Tavis Smiley has announced a national tour of “Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience.”

According to a press release announcing the news, the production is a multi-stage presentation of Smiley’s book, Death of A King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year. It commemorates the upcoming 50th anniversary of King’s death.

The tour, which is sponsored by Walmart, will commence on Jan. 15, 2018 – what would’ve been King’s 89th birthday. The production will take place at the King’s theater in Brooklyn, NY.

In “Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience,” Smiley narrates a tribute that tells the story of King’s final year of existence.

“Against all the odds and with his popularity in deep decline, King summoned the courage, conviction, commitment and character to bring a message of peace, equality and justice to a bitterly divided nation,” the release states.

Smiley will be joined by jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, who will perform a variety of original compositions.

“I’m excited to partner with Mills on such an important and timely project and look forward to kicking this off is Brooklyn,” said Smiley. “In our current political climate, ‘Death of a King’ represents a narrative shift that’s not just about the normal discussion of left versus right and conservative versus liberal, but really a reset of our deepest values. Dr. King said in 1968 we needed a revolution of values, and 50 years later, ‘Death of a King’ aims to reunite America with its best self.”

The tour will run through April, stopping in Memphis on the anniversary of King’s death (April 4). It is currently scheduled to stop in 40 markets.

Visit, www.DeathOfAKingTour.com for more info.