The Heart of Rock and Roll

 The Heart of Rock and Roll
James Earl Jones Theatre
May 9, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The Heart of Rock and Roll

The Heart of Rock and Roll is an original stage musical inspired by the songs of Huey Lewis and the News.  It is the most fun night on Broadway this season.  It will take you back to a simpler time, the 1980s.  Director Gordon Greenberg delivers a tight, fast moving production.  The cast is excellent.  The choreography, by Lorin Latarro, is high energy and perfect for the time period.

Bobby Stivic (played by Corey Cott) is the lead singer for a rock band.  That’s what he does on the weekends.  His day job is in a carboard factory.  In an attempt to get promoted to an executive sales position, he makes a deal with a local store that loses the company a large sum of money.  When his boss, Chuck Stone (played by John Dossett), finds out, he fires him on the spot.  Bobby comes up with a plan to get back in the good graces of the company, and recruits his friend and HR Director, Roz (played by Tamika Lawrence) to help him.  He plans on pitching a deal to Otto Fjord (played by Orville Mendoza), a Swedish furniture designer opening a chain of stores in the US.  Bobby convinces Chuck Stone’s daughter, Cassandrea (played by McKenzie Kurtz), to  help him land the deal.  They are successful.  Bobby gets the executive sales position, which has the perk of working side by side with Cassandra.  When Bobby’s band gets a national tour and recording contract, he is torn.  To make things more complicated, Cassandra is being pursued by her old college boyfriend, Tucker (played by Billy Harrigan Tighe).  These two people, who spent most of their lives pleasing others, now have to make a decision for what is best for them. 

Corey Cott & McKenzie Kurtz
Photo courtesy of The Heart of Rock and Roll

Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz have amazing chemistry.  Their solos in both Act II are heartfelt and vocally powerful.  There are also strong performances by John Dossett, Josh Breckenridge, F. Michael Haynie, Zoe Jensen, Tamika Lawernce, Raymond J. Lee, John-Michae Lyles, Orville Mendoza, and Billy Harrigan Tighe.

Photo courtesy of The Heart of Rock and Roll

The creative team has done a brilliant job of keeping the style and humor consistent throughout the show.  If you want to laugh, hear Huey Lewis tunes, and be transported back to the 80s (for two and a half hours) go see this show.  

The Heart of Rock and Roll is playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza