Let the Good Times Roll, a new jukebox musical conceived and written by Jack Viertel that broke records during its world premiere this past summer at Phoenix Theatre Company, is aiming for a Broadway bow during the 2026-2027 season.
Subtitled "A New Orleans Gumbo," the work is built around the music of the iconic Louisiana city, with songs made famous by Bessie Smith, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, The Meters, Harry Connick Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, Randy Newman, and others. Sonny Paladino penned the arrangements and orchestrations and is the music supervisor. Sara Edwards directs and choreographs.
It is being produced by Michael P. Kruke and Ram Narasimhan.
“It was hugely satisfying to be given the opportunity to do this world premiere with the great folks at The Phoenix Theatre, and with Sara and Sonny. The results were beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Viertel in a statement. "We set out to create a joy machine, a human story and a piece where New Orleans itself would become a principal character. But the amount of joy the audience took from it every night was no doubt the best part of all. I’m excited and thrilled that we are moving on to New York and look forward to getting back in a rehearsal room full of wonderful people.”
Featuring six diverse characters, Let the Good Times Roll captures New Orleans’ history, trials, and triumphs. From the Great Flood to Hurricane Katrina, the musical is billed as "a celebration of resilience, culture, and the unshakeable joie de vivre of New Orleans."
Joy Machine Records released a concept album of the show in August, featuring John Edwards, Tony winner J. Harrison Ghee, Lauren Patten, Jonny Rosch, Rashidra Scott, and Alysha Umphress, with a guest appearance by the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band.
The Phoenix cast featured William Bailey as Onyx, Scott Davidson as Captain, Gina Guarino as Wanda, Miciah Lathan as Maretha, Carmina Monserrat as Liza Jane, and Tre Moore as L.D., with swings Ernest Allen and Savannah Inez, and understudy Robert Watson rounding out the company.
Casting, theatre, dates, and ticket information for a Broadway run will be announced at a later time.
Viertel, senior vice-president emeritus of Broadway’s Jujamcyn Theaters, also served as the company’s creative director, in charge of overseeing the development of new projects for the company's five Broadway theatres beginning in 1987. He was a co-producer and conceiver of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, the conceiver of After Midnight, and served as the dramaturg for Hairspray, Dear Evan Hansen, A Christmas Story, and The Outsiders. The musical and movie The Prom were developed from his original concept. From 2000 to 2020 he also served as artistic director of the Tony-honored Encores! series at New York City Center, where he oversaw the presentation of over 70 productions.
Carmiña Monserrat and Tre Moore in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Tre Moore and company of Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Miciah Lathan and Scott Davidson in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
William Bailey in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Gina Guarino and company of Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Scott Davidson, Carmiña Monserrat, Tre Moore, Miciah Lathan, and Gina Guarino in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
William Bailey in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
The Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo band
