THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Opening Night Critics’ Reviews — Page 4

Seems some new marketing is focusing on "A New Story Inspired By The Songs Of Huey Lewis & The News."

BETTY22 said: "theaterdude2 said: "is the famous sauna scene stage left or right? which is best place to sit?!"

Center stage - this director knows what he is doing....WINK

"

Famous ? Nah. The best scene in the show. Yes !

Jonathan Cohen said: "I also think for all the intentionally dumb jokes, the show has a lot of intelligent things to say about choosing a career in the arts vs. career security, making sacrifices for relationships, and how people can't have it all and need to make hard choices to be happy.

But that doesn't matter from a marketing perspective.Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz should be front and center in joint interviews selling this as a 1980s romantic comedy. And for sure that should include an appearance onThe Drew Barrymore Show."

I agree with what you said about how the show is more than just bubble wrap and sauna eye-candy. I kind of wish more critics wrote about that too. The scene when McKenzie learned her father took out a second mortgage really hit me for some reason.

I love Drew Barrymore and I think she would enjoy this show too! I associate her more with 90s romcom but I still remember the scene in the movie 'Never Been Kissed' when she got hit by an egg before going to her 80s prom. Anyways I digress but I think going the romcom marketing route will reach another demographic/market for this show in addition to Huey fans.

I know Tamika Lawrence was a guest at the Sherri Shepherd show the other day (see video below).

I get it, The Heart of Rock and Roll was one of his big songs, but perhaps a lot of people don't quite remember that, and it does seem like a crappy title for what sounds like a fun show.

do you think 2nd row orch (either left center aisle facing stage or middle of the row to the right) is too close? there are also seats 5th row. Thoughts?

WINK.

Thank you.

Jordan Catalano said: "The title fits perfectly with the theme of the show."

Yeah, The Power of Love, Stuck with You, Hip to Be Square, Jacob's Ladder, and Perfect World all charted higher, but The Heart of Rock and Roll fits the story the best.

If the show had to be named after a Huey Lewis song, they landed on the best available choice.

Updated On: 4/25/24 at 09:22 PM

"the skepticism I have for juke box musicals"

Pretty simple answer. Do you like the music of Huey Lewis? From the reviews on this board, you know it is not a bio-musical. Critic reviews have been darn good and so have the ones of people on BWW.

"the fear I have for audiences at juke box musicals"

This is not the type of show where people are going to do a sing along to song like "Sweet Caroline". The story is not about Huey Lewis so the audience will not treat it like a concert IMO. I may be wrong but others on this board who have seen the show have not complained about audience behavior.

*the nearly $500 I would have to spend for a pair of good orch seats for what sounds like popcorn entertainment, when I I've already spent a wad on heavyweights like TOMMY, STEREOPHONIC, TITANIC, and ILLINOISE (not to mention Ben Platt, Aaron Tveit, and CATS)"

Then buy cheaper seats in the mezzanine or try for rush tickets. I am sure this show is up on the TKTS board.

"the far-from compelling title"

The title works perfectly for the show's story and was song title of one of his hits. What do you think would be better? - lol

"I suspect I'm not the only one having to overcome these hurdles, so prognosis for this show maybe not so good"

None of your points were big hurdles to me and probably many others on this board. By all appearances, the show seems like rollicking fun which is kind of nice in the world we live in today. I may be making a quick business trip to NYC in a couple of weeks. If I make the trip, I will buy ticket to this show.

Jordan Catalano said: "Their sales seem to be picking up, looking at availability. They also seem to have lowered their prices a bit which is very smart for a struggling show, and something I truly don’t understand why other shows in similar situations don’tdo."

Picking up, but just barely. Not enough if you consider the deep, deep hole they are in.

Closing notice tomorrow, 6 PM.

yyys said: "will May 5th be the last show?!"

Heard 5/12 for this and Lempicka.

I've heard multiple conflicting dates mentioned by those "in the know" for both this and Lempicka (dates of announcement and dates of actual closing), so I'm choosing to believe none of the specifics –– only that money is close to gone and closing is imminent for both.

Updated On: 4/29/24 at 02:26 PM

From who? The company has not been told this.

There is not 'hate' for this show; only apparent lack of audience interest. The producers will likely want to keep it running as long as is contracted to grant them a percentage of future licensing rights, as the show could be popular on the regional / amateur circuit.