Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI) has acquired “The Heart of Rock and Roll.” The musical, which features a book by Jonathan A. Abrams and a story by Abrams and Tyler Mitchell set to the tunes of Huey Lewis and the News, opened on Broadway on April 22, 2024, concluding its run on June 23. MTI has also revealed plans to develop a 60-minute “Broadway Junior” version of the musical.
“What a thrill to represent ‘The Heart of Rock and Roll,’” said MTI president and CEO Drew Cohen in a statement. “This is the rare show featuring well-known songs that won over both audiences and critics alike. It’s because Jonathan Abrams’ script is energetic, hilarious and just plain fun. That approach aligns perfectly with the great songs of Huey Lewis and the News which were not only massive hits, but intended for audiences to have a good time. ‘Heart of Rock and Roll’ delivers on that promise, leaving audiences wishing they were on stage with the cast!”
“I am so pleased that MTI is bringing the ‘Heart of Rock and Roll’ to the heart of America,” added Lewis. “It’s been an incredible, decade-long journey, and we are so proud of our show, and so happy that everyone across the country will get a chance to see it.”
“From my first meeting with Drew Cohen at MTI, I knew we were not only in capable hands, but ones that hold our musical dear,” Abrams said. “I could not be more excited for the opportunity to share ‘The Heart of Rock and Roll’ with a wider audience in this next phase of the show’s journey.”
“The Heart of Rock and Roll” follows rocker-turned-corporate-professional Bobby, who, alongside his boss Cassandra, examine their paths as they get a second chance at their dreams. The musical’s Broadway production received a 2024 Drama League Award nomination for Outstanding Production of a Musical, while choreographer Lorin Latarro received nods for her choreography from both the Drama Desk Awards and the Chita Rivera Awards.
Licensing availability for “The Heart of Rock and Roll” will be announced.
MTI recently acquired several other musicals which bowed on the Main Stem in the 2023-2024 season, including “The Notebook,” “Suffs” and “How to Dance in Ohio,” as well as a school version of “Once Upon a Once More Time.”
