“This show delivers on the promise of its seemingly generic title — there’s plenty of heart as well as rock and roll — and it’s performed with energy, intelligence, and an absolute commitment to entertain.”
MusicalOriginal
MUSICALORIGINALCLOSED
The Heart of Rock and Roll
James Earl Jones Theatre · 2h 15m · Opened Apr 22, 2024 · Closed Jun 23, 2024 · Ran for 2 months
Critics' Take
This Huey Lewis jukebox musical earns mixed-to-positive reviews for its unpretentious fun and catchy '80s nostalgia, though critics note its thin plot and familiar formula. Most find it a surprisingly enjoyable crowd-pleaser.
Critic Scorecard
21 reviewsSort:
““The Heart of Rock and Roll,” which does not look like it cost $30 million and is all the better for that, feels happy to play to its target audience of Huey fans who prefer a decent beer to Moët & Chandon any night of the week.”
“It’s perhaps the first time in my life that I’ve been happy to see a confetti cannon at curtain call.”
“As with his recent Broadway success, “Gutenberg!,” director Gordon Greenberg takes his job seriously, keeping the show moving as a fleet pace. Better still, he also never makes the show too serious, ensuring that its tongue remains firmly planted in one cheek or another almost the whole time.”
“The heart of rock and roll is still beating.”
Audience Scorecard
1.4K audience reviews
B
Shrugging
Awards Scorecard
2023-24 season18
Nominated
Drama Desk:1 nomDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Heart of Rock and Roll?
This Huey Lewis jukebox musical earns mixed-to-positive reviews for its unpretentious fun and catchy '80s nostalgia, though critics note its thin plot and familiar formula. Most find it a surprisingly enjoyable crowd-pleaser. (CriticScore 69/100 from 21 reviews.)
Is The Heart of Rock and Roll worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say The Heart of Rock and Roll is worth seeing (69/100 from 21 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for The Heart of Rock and Roll?
The Heart of Rock and Roll has a CriticScore of 69/100 based on 21 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is The Heart of Rock and Roll still running on Broadway?
No, The Heart of Rock and Roll has closed. It played at James Earl Jones Theatre and closed on June 23, 2024.
How long is The Heart of Rock and Roll?
The Heart of Rock and Roll has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, including 1 intermission.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueA beautifully restored theater with a stunning Tiffany-inspired interior. The 2021 renovation transformed restroom facilities from among Broadway's worst to a model for the industry, with modern bathrooms on every public level.
Original Broadway Cast
- Corey CottBobby
- McKenzie KurtzCassandra
- Josh BreckenridgeWyatt
- John DossettStone
- F. Michael HaynieGlenn
- Zoe JensenPaige
- Tamika LawrenceRoz
- Raymond J. LeeJJ
Creative Team
- Huey LewisMusic & Lyrics
- Jonathan A. AbramsBook
- Gordon GreenbergDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 69/100 (21 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Apr 22, 2024
- Closed
- Jun 23, 2024
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Intermissions
- 1
- Synopsis
- A jukebox musical featuring the songs of Huey Lewis and the News, following Bobby who must choose between his rock star dreams and a stable job.
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
