THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/28/24 at 12:00am

It’s hip to be square. 

The Huey Lewis and the News jukebox musical The Heart of Rock and Roll begins Broadway previews tomorrow (March 29) at the James Earl Jones Theatre, before an April 22 opening night. The new comedy is led by Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz as the central couple Bobby and Cassandra; also playing principal roles are Josh Breckenridge, F. Michael Haynie, Zoe Jensen, Tamika Lawrence, Raymond J. Lee, John-Michael Lyles, Orville Mendoza, Billy Harrigan Tighe, and John Dossett. The Heart of Rock and Roll tells an original story by Jonathan A. Abrams and Tyler Mitchell, with choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Gordon Greenberg. 

“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.”

Who’s getting amped?

Updated On: 3/28/24 at 12:00 AM

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 3/28/24 at 12:18am

No one apparently! 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 3/28/24 at 11:43am

I'm not excited for this necessarily but I got a TDF ticket (which feels like I might've overpaid at this point), so I'm going to be seeing this anyway.  Honestly I'm mostly just hoping it'll be surprisingly good, based on the person who said they saw all the out of town tryouts and this one was their favorite

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 3/28/24 at 1:29pm

I'm excited! I love a lot of the cast members and I'm thrilled Corey Cott is back on Broadway. 

My dad used to play Huey Lewis's music on weekends when he would deep clean our house, so I have fond memories of his music growing up. 

I'm excited to see this and hear what they've done with Huey's music. 

 

Updated On: 3/28/24 at 01:29 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/29/24 at 11:19pm

2:20 runtime listed on Telecharge. 

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 3/29/24 at 11:36pm

Accurate. 

Started at 8:10 following intro speech and delayed doors opening and saw curtain call was 10:30ish. 

Fun 80's pistache. Act 2 > Act 1 and audience buzz seemed noticeably more positive post show than during intermission. 

Book needs tightening during previews. 

 

Updated On: 3/29/24 at 11:36 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/29/24 at 11:50pm

Apparently Huey wrote a new song for Corey's character?

Also, judging by that first curtain call video, the spare drum set towards the back of the stage gives me Stillwater vibes. 

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 3/29/24 at 11:58pm

There's an Act 2 number that makes sense if I had to guess one offhand. 

 

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Not quite his 11 o'clock number but a key one for his feelings over his late father's actions. 

Set is a lot of moving parts. The drum set comes in several times along with the stage. 

[audradoorable]

Posted: 3/30/24 at 12:13am

I saw the show tonight and absolutely LOVED it! I didn't know what to expect, but I was impressed by everything about it, especially the performances. I was worried that they were going to ruin the music of Huey Lewis by making it too musical theatre-y (you know how they sometimes do with jukebox musicals, it's the worst), but this was a perfect homage to his work and the 80's in general. The references were all so spot on! If you're not sure about seeing it, I promise the tickets are worth it. Go with friends, get a drink before, and you'll be laughing and smiling from beginning to end! I can't wait to go back again...

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 3/30/24 at 1:05am

Always informative to hear a rave from someone who joined a week ago. Doesn’t sound shill-y at all (you know how sometimes an early rave can feel disingenuous) but this one feels super honest and forthright  

[BoringBoredBoard40]

Posted: 3/30/24 at 1:10am

audradoorable said: "I saw the show tonight and absolutely LOVED it! I didn't know what to expect, but I was impressed by everything about it, especially the performances. I was worried that they were going to ruin the music of Huey Lewis by making it too musical theatre-y (you know how they sometimes do with jukebox musicals, it's the worst), but this was a perfect homage to his work and the 80's in general. The references were all so spot on! If you're not sure about seeing it, I promise the tickets are worth it. Go with friends, get a drink before, and you'll be laughing and smiling from beginning to end!I can't wait to go back again..."

People from marketing offices have to stop making accounts on here just to post stuff like this, it is so obvious

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 3/30/24 at 8:07am

I had very low expectations going into this last night but ended up having a really good time. It’s nothing new or groundbreaking and it knows that. This is a musical that is unabashedly what it is and not apologizing for it. If you have any nostalgia for the 80s or Huey Lewis music, you’re gonna enjoy yourself. I was surprised at how genuinely funny I thought this was. Some cringey jokes of course, but I found myself belly laughing much more than expected. It loses some steam for 20 minutes or so in Act II when it gets too self-serious, but it gets you back with the energetic finale.

The ensemble cast is uniformly great and they all really get a chance to shine. McKenzie Kurtz is giving her fantastic Glinda spunk, Corey Cott is giving hot (the tightness of the pants, my lord), Tamika Lawrence is so funny and sings the hell out of her songs, Billy Harrigan Tighe is quite the physical comedian. The physical production is solid and smooth as well. This show goes down great with a drink or two as well. I imagine this will do very well on tour and with licensing down the road.

[OhHiii]

Posted: 3/30/24 at 8:43am

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "audradoorable said: "I saw the show tonight and absolutely LOVED it! I didn't know what to expect, but I was impressed by everything about it, especially the performances. I was worried that they were going to ruin the music of Huey Lewis by making it too musical theatre-y (you know how they sometimes do with jukebox musicals, it's the worst), but this was a perfect homage to his work and the 80's in general. The references were all so spot on! If you're not sure about seeing it, I promise the tickets are worth it. Go with friends, get a drink before, and you'll be laughing and smiling from beginning to end!I can't wait to go back again..."

People from marketing offices have to stop making accounts on here just to post stuff like this, it is so obvious"

I assure you, the marketing offices know that reviews on BWW mean absolutely zero when it comes to what their job is. Shill posts are almost always from co-producers/investors. Same people who think Show-Score has a meaningful impact on sales. Also helpful to remind that producers hire the marketing offices and approve every single thing you see out in public before it goes out the door. So all the “the marketing team doesn’t know what they’re doing” from people siting on their couch who have never been in marketing and don’t understand that it’s for-hire work is based in zero reality.

