Reviews: What Are Critics Saying About Rock & Roll Man at New World Stages? | Playbill

Playbill Universe Reviews: What Are Critics Saying About Rock & Roll Man at New World Stages?

The new biomusical about legendary DJ Alan Freed opened Off-Broadway June 21.

Cast of Rock & Roll Man Joan Marcus

Reviews are rolling in for Rock & Roll Man, a new biomusical centered on the life story of legendary DJ Alan Freed. The New York premiere opened Off-Broadway at New World Stages' Stage 3 June 21 after beginning previews June 3. 

Leading the cast is Broadway Rock of Ages star Constantine Maroulis, starring as Freed alongside Joe Pantoliano as Leo Mintz and Morris Levy, Bob Ari as J. Edgar Hoover, Rodrick Covington as Little Richard, Valisia Lekae as LaVern Baker, Jamonté as Dave Cooper and Frankie Lymon, Andy Christopher as Buddy Holly and Pat Boone, Autumn Guzzardi as Alan's Mother and Jackie, Anna Hertel as Alana and Betty, Matthew S. Morgan as Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Chuck Berry, Dominique Scott as Jerry Lee Lewis and Dick Clark, and Eric B Turner as Judge and Bo Diddley.

Read the reviews here.

New York Stage Review (David Finkle)

New York Stage Review (Frank Scheck)

New York Theatre Guide (Joe Dziemianowicz)

The New York Times (Elisabeth Vincentelli)*

Splash Magazine (Charles E. Gerber)

Talkin' Broadway (James Wilson)

Theater Pizzazz (Brian Scott Lipton)

TheaterMania (Zachary Stewart)

*This review may require creating a free account or a paid subscription.

Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.

The musical takes place on the final day of Freed's life. In a fever dream, prosecutor J. Edgar Hoover and defense attorney Little Richard face off with Freed's legacy at stake. The score includes hits made famous by such artists as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker, Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins, along with original songs by Gary Kupper. The work features a book by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak, and Rose Caiola; original music and lyrics by Kupper; and vintage rock & roll elements designed by Marshak Classic Music LLC and Gary Kupper Music.

Also in the ensemble are Natalie Kaye Clater, Lawrence Dandridge, and AJ Davis, with the company rounded out by understudies and swings Joe Barbara, Chase Peacock, and Bronwyn Tarboton.

Randal Myler directs, with Stephanie Klemons choreographing. Dave Keyes is music director, with Keyes and Kupper serving as music supervisors and arrangers. Kenny Seymour is providing dance arrangements, additional orchestrations, and synth programming. Scenic design is by Timothy R. Mackabee, with costume design by Leon Dobkowski, projection design by Christopher Ash, lighting design by Matthew Richards and Aja M. Jackson, sound design by Ed Chapman, and hair, wig and makeup design by Kelley Jordan. Casting is by JZ Casting.

The Off-Broadway premiere is being produced by Caiola Productions and Benedetti Productions, Maria Caiola, Colleen Freed, Jay & Cindy Gutterman, and MTTM Theatrics. JRJ Productions' Jessica R. Jenen is executive producer and general manager.

Visit RockAndRollManTheMusical.com.

Check Out Photos of Rock & Roll Man Off-Broadway

 
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