Rocky, the musical in Hamburg

Has anyone seen it?

Yes.

How is Terence Archie?

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Unfortunately, I attended the show on a day when Archie's understudy was playing the role, so I didn't have a chance to see him in action.

This could get a bit spoiler-y, though I'm trying to be circumspect. If you don't want to know anything about it - do not read on.

The book features some not insubstantial changes from the movie; the largest of which is the addition of a new character, Gloria, who adds a level of relationship between Adrian and Pauli. As well as several splashy song-and-dance numbers. There is sound reasoning for the role, to tie elements in together on the stage, but I wasn't fond of how it affected the dynamic of the leads' relationships - I thought it weakened Adrian's strength a bit in one key scene, and flattened Pauli's dimensionality a bit. But again, as the musical unfolded, I can certainly understand why the role was created.

The staging is superb. They did some pretty clever things with a live feed (I'm not sure what to call this - a cameraman / newscaster on stage who broadcast from his device to large "TV screens" set above/adjacent to the stage, a la a big sporting event) that was excellent. The staging itself was very evocative of the film. Act II opens with the classic training sequence, including the infamous stair-run, that was executed very well. Boxing as a dance number, without reducing itself to a ridiculous parody. Definitely a highlight.

The fights themselves are very realistic, part choreographed and part improv. The last fight in particular gets seen from all angles. I sat in the Golden Box area and so was on stage for the final fight. When it comes to Broadway, though, I plan on sitting in the mezz; some of the 'mechanics' of the final fight are, I think, better seen from that position.

The music sounds fantastic in German. I can only hope/suppose that since it was originally written in English, it'll ring as true to the ear back in its original language. It would be easy for Rocky to come across as ridiculous or a caricature, particularly when he breaks into song - think of his dialogue in the movie! - but it was very well handled, a bit vulnerable, yes, slow, but thoughtfully so, and amusing in an almost heartbreaking/adorable way. I give props to the cast and creative for being able to pull that off in a way that brought laughter/smiles from the audience without being cringe-inducing. That is the greatest trick (and triumph) of Rocky das Musical in its own way.

I went out of my way to see this in Hamburg [the family trip was to Vienna], and I'm not sorry I did. Looking forward to bringing a sizable crew to see it on Broadway next year; if it's anything like what I saw in Germany, it won't disappoint.

Thanks Rabekriegerin - wish you had posted a little earlier :) - yesterday bought a seat in Row A Golden Circle, after reading your post I hope I'm not going to regret it! Definitely looking forward to this one.

Thanks for the review. I have to say I'm much more intrigued/hopefully about this now.

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Oh, it will be fun. I'm glad I can offer some reassurance! I was a bit leery myself of how the musical would pan out, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

In Hamburg I sat in Row C of the Golden Circle. If you like your musicals up close and personal (I'm a fan of that), you certainly won't regret that experience! The show is very much a character piece throughout, for all of the Big Spectacle aspects during the final sequence. You won't have any trouble seeing the action from the GC.

Then there is the final sequence itself. A word of advice: don't bring any bulky bags or coats when you when you go; you'll end up just having to check them. To move the audience efficiently out of the GC area, up onto the wings, and then to take your seats on stage, the ushers ask that only small items are kept to hand - which prevents scrambling and delays. The move is done very quickly and efficiently. And I have to tell you, the excitement when your section gets to rise and crowd up into the wings, waiting for the ring to finish moving out and the seating to glide forward - well. It's quite something. I'd certainly be getting GC tickets if I hadn't already seen the piece from that angle and want to watch the final scene(s) from a different perspective.

The stage seating is general admission. If you can manage it, I advise being one of the last people up the stairs onto the stage proper, because they have you stand to each side for a few seconds as the tiered seating slides into place. The last ones up the stairs are therefore at the 'front' of the GC crowd when they release you to claim your new seats. I recommend the center, several rows up, for the best view! Though, there isn't a bad seat. Lucky folks in the first row may get some interaction with the actors running on and off the wings. (I was lucky!)

You will end up staying on your new stage seating through curtain call.

I hope this is helpful to anyone who chooses to buy Golden Circle tickets...

Updated On: 9/6/13 at 04:43 PM

i heard from one person it was horrible and from another it was amazing.

No, all the Rocky theme songs are not present in the work. Yes, Eye of the Tiger makes an appearance, as the Act II opener / training sequence song. I cannot for the life of me remember if strains of Gonna Fly Now are heard during the stairs sequence... someone else who's seen it more recently will have to provide an answer to that!

As for choreography: there is a surprising amount of it. The new character Gloria allows for a bit, when drawing contrasts to shy Adrian; also, remember that even in the film Apollo was quite the showman (and consequently has a number or two). Plus, again, the training sequence.

I enjoyed it myself. I can guarantee that not everyone will.

In Hamburg, EotT was sung by the ensemble, with a few solo lines by Apollo.

Thanks for the info Rabekriegerin, it sounds great. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Its interesting to read the opinions of some Americans who saw the show in Germany. The music and the German lyrics were mostly critized in German reviews as mediocre and simplistic. And I think at some point they are right. The music could have one or two more hits.
I think there needs to be some reworking in the first act but all in all its an entertaining show. Hopefully it will be a success on Broadway because a huge amount of money was invested and Stage Entertainment needs a financial success as Rocky isn't the hit they hoped for in Germany.

If you are thinking campy you will be disappointed,

This is a serious attempt at a Rocky musical opening on Broadway. Myself, and my fellow theatergoers, will be anything but disappointed, as in our public consciousness such an attempt cannot be anything but kitsch, however unintentionally so.

It is asking us to take boxing matches, theme songs from the film series, and a host of other elements seriously on a Broadway stage. Will it fail? That remains to be seen. But it will definitely be perceived as camp.

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Updated On: 9/9/13 at 12:24 PM