On June 21, the new musical “Rock & Roll Man” opens at New World Stages in NYC. The musical celebrates the life of DJ Alan Freed, and features Tony Award-nominee Constantine Maroulis (who plays Freed) and Emmy Award-winner Joe Pantoliano.
“Rock & Roll Man,” which won the 2019 Broadway World Berkshires Awards for Best Musical, is concerned with the foundation of rock. As such, its original score by Gary Kupper (known from “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical”) features genre hits, including “Rock & Roll Music,” “I Put A Spell On You,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Lucille,” “Peggy Sue,” “Jim Dandy,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Yakety Yak,” “Maybellene,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly,” and others.
The story itself takes place in a fever dream on the last day of Alan Freed’s life within a fantasy courtroom with prosecutor J. Edgar Hoover and defense attorney Little Richard. The two debate, with Freed’s legacy on trial.
Alan Freed himself was vital in bringing rock to the world and the popularization of Black artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Freed played their music, produced concerts, and found audiences. He helped to unite audiences, regardless of race, and bring them together for their love of music.
The book for “Rock & Roll Man” is by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak (editor of “Night Beat Magazine” and “Rock Magazine”) and Rose Caiola (known from “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical”). The musical has been directed by Randal Myler (known from “It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues”), and choreographed by Stephanie Klemons (Associate Choreographer and Global Dance Supervisor of “Hamilton”).
Members of the cast include Bob Ari as J. Edgar Hoover (“Bells Are Ringing”), Rodrick Covington as Little Richard (“Once On This Island” Broadway revival), Valisia LeKae as LaVern Baker (Grammy and Tony Award nominee for “Motown the Musical”), Joe Barbara (“Grease!” on Broadway), Jamonté (“Hairspray” tour), Andy Christopher (“The Baker’s Wife” Off-Broadway), Natalie Kaye Clater (“Dreamgirls”), Lawrence Dandridge (“Ain’t Too Proud” national tour), AJ Davis (“Dreamgirls” tour), Autumn Guzzardi (“Rock of Ages”), Anna Hertel, Matthew S. Morgan (Vegas and national tours of “The Lion King”), Chase Peacock (“American Idiot” on Broadway), Dominque Scott (“Rock of Ages” Tour), Bronwyn Tarboton (“Frozen” on Broadway) and Eric B. Turner (with latest single “Ain’t No Good”).
Tickets to “Rock & Roll Man” are on sale on Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Group sales, which is for groups of 10 or more, are available through Broadway Inbound or by calling (866) 302-0995.
New World Stages box office hours are Monday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m..
Additional information can be found on the musical’s website.
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