Set against the backdrop of a 1930s southern speakeasy, Idlewild explores the lives of Percival (Benjamin), the club's shy piano player, and Rooster (Patton), the club's showy lead performer and manager. Idlewild synthesizes drama, music, cinema and style to bring the tale of struggling singers to life. It is the feature film-directing debut for Bryan Barber, the award-winning director and longtime OutKast music video collaborator, and includes dance sequences choreographed by legendary performer and three-time Tony winner Hinton Battle.
The all-star cast is a roster of some of the most notable performers in film and music today. Cast members include Ving Rhames, Terrence Dashon Howard, newcomer Paula Patton, Faizon Love, Malinda Williams, legendary recording artist Patti LaBelle, singer Macy Gray, Tony Award winner Ben Vereen and Oscar® nominee and Emmy winner Cicely Tyson.