Some helpful context because many of you don’t know what you’re talking about and state it as fact. 

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/30/24 at 12:52pm

I had no/low expectations as well but my friends and I had a great time overall. It's ultimately a jukebox musical and people came here to have fun and be entertained and that's what they got! It's lighthearted, comical, entertaining, and during act 2 even got me teary eyed. 

Huey Lewis himself was in the audience and he came up to three ladies who wore "I heart HUEY" t-shirts during intermission thanking them for coming and all three ladies were SHOCKED/GRATEFUL/TEARY it was awesome to see and so cool for Huey to go to his fans and thank them for coming.

Also, the beginning somehow reminded me of KINKY BOOTS.

I think this show will do fine over the summer and would do well on tour.

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 3/31/24 at 12:19am

This was a cute time and back in the early 2000s would be taking the world by storm. I wish this was opening in the summer instead to capture more of the ABN crowd, since that was exactly the audience demographic that lit up as the lyrics of each song could be heard. A true jukebox musical… in the best way? Surprisingly loved McKenzie Kurtz’s acting here, not enough for a nom but enough to have a great impact originating a role.

Also, this will make a killing both on tour and licensing. Very different from everything this season. Not bad at all, just very different and hard to pick first over some of the other offerings this season. 

[Jonathan Cohen]

Posted: 3/31/24 at 8:30pm

Wick3 said: "Huey Lewis himself was in the audience and he came up to three ladies who wore "I heart HUEY" t-shirts during intermission thanking them for coming and all three ladies were SHOCKED/GRATEFUL/TEARY it was awesome to see and so cool for Huey to go to his fans and thank them for coming."

I haven't seen the show yet, so I definitely lack some context. But Lewis seems all in on this musical, especially in the context of losing his hearing and no longer being able to perform. He's probably going to be there most nights. 

Given that the main reason most people will see this show is because they love Huey Lewis, I wonder if he could come out for the curtain call on nights he's there? The fans would go nuts, he probably misses the applause, and it would help build buzz for the show.   

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 3/31/24 at 8:44pm

Echoing the sentiments that the opening number is VERY Kinky Boots derivative (in a great way - no spoilers) and McKenzie Kurtz is also lovely. Not a groundbreaking role by any means whatsoever but she’s just such a gem and so endearing and fun to watch in this.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 8:50am

I thought people would be a lot more harsh on this show since it's nothing new or groundbreaking. I am so happy I'm wrong! Sometimes we just need a good, fun time like what this show totally delivers. Really considering revisiting this show in the next few weeks. 

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 11:45pm

I just came back from the show, it was really fun! Corey Cott is Broadway royalty at this point. He is a vocal wonder. Also, he looks great shirtless. McKenzie has a lovely voice and good timing. Tommy Brocco is always a treat, Tommy and Corey were together in Newsies, so it's a bit of a Broadway reunion. A fun feel good show. I'd rather see this any day than something depressing like Wine and Roses. I don't care what critics say.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 12:47am

Not a brain cell in my head was activated, but this is as a flipping good time! I’m calling it Huey Lewis and the Newsies because the energy of this ensemble is insane much like that show. They are the heart of this rock and roll show. Corey Cott is in great voice, oozes charisma, and oof, is he good-looking. Mckenzie Kurtz felt like a goofier, more awkward Glinda with lots of humor. The actor who played her HS/college boyfriend was excellent, but really the whole cast is elevating this.

The choreography is full-force. There’s a dance number on bubble wrap (and a few pirouettes on cardboard boxes that again were reminiscent of…ya know), but every full cast number has choreo that lit the place up. Costumes are, of course, very bright and 80s camp. I knew more Huey Lewis songs than I realized, and the most insane lyric for me was “You’ll thank me. Sauvignon Blanc me.” I giggled. Not sure if I love it because it’s clever or hate it because of the mispronunciation of blanc for the rhyme.

I honestly think the show’s only fault is its long Act 2. A few songs need to go because it starts to drag. But a lot of what’s happening on that stage is just so much fun! Many friends and influencers in the audience who were clearly comped. Definitely trying to drum up business. I hope it works, and I wish it lots of success.

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 5:15am

The synopsis for this show makes it sound very chick flick and I tend to be allergic to those.  Those of you who have seen it, would you call it a schmaltzy romance or is there plenty to distract from that?

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 6:01am

It definitely is a bit chick flick-esque. Not totally because there’s other stuff going on there too (family issues is another big focus), but there’s a hunky guy who falls for a quirky girl, so if that’s not your thing, maybe steer clear.

[MerchMan]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:17pm

I can't recall, in recent memory, a show that has started in previews and getting as little attention on this message board as this one!!! It's like crickets here!!!

[BigGuy3]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 7:00am

I saw the show on a TDF ticket on T 4/2.  I liked it a lot.  Corey Cott looks good and sounds great.  The story is easy to follow, the costumes are colorful, and the dancing all looks good.  

The sound is especially good.  It's NOT amplified to LOUD, LOUD, LOUD -- you're NOT ASSAULTED.  You're entertained.  All the leads and all the chorus have great voices.  And they all sound good together -- the leads harmonize in duets and quartets far, far better than touring rock bands ever do. Same thing with the band in the pit -- far better musicianship than you hear from rock bands on tour.

No one goes to jukebox musicals to think deep thoughts. You go to be entertained and to have fun.  This show succeeds. 

  

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 8:33am

I honestly had no idea that Huey Lewis had this many songs to fill a show with. If you asked the average person in Australia we would have answered like maybe three from the 80’s. Who knew! Well obviously some do.