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Rocky the Musical

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Rocky the Musical
2012 Hamburg poster
MusicStephen Flaherty
LyricsLynn Ahrens
BookThomas Meehan
Sylvester Stallone
Setting1975 Philadelphia
BasisRocky
by Sylvester Stallone
Premiere18 November 2012 (2012-11-18): Operettenhaus, Hamburg
Productions2012 Hamburg
2014 Broadway

Rocky the Musical (originally Rocky: Das Musical)[1][2] is a 2012 musical with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone, based on the 1976 film of the same name written by Stallone. The show held its world premiere in Hamburg in 2012 and opened on Broadway in 2014 at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Background

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The musical is based on the 1976 film Rocky, with a screenplay by Sylvester Stallone.[3] The film itself was made on a budget of $1,075,000,[4] shot in 28 days[5] and was a sleeper hit,[6] earning $225 million in global box office receipts[7] becoming the highest-grossing film of 1976[8] and went on to win three Oscars,[9] including Best Picture.[10] Having been in the works for eight years,[11] a workshop was held in New York City in April 2011,[12] with Andy Karl playing Rocky and Lisa Brescia playing Adrian.[13] Following the reading it was officially confirmed in November by producer Sylvester Stallone alongside boxers and co-producers[14] Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko,[15] that the show would receive its world premiere in Hamburg in November 2012.[16]

The musical, which premiere production cost around $20 million[17] to produce, has a book by Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone,[18] adapted from Stallone's screenplay, and is directed by Alex Timbers,[19] with choreography by Kelly Devine, boxing choreography by Steven Hoggett,[20] set design by Christopher Barreca,[21] costume design by David Zinn,[21] lighting design by Christopher Akerlind,[21] sound design by Peter Hylenski,[21] video design by Pablo N. Molina[21] and special effects by Jeremy Chernick.[21] A mostly original score has been penned, by Lynn Ahrens with music by Stephen Flaherty.[22]

The show's set, which for Broadway cost $4.3 million,[23] is set around a mostly bare stage which represents the Gym that Rocky trains in.[24] The production uses sliding box-like sets to represent the homes of the characters[24] and the sliding element goes on to include a full sized regulation boxing ring.[25] Audience members seated within the front stalls Golden Circle seating section, are escorted onto the stage for the final 20 minutes to sit on bleacher style seats,[26] in doing so this allows the boxing ring to enter the auditorium[27] and sit in rows A-F,[26] bringing the audience close to the final fight scene.[27]

Production history

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Hamburg (2012)

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Rocky the Musical received its world premiere on 18 November 2012, at the Operettenhaus, Hamburg.[28] The production opened to positive reviews[24] and title casting included Drew Sarich as Rocky Balboa,[29] Wietske van Tongeren playing Adrian Pennino[29] and Terence Archie playing Apollo Creed.[30] Having been written in English, the show was translated into German for its world premiere.[31][32]

Broadway (2014)

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Andy Karl as Rocky Balboa.

On 28 April 2013, it was announced the show would transfer to Broadway in February 2014.[33] The show was expected to open on 13 March 2014, at the Winter Garden Theatre, with previews commencing on 11 February 2014.[34] The first preview was cancelled as a result of delayed technical rehearsals, due to power problems in the area.[35] Following a scheduled rehearsal day, previews commenced on 13 February.[36] The cast included Andy Karl as Rocky, Margo Seibert as Adrian[37] and Terence Archie transferring from the Hamburg production, to reprise his role as Apollo Creed. Dakin Matthews, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Jennifer Mudge and Okieriete Onaodowan were also in the cast in supporting roles.[38] The cast performed as part of the ceremony for the 68th Tony Awards in June 2014.[39] The show was expected to close on 17 August 2014, after a run of 28 previews and 188 performances.[40]

Prague (2017)

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Rocky the Musical came to Prague for a short 4-to-5 month run. It was performed at the Prague Congress Centre.

Music

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The show features 20 original songs,[41] with additional music taken from the original film series including "Eye of the Tiger" and "Gonna Fly Now".[42]

Musical numbers

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Principal roles and original cast

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Character Original Broadway Cast[44]
Rocky Balboa Andy Karl
Adrian Pennino Margo Seibert
Apollo Creed Terence Archie
Mickey Goldmill Dakin Matthews
Paulie Pennino Danny Mastrogiorgio
Gloria Jennifer Mudge
Gazzo Eric Anderson
Mike Kevin Del Aguila
Angie Michelle Aravena
Reporter / Boxer Adrian Aguilar
Wysocki Ned Eisenberg
Sugar Jackson / Boxer James Brown III
Rocky Marciano / Boxer Sam J. Cahn
Miles Jergens David Andrew MacDonald
Dipper Riley / Apollo Cornerman Okieriete Onaodowan
Linda McKenna / Apollo Girl Vasthy E. Mompoint
Shirley / Apollo Girl Kristin Piro
Red Brady Adam Perry
Buddy John Schiappa
Kid Rizzo / Boxer Luis Salgado
Joanne Jenny Lee Stern
Apollo’s Manager Wallace Smith

