Constantine Maroulis as Alan Freed in Rock & Roll Man – photo by Joan Marcus
If you are looking for a good show to see to finish your summer viewing, consider going to New World Stages for Rock & Roll Man. This musical journey tells the story of the beginnings of rock and roll. It focuses on the legendary DJ Alan Freed. Freed brought the music of black artists to the mainstream at a time when segregation was in full swing in the U.S. He is also credited with popularizing the term Rock and Roll to the emerging genre.
The musical is based on a book by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak and Rose Caiola. it is directed by Randal Myler with Choreography by Stephanie Klemons.
According to a recent press release, the show will play its final performance on Friday, September 1 ahead of a national tour. As of that date, Rock & Roll Man will have played 18 previews and 82 regular performances.
Playbill from Rock & Roll Man – Photo K. Nowosad
Rock & Roll Man Goes Back to the Early Days of Rock
Rock & Roll Man shows events connected with the rise and fall of Alan Freed. The story is cleverly told through a dream that Freed has the supposed last day of his life. He enters the Court of Public Opinion where rock legend Little Richard takes on the role of his defender.
Joey Pantoliano as Leo Mintz and Constantine Maroulis as Alan Freed in Rock & Roll Man – photo by Joan Marcus
The story moves on to a meeting between Leo Mintz, the owner of Record Rendezvous, a record shop in Cleveland, and Alan Freed, who is working as a DJ at a Cleveland radio station. This shop breaks all the rules of the day as records by black artists are selling well with both white and black teenagers. They also mingle and dance with each and have a great time doing so. Freed makes an agreement to play some of these black artist records on his radio show. And so it begins.
Rodrick Covington as Little Richard singing at his piano with back up ensemble group – photo by Joan Marcus
As the story unfolds, audiences are treated to a number of classic 50’s rock songs as well as new songs written for this production. Some of the songs from this time period include “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Tutti Frutti,” “See See Rider,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and many more.
New songs progress the story including “King of the World,” “Be Good to Morris,” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”
Eventually, the establishment of the day, led by FBI head J. Edgar Hoover, steps in to put an end to what they view as an insult to good morality. Audiences might be surprised to see what is done to bring Freed down. Unfortunately, there is truth behind what you will see. Freed tries to fight, but it becomes too much as alcoholism leads to his early death.
A Fabulous Cast Rocks the House
New Jersey’s talent bank is well represented in this show. Constantine Maroulis plays the lead as Alan Freed. He is in strong voice as he sings and creates his role. He brings the house down when he sings “King of the World.” His performance astutely shows what Freed went through especially the very sad lows that closed out his life. But a very enjoyable moment ends the show when he and the entire cast sing Chuck Berry’s “Rock and Roll Music.” Not only does it get the audience on their feet clapping and singing along, but it also reminds us of the love Alan Freed had for his Rock and Roll and the artists who were a part of it.
Hoboken born Joe Pantalioni (Aka Joey Pants) plays two parts: Leo Mintz and Morris Levy. It’s not easy to switch between two parts that are so different in a show but Pantalioni pulls it off easily. Fans will enjoy seeing him singing and bringing in some funny comic lines.
Rodrick Covington brings a first rate performance to the role of Little Richard. You might feel like you are seeing the actual Richard Wayne Penniman on stage at times. Bob Ari plays the show’s villain, J. Edgar Hoover. Ari’s portrayal is spot on even when he plays a few other “morality” type characters. Valisia LeKae plays the legendary LaVern Baker. Her strong singing along with audience appeal is one of the show’s many highlights.
Valisia LeKae sings the songs of LaVern Baker with her back up group. Photo by Joan Marcus
A Round of Applause for the Ensemble
The ensemble does a superb job as they each sing, dance, and play a number of different parts. This group brings an energy to the songs of the era that reflects the sounds of early rock, but somehow they manage to make them sound new.
The amazing ensemble includes Joe Barbara, Andy Christopher, Natalie Kaye Clater, and Richard Crandle. Also playing in the show are Lawrence Dandridge, AJ Davis, Autumn Guzzardi, Anna Hertel, and Jamonté.
Additional ensemble members include Darren Lorenzo, Matthew S. Morgan, Chase Peacock, Dominque Scott, Bronwyn Tarboton, and Eric B Turner.
Why See this Show?
If you enjoy rock and roll, this is a must see show. It gives a lot of history about the early days of the genre and how influential that time was to its development.
Bear in mind that this is a true story. And that makes it even more interesting to see.
The history is one thing, but a big reason to see Rock & Roll Man is to go and have a good time. The music and the spirit of the cast as they perform will have you singing along and perhaps even dancing. One of my favorite numbers is the classic song by The Coasters, “Yakety Yak.” As the actors perform this song, they are close to the edge of the stage and they look out to the audience as they sing the famous line, “Yakety Yak.” The audience easily responds, “Don’t talk back.”
You don’t know the song? You will after hearing 1 -2 verses. Pure fun!
How to Get Tickets for Rock & Roll Man
Tickets to Rock & Roll Man are on sale through the show’s official website, rockandrollmanthemusical.com, Telecharge.com, or by calling (800) 447-7400. Group sales (10 or more) available through Broadway Inbound or by calling 866-302-0995.
Entries for the Rock & Roll Man digital lottery start at 12am, 1 day before the performance, and winners are drawn the same day at 10am and 3pm. Winners may buy up to 2 tickets at $25 each.
Digital rush begins at 11am the day of the performance. More tickets may become available throughout the day. Rush ends 30 minutes before curtain. One person may buy up to 2 tickets at $35 each, and are available at rush.telecharge.com.
This show plays at New World Stages, 340 W. 50th Street in New York City.
