A new musical based on the music of Tupac Shakur is moving forward with production now that producers have secured the blessing of one key supporter: Pac's mother, Afeni Shakur.

According to TMZ, producers of the musical, currently titled "Holler If You Hear Me," presented Afeni Shakur with a rough preview of the show hoping that it would meet her approval. Much to their delight, Pac's mom, who has been an indefatigable guardian of the late rap legend's legacy, loved what she saw and is reportedly "ecstatic" after the screening.

From director Kenny Leon, an African-American veteran who has previously helmed Driving Miss Daisy and 2004's A Raisin in the Sun revival starring Sean Combs, Holler If You Hear Me is not based on Tupac's life. Instead, it uses the late icon's music as the backdrop of a story about two childhood friends growing up in an industrial Midwestern city.

Casting for the musical could begin as early as next week.

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