought to life under the direction of Sam LaFrage, featuring a book by Joel Sinensky and music and lyrics by Fox.
Fans who missed the initial run may have another opportunity to see the show live. Fox has indicated that Slam Frank is slated for a return to the stage in 2026. Until then, supporters can contribute to the cast album via their Kickstarter page.
