Wheelz of Life: The Rollerskating Musical

Wheelz of Life is the first EVER musical on Rollerskates that highlights the healing powers of the subculture of rollerskating. Wheelz of Life is  written and choreo-directed by Sanchel Brown in partnership with creative collaborator India Hyman. It is a musical on rollerskates investigating the powers of the sub-culture of roller skating as a staple of entertainment, swag, and healing amongst black families of many generations.


The storyline follows Bryan, a 20 year old youth originally from Philadelphia receives acceptance into Howard University. With limited time and income to fund the remaining portion of tuition decides to turn to the streets and sells marijuana to raise the remaining funds. In the interim he is shot and begins his soul’s journey through portals  in order to learn life lessons as keys to progress forward. Simultaneously his community reflects on their fond memories of Bryan and are reminded of his superb talent with rollerskating. His community and family  are introduced to the art of skating and skating community. At the conclusion of Bryan’s soul journey he is granted another chance at life and joins a reunion along with the skate community. He wins the remaining funds.

We are raising funds to complete a live production of Wheelz of Life FILM. We recently received a small grant from The Philadelphia Thing's Trade School Residency. We still must raise remaining funds to cover the utilized these funds to create a staged reading of the work and are now working towards creating a FULL LIVE PERFORMANCE in Summer of 2021.  The funds will  support:

-Artist Fees: Payment to each artist,  a live band, choir, DJ, and video production team.

-Hiring arts management including a social media strategist and project manager.

-Rehearsal Space Fees

-Transportation and Lodging Fees

-Set and Costume Design.

-Cover fees connected to a restaged version of Wheelz Of Life (Petite) for youth. This program will begin in Philadelphia a and then implemented in collaboration with roller rinks across the United States to encourage youth of all ages to acquire self knowledge and participate in physical activity.


We thank you for your generosity in creating this historical work. Lets get rolling!