Full casting has been revealed for The Heart of Rock and Roll, a new musical inspired by the music of Huey Lewis and The News, which begins previews on Broadway March 29 at the James Earl Jones Theatre ahead of an April 22 opening night.
The jukebox musical has a book by Jonathan Abrams and a score of Huey Lewis hits, including “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Hip to Be Square,” “Power of Love,” “Do You Believe in Love?,” “If This Is It,” “Doing It All for My Baby,” “Stuck with You,” "I Want a New Drug,” “It’s Alright,” and “Heart and Soul.” The musical previously had an industry workshop in July, following a 2018 production at San Diego's Old Globe.
The musical follows Bobby, a Chicagoan whose failed band leads to him returning to corporate America. While working, he meets his boss, Cassandra, who has also traded in her personal life for a professional one. Together, the two realize their dreams when Bobby gets another shot at stardom and Cassandra is up for the CEO job.
The cast will be led by Corey Cott (Newsies) and McKenzie Kurtz (Wicked) starring as Bobby and Cassandra. The principal cast will also include Josh Breckenridge (Come From Away), F. Michael Haynie (Wicked), Zoe Jensen (Six), Tamika Lawrence (Caroline or Change), Raymond J. Lee (Sweeney Todd), John-Michael Lyles (A Strange Loop), Orville Mendoza (Swept Away), Billy Harrigan Tighe (Pippin), and John Dossett (Wicked).
The ensemble will feature Mike Baerga, Tommy Bracco, TyNia René Brandon, Olivia Cece, Taylor Marie Daniel, Lindsay Joan, Ross Lekites, Robin Masella, Kara Menendez, Michael Olaribigbe, Kevin Pariseau, and Robert Pendilla. Joe Moeller, Jennifer Noble, Fredric Rodriguez Odgaard, and Leah Read will serve as swings.
With a story by Tyler Mitchell and Abrams, the production will again be directed by Gordon Greenberg, who has been attached for the entirety of the musical's public development. Music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations will be by Brian Usifer with choreography by Lorin Latarro.
The production will also feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by John Shivers, casting by Tara Rubin Casting and Peter Van Dam, and hair, wig, and makeup design by Nikiya Mathis. Justin Scribner serves as production stage manager.
“Working on our show has been so gratifying,” said Lewis in a statement. “I’ve always been a storyteller, and it’s a thrill to see my songs woven together in service of a fantastic, new story. That it will all take place on the world’s most prestigious stage–Broadway–just makes the ride that much sweeter."
Visit HeartOfRocknRollBway.com.
