Huey Lewis Musical “The Heart of Rock and Roll” Added to Music Theatre International Catalogue
The musical theatre licensing company, Music Theatre International, has recently obtained the rights to produce the Huey Lewis jukebox musical “The Heart of Rock and Roll.” The show’s title has not yet been revealed, but MTI plans to develop a 60-minute version of the musical for its Broadway JR. series in the upcoming summer.
Featuring a storyline developed by Tyler Mitchell and Jonathan A. Abrams, with a book by Abrams, “The Heart of Rock and Roll” weaves an original narrative using Huey Lewis’ iconic hits. The musical incorporates classics like “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Hip to be Square,” “Power of Love,” and more, all expertly reimagined and orchestrated by Brian Usifer. The plot follows Bobby, a Chicago resident who reverts to a corporate job after his band’s failure. While working, he encounters his boss, Cassandra, who has similarly prioritized her career over personal life. Together, they rediscover their aspirations when Bobby gets another opportunity for musical stardom while Cassandra is on track for a CEO position.
The show initially premiered on Broadway during the last season at the James Earl Jones Theatre, completing 24 previews and 72 performances before concluding its run.
Huey Lewis expressed his delight about MTI bringing “The Heart of Rock and Roll” to a broader American audience. He remarked on the project’s ten-year journey and emphasized the pride in the musical’s accomplishment. Jonathan A. Abrams, the co-creator, reminisced on the tremendous experience of collaborating with his childhood music idol, Huey Lewis. He praised the creative team’s effort in crafting an entertaining, heartfelt narrative set against a nostalgic 1980s backdrop. Abrams also expressed his excitement for the musical’s next phase reaching a more extensive viewership.
MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen conveyed his enthusiasm for representing “The Heart of Rock and Roll.” He highlighted the show’s appeal to both viewers and critics due to its energetic, humorous script by Jonathan Abrams. Cohen praised the musical’s seamless blending of Huey Lewis and The News’ acclaimed hits with a narrative that ensures a fun, enjoyable experience for audiences.
For organizations interested in staging performances of “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” they can stay updated on availability alerts through MTIShows.com. This development opens up new avenues for aspiring performers and theatre groups to explore the captivating fusion of classic music and original storytelling in a vibrant Broadway production.