Full casting has been revealed for the upcoming New York premiere of Rock & Roll Man, a jukebox musical telling the story of legendary DJ Alan Freed to a soundtrack of hits made famous by such artists as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and more, including original music and lyrics by Gary Kupper. The musical starts at New World Stages' Stage 3 June 2 with opening night set for June 21. Randal Myler is directing with choreography by Stephanie Klemons.
Joining the previously announced Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages) as Alan Freed and Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, Empire of the Sun, Orphans) as Morris Levy/Leo Mintz are Bob Ari (Bells Are Ringing) as Hoover, Rodrick Covington (Once On This Island) as Little Richard, and Tony nominee Valisia Lekae (Motown) as LaVern Baker.
The ensemble will comprise Jamonte D. Bruten (Hairspray), Andy Christopher (The Baker’s Wife), AJ Davis (Dreamgirls), Autumn Guzzardi (Rock of Ages), Anna Hertel, Matthew Morgan (The Lion King), Dominque Scott (Rock of Ages), and Eric B. Turner, with swings Joe Barbara (Grease!), Natalie Kaye Clater (Dreamgirls), Lawrence Dandridge (Ain’t Too Proud), Chase Peacock (American Idiot), and Brownyn Tarboton (Frozen) rounding out the company.
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 work features a book by Kupper and Larry Marshak, along with Rose Caiola.
The vintage rock-and-roll elements are developed by Marshak Classic Music LLC and Gary Kupper Music. Dave Keyes is music director, with Keyes and Kupper serving as music supervisors and arrangers. Kenny Seymour is providing additional orchestrations and dance arrangements.
The production will feature scenic design by Tim Mackabee, costume design by Leon Dobkowski, projection design by Christopher Ash, lighting design by Matthew Richards and Aja M. Jackson, and sound design by Ed Chapman. Casting is by JZ Casting's Geoff Josselson, Katja Zarolinski, and Jimmy Larkin.
The Off-Broadway premiere is being produced by Caiola Productions and Jay and Cindy Gutterman. JRJ Productions' Jessica R. Jenen is executive producer and general manager.
Visit RockAndRollManTheMusical.com.
