THE HANGOVER REPORT – Simply put, the Huey Lewis jukebox musical THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL is one a helluva good time

Corey Cott, McKenzie Kurtz, and the company of “The Heart of Rock and Roll” at the James Earl Jones Theatre (photo by Matthew Murphy).

This past week, I was also able to catch up with the new jukebox musical The Heart of Rock and Roll, which is currently playing at the beautifully refurbished James Earl Jones Theatre. Using recognizable pop hits from the Huey Lewis and the News songbook, the musical — which is appropriately set during the 1980s — tells the story of a group of twenty-somethings trying to find their way in their respective lives (interestingly, you’ll also be able to hear “The Power of Love” blaring a few blocks away at Back to the Future: The Musical, which is running concurrently over at the Winter Garden Theatre).

Simply put, for what it is, The Heart of Rock and Roll is one helluva good time; it may just be the feel-good show of the season and a reliable guilty pleasure for the weary. Like Mamma Mia!, the escapist musical knows exactly what kind of show it is (it’s no secret that the musical is far from a masterpiece) and delivers the goods. First and foremost, the book by Jonathan A. Abrams — which is based on a story by Tyler Mitchell — is skillfully plotted, yielding not only production numbers that pop, but also surprisingly moving moments with respect to its central theme of finding one’s way in life. The show is also a loving parody and joyous celebration of the 1980s, with references wittily sprinkled across the show’s various elements.

Directed by Gordon Greenberg on a colorful, efficiently designed set by Derek McLane (the amusing costumes are by Jen Caprio), the approachable production — which originated at the Old Globe in San Diego — hums along nicely, thanks in large part to Lorin Latarro’s tight, fun choreography. As for the cast, they’re largely an irrepressible bunch, led by the hugely likable pairing of Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz. Cott is a natural matinee idol, and the emotional intensity he brings to the role caught me off guard. The sweet-voiced Kurtz, on the other hand, is a disarming comedian, and she injects her performance with idiosyncratic charm.

RECOMMENDED

THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL
Broadway, Musical
James Earl Jones Theatre
2 hours, 20 minutes (with one intermission)
Open run

Categories: Broadway, Theater

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