Music Theatre International has acquired licensing rights for the Huey Lewis jukebox musical The Heart of Rock and Roll. Though the title has not yet been released, the company will begin developing a 60-minute version of the musical for its Broadway JR. series this summer.
Featuring a story by Tyler Mitchell and Jonathan A. Abrams and a book by Abrams, The Heart of Rock and Roll tells an original story set to the music of Huey Lewis' greatest hits, including “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Hip to be Square,” “Power of Love,” “Do You Believe in Love?,” “If This Is It,” “Doing It All for My Baby,” “Stuck with You,” "I Want a New Drug,” “It’s Alright,” and “Heart and Soul," all newly arranged and orchestrated by Brian Usifer. The musical follows Bobby, a Chicagoan whose failed band leads to him returning to corporate America. While working, he meets his boss, Cassandra, who has also traded in her personal life for a professional one. Together, the two realize their dreams when Bobby gets another shot at stardom and Cassandra is up for the CEO job.
The show made its Broadway debut last season at the James Earl Jones Theatre, running for 24 previews and 72 performances.
"I am so pleased that MTI is bringing the Heart of Rock and Roll to the heart of America," says Lewis in a statement. "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.”
"Bringing The Heart of Rock and Roll to the stage has been the honor of a lifetime, eclipsed only by working with my childhood music idol, Huey Lewis,” adds Abrams. "Alongside our incredible creative team, we have put together a show intended to be fun, funny, and full of 'heart'—an original story about dreams and choices, wrapped up in a joyful, fizzy ode to the 1980s. 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. 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.”
“What a thrill to represent The Heart of Rock and Roll,” concludes MTI President and CEO Cohen. “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!”
Groups interested in performing The Heart of Rock and Roll can sign up to receive alerts when the title becomes available at MTIShows.com.
