THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Opening Night Critics’ Reviews — Page 8

"Quick question, if they did post a closing date, how soon would the actual date of closing be? I am going to be in New York in a few weeks and was thinking of seeing it on Wednesday June 5. Do you think they would close it that quickly?"

As much as I enjoyed the show, the dollar numbers don't lie and they are not good. If I had to bet money I think you would be able to see it on June 5th but not too much later. Sadly, I don't think it will be running in July. I wish I was wrong.

I have friends - fellow boomers - "baffled" by this show not catching on. And yet, the target audience has likely experienced an overload of juke shows, and Lewis's body of work doesn't immediately conjure enough nostalgia or resonate as reason enough to fork over Broadway prices. It needed a box office star, and Cott simply isn't that guy, no matter how respected his work (and I certainly thought he was persuasive, both acting and singing, in Bandstand). I remember when Blood Brothers replaced the superb Brits with Petula Clark and the Cassidy brothers; it became a new hit. Didn't this piece need borderline stunt casting of that sort? Otherwise it's a Branson show in a crowded season, no matter how witty and well done. And the reviews were quite enthusiastic. It simply lacks the kind of profile needed to make traction.

Auggie27 said: "I have friends - fellow boomers - "baffled" by this show not catching on. And yet, the target audience has likely experiencedan overload of juke shows, and Lewis's body of work doesn't immediately conjure enough nostalgiaor resonate as reason enough to fork over Broadway prices. It needed a box office star, and Cott simply isn't that guy, no matter how respected his work (and I certainly thought he was persuasive, both acting and singing, in Bandstand). I remember when Blood Brothers replaced the superb Brits with Petula Clark and the Cassidy brothers; it became a new hit. Didn't this piece need borderline stunt casting of that sort? Otherwise it's a Branson show in a crowded season, no matter how witty and well done. And the reviews were quite enthusiastic. It simply lacks the kind of profile needed to make traction."

If you're talking about appeal for Huey Lewis' music, then you'd be looking at Gen X (of which I am a part) boomers would be my parents, and I'm sure they might recognize a song or 2 if it were on the radio this probably isn't the target. In terms of Huey Lewis' popularity, while he did have a number of hits, it's in a very limited timeframe in the early 80s, and not music that has significant nostalgia appeal to a wide audience.

"It needed a box office star, and Cott simply isn't that guy, no matter how respected his work (and I certainly thought he was persuasive, both acting and singing, in Bandstand)"

I thought his arms made him a box office star. Sorry I could not resist making that joke after some on this board were giving them a Tony nomination - ha ha. I thought he was great in "Bandstand" also, should have received Tony nomination in that role IMO. He just can't seem to catch a break with shows after "Newsies". Just curious, what box office star would you have suggested to play that role?

batchels said: "Are there any seating recommendations between the right and left front orchestra?"

There's a moment during the second act where there's a bit of audience participation if you're in the first three rows of the center orchestra. I would say maybe row C, third row, right hand aisle seat. It's a fun silly moment, if that interests you at all. Otherwise, there's really no bad seat on either side

Updated On: 5/31/24 at 01:21 PM

I was born in 1992, did not grow up listening to Huey Lewis music, and I absolutely loved The Heart of Rock and Roll. I’ve gone twice already and going again Wednesday.

Jordan Catalano said: "Got tix to the gun show again today and loved it just as much as always. Confirmed afterwards, a cast recording IS coming."

Cast recording was done in March. Just waiting for a release date.

Thinking about making this a full-family show if it's still open when we're there at the end of the month. My daughters are 8 and 11, and both love musicals. Don't care about some sex jokes (which often go over their heads) or profanity. Both of them loved & Juliet, and thought this might be in the same wheelhouse..... anyone have thoughts?

Thanks! I'm strongly leaning this way.

We have tix to Suffs, Wicked, and then Merrily (just for the adults). I just want some fun this trip, and can't bring myself to be excited about Hell's Kitchen, Illinoise or Outsiders. Maybe if one of them nabs Best Musical....

dwwst12 said: "I do wonder how much closing notice they'll give! But I might as well buy ahead to help their advance, and then would just get a refund anyway."

I say go for it! And yes, if they do close, you will definitely receive a refund

You’re saying that really quick “other team” joke isn’t family friendly?

I would advise re-reading the post again. They say the joke is so quick it might be missed.