“The Heart of Rock and Roll,” a jukebox musical featuring songs from the Grammy Award-winning band Huey Lewis and the News, is coming to Broadway. The show will begin performances on March 29, 2024, ahead of an opening night of April 22 at the James Earl Jones Theatre. The musical premiered at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in 2018.
Set to a score of songs made famous by Huey Lewis and the News, “The Heart of Rock and Roll” tells the story of two thirtysomethings, each with certain plans, until they meet each other.
“The Heart of Rock and Roll” features a book by Jonathan A. Abrams, based on a story devised by Tyler Mitchell and Abrams. Music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations are by Brian Usifer. Directed by Gordon Greenberg, the musical will feature choreography by Lorin Latarro.
“Working on our show has been so gratifying,” Lewis said in a statement. “I’ve always been a storyteller, and it’s a thrill to see my songs woven together in service of a fantastic, new story. That it will all take place on the world’s most prestigious stage — Broadway — just makes the ride that much sweeter.”
Lewis got a taste of Broadway earlier this year, with the opening of “Back to the Future.” His tune “The Power of Love,” featured in the original movie “Back to the Future,” is included in the musical adaptation.
“The Power of Love,” as well as “Workin’ for a Livin’,” “Stuck with You,” “If This Is It” and the musical’s title tune are among the Huey Lewis and the News songs that will be featured in “The Heart of Rock and Roll.”
The 2018 Old Globe staging of the musical featured a cast led by Tony winner Matt Doyle and Katie Rose Clarke. A summer 2023 workshop was led by Jonah Platt with Clarke. Casting for the Broadway production, as well as additional creative team members, will be announced.
“The Heart of Rock and Roll” is being produced by Hunter Arnold, Mitchell and Kayla Greenspan.
