‘The Heart of Rock and Roll’ to close on Broadway

The romantic comedy musical, featuring the hit ’80s songs of Huey Lewis and the News, stars Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz at the James Earl Jones Theatre.

The heart of rock and roll isn’t beating. The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway, a new musical set to the songs of Huey Lewis and the News, has set its Broadway closing date. The final performance will be at the James Earl Jones Theatre on June 23, at which time it will have played 96 total performances.

The original musical began Broadway performances on March 29 after a 2018 world premiere in San Diego, California. The Heart of Rock and Roll tells the love story between rock musician-turned-salesman Bobby and wannabe boss Cassandra. Both feeling unfulfilled with their current lives and work at their cardboard factory, their romance, and their friends, end up inspiring each other to chase their dreams.

The show is written by Jonathan A. Abrams (from a story by Tyler Mitchell and Abrams) and set to the songs of hit ’80s band Huey Lewis and the News, including “The Power of Love,” “Stuck With You,” and “Do You Believe in Love?”

The Heart of Rock and Roll cast includes Corey Cott as Bobby, McKenzie Kurtz as Cassandra, Josh Breckenridge as Wyatt, F. Michael Haynie as Glenn, Zoe Jensen as Paige, Tamika Lawrence as Roz, Raymond J. Lee as JJ, John-Michael Lyles as Eli, Orville Mendoza as Fjord, Billy Harrigan Tighe as Tucker, and John Dossett as Stone.

New York Theatre Guide’s critic wrote in a The Heart of Rock and Roll review, “I had a good, old-fashioned great time for 2.5 hours.Director Gordon Greenberg’s production is eager to sweep you up in its bright lights, even brighter costumes, and heart-thumping sound.”

Photo credit: The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)