THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Opening Night Critics’ Reviews

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 4/21/24 at 10:47pm

Set in 1987 and jam-packed with HUEY LEWIS megahits like “Do You Believe in Love,” “Hip to Be Square,” and “If This Is It,” THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL centers on a couple of twenty-somethings on the cusp of their futures—Bobby, a rock and roller who’s traded his guitar for the corporate ladder and his boss Cassandra who’s always put the family business first. When they both get a second shot at their dreams, it’ll take “The Power of Love” and a little help from their friends to figure out what kind of life they really want. 

THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL is a smart, funny, heartfelt throwback to the era of big feelings, classic rom-coms, and music that really “Stuck With You.”

The production opens at the James Earl Jones Theatre on Monday, April 22, 2024. 

Updated On: 4/22/24 at 10:47 PM

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 4/21/24 at 11:15pm

Revies is somehow funnier and fits the vibe for this show lol

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 9:40am

Given how much people on this board like it (and tend to be harder on shows than critics as of late) I'm expecting pretty warm reviews, if not necessarily earth-shattering ones.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 9:56am

Elizabeth reviewing for NYT. 

[Wick3]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 10:17am

BETTY22 said: "Elizabeth reviewing for NYT."

Elisabeth reviewed the other jukebox musical Hell's Kitchen and she loved it. It would be interesting to read her take on another jukebox musical with an original story.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 3:55pm

Anyone yet know what time we can expect them?

[Mr.Liir]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 4:07pm

Show is at 7:30, so probably around 10.

[yyys]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 4:30pm

Predicting: UNIVERSAL ACCLAIM

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 5:04pm

I hope Corey Cott's arms get some shout-outs.

[bwayobsessed]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 5:32pm

If they don't they're blind or homophobic

[FreddyMyLove2]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 5:55pm

TaffyDavenport said: "I hope Corey Cott's arms get some shout-outs."

Those arms are 99% of the reason why I'm considering even going.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:00pm

FreddyMyLove2 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "I hope Corey Cott's arms get some shout-outs."

Those arms are 99% of the reason why I'm considering even going."

I mean, he's also wearing just a towel for an entire scene in a sauna, so there's that, too.

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:01pm

After seeing the opening night sidewalk spectacles for Hell’s Kitchen and Cabaret, I am shocked …. shocked! …. that there is zero fanfare tonight outside the Jones.

No carpet. No backdrops mounted. No paparazzi. Not even a damn balloon.

Am I here on the right night?

 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:03pm

BalconyClub said: "After seeing the opening night sidewalk spectacles for Hell’s Kitchen and Cabaret, I am shocked …. shocked! …. that there is zero fanfare tonight outside the Jones.

No carpet. No backdrops mounted. No paparazzi.Not even a damn balloon.

Am I here on the right night?

"

All the fanfare was on the 19th, and reviews get published today.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:03pm

BalconyClub said: "After seeing the opening night sidewalk spectacles for Hell’s Kitchen and Cabaret, I am shocked …. shocked! …. that there is zero fanfare tonight outside the Jones.

No carpet. No backdrops mounted. No paparazzi.Not even a damn balloon.

Am I here on the right night?

"

Red carpet was Friday night. Tonight is just the press opening.

 

[Wick3]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:32pm

Yeah they had a pink carpet on Friday evening.

[Huss417]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:37pm

TaffyDavenport said: "FreddyMyLove2 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "I hope Corey Cott's arms get some shout-outs."

Those arms are 99% of the reason why I'm considering even going."

I mean, he's also wearing just a towel for an entire scene in a sauna, so there's that, too."

From pictures I have seen it looks like he has shaved his chest. Tell me it isn't so. :)

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 6:55pm

Thanks, everyone. I was not paying attention!

I will head to K-Mart and buy a few rolls of pink shag and recreate the missed moment.

[bwayobsessed]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 7:04pm

Huss417 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "FreddyMyLove2 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "I hope Corey Cott's arms get some shout-outs."

Those arms are 99% of the reason why I'm considering even going."

I mean, he's also wearing just a towel for an entire scene in a sauna, so there's that, too."

From pictures I have seen it looks like he has shaved his chest. Tell me it isn't so. :)"

He did and i wish he didnt

[mshalo18]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 7:28pm

dramamama611 said: "Anyone yet know what time we can expect them?"

Based on reviews so far this season, I'm almost expecting a NYTimes Critic's Pick. 

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 8:02pm

Theatremania is positive

[Musigamist]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 8:10pm

Vincentelli for NY Times is mixed/leaning positive: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/22/theater/heart-of-rock-and-roll-review.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mk0.N4AY.6baIxy0zCPPM&smid=url-share

[bigbelterbaby]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 8:21pm

I like how the Times said McKenzie Kurtz reminds them of Annaleigh Ashford in Kinky Boots and the comparisons to a show based in a factory. 
..

[quizking101]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 8:41pm

I’m at intermission now.

Reviews be damned. It’s a hunk of 80s cheese in the silliest and most self-aware way possible and, given how much of a snob I can be about some shows, I’m having a blast and so is everyone around me

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 4/22/24 at 8:45pm

3 1/2 stars from the New York Post:

"Huey Lewis’ Broadway show is hilarious fun"

https://nypost.com/2024/04/22/entertainment/the-heart-of-rock-and-roll-review-huey-lewis-broadway-show-is-hilarious-fun/