Reception

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Critical response

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The Hamburg production of Rocky the Musical received positive reviews from critics.[45][46][47][48][49]

Accolades

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Original Broadway production

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
2014 Tony Award
Best Actor in a Musical Andy Karl[50] Nominated
Best Choreography Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine[50] Nominated
Best Scenic Design Christopher Barreca[50] Won
Best Lighting Design Christopher Akerlind[50] Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical[51] Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Andy Karl[51] Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Alex Timbers[51] Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine[51] Nominated
Outstanding Set Design Christopher Barreca[51] Won
Outstanding Lighting Design Christopher Akerlind[51] Won
Outstanding Sound Design Peter Hylenski[51] Nominated
Drama League Award Distinguished Production of a Musical[52] Nominated
Distinguished Performance Award Margo Seibert[52] Nominated
Andy Karl[52] Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Broadway Musical[53] Nominated
Outstanding Book Of A Musical[53] Thomas Meehan Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Andy Karl[53] Nominated
Outstanding Direction of a Musical Alex Timbers[53] Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine[53] Nominated
Outstanding Set Design Christopher Barreca[53] Won

References

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  1. ^ "Rocky musical knocks out critics in Hamburg". The Guardian. 20 November 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  2. ^ "Rocky Comes Out Fighting With 'Das Musical'". news.sky.com. Sky News. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  3. ^ "'Rocky' musical bound for Broadway in 2014". usatoday.com. USA Today. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  4. ^ "15 THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ROCKY". shortlist.com. Shortlist. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  5. ^ "ROCKY to Open at Winter Garden Theatre on 3/13; Previews Begin 2/11". broadwayworld.com. Broadway World. 26 August 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  6. ^ "The Right Hook". Entertainment Weekly. 19 February 2002. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  7. ^ "14 Low Budget Movies That Made Millions". huffingtonpost.co.uk. The Huffington Post. 26 June 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  8. ^ "Yo, Adrian! Rocky devotees set to make tribute run". MSN. 12 May 2013. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  9. ^ "The 49th Academy Awards (1977) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Academy Award. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  10. ^ "Rocky's' Oscar TKO in '76 still echoes, stings". today.com. Today. 19 January 2007. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  11. ^ "A 'Rocky' Musical Is Moving Ahead". The New York Times. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  12. ^ "'Rocky' Broadway Musical Is Being Written, Hopes To Open By 2013". huffingtonpost.com. Huffington Post. 6 February 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  13. ^ "Yo, Andy Karl! Stage Vet Plays Lead in Reading of Broadway-Bound Rocky Musical". broadway.com. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  14. ^ "Rocky the Musical to debut in Germany". The Guardian. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  15. ^ "Stallone's Rocky musical to debut in Germany". bbc.co.uk/news. BBC News. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Rocky The Musical is coming, says Sylvester Stallone". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  17. ^ "'Rocky' Musical Is Heading to Broadway". The New York Times. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  18. ^ "'ROCKY' MUSICAL HEADED TO BROADWAY". hollywoodreporter.com. Hollywood Reporter. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  19. ^ "Rocky the musical set for 2012 debut, Sylvester Stallone reveals". metro.co.uk. Metro. 23 November 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  20. ^ "Rocky Musical Will Get World Premiere in Fall 2012; Steven Hoggett, Kelly Devine, Alex Timbers in the Ring". playbill.com. Playbill. 20 November 2011. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  21. ^ a b c d e f "Creative Team". stage-entertainment.de. Stage Entertainment. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  22. ^ "Sylvester Stallone's Rocky: The Musical to transfer to Broadway". independent.co.uk. The Independent. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  23. ^ "'Rocky' headed to Broadway with a $4.3M set". nypost.com. New York Post. 30 October 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  24. ^ a b c "Yo, Adrian! I'm Singin'!". The New York Times. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  25. ^ "For Alex Timbers, Directing Theater is a Labo(u)r of Love". theatermania.com. Theatermania. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  26. ^ a b "Tickets and Information". rockybroadway.com. Rocky the Musical. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  27. ^ a b "Sylvester Stallone's Rocky turned into a Broadway musical". thestar.com. The Star. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  28. ^ "Sylvester Stallone talks 'Rocky' musical". torontosun.com. Toronto Sun. 17 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  29. ^ a b "Hauptdarsteller von "Rocky" in Hamburg vorgestellt". welt.de. Die Welt. 28 June 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  30. ^ "'Rocky' on Broadway Finds Its Apollo Creed". The New York Times. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Rocky the musical heading to Broadway – by way of Germany". theglobeandmail.com. The Globe and Mail. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  32. ^ "L.A. drama ace Dakin Matthews has singing gig in Broadway 'Rocky'". Los Angeles Times. 6 November 2013. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  33. ^ "'Rocky' Musical Set for a Bout With Broadway". variety.com. Variety. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  34. ^ "Yo, Broadway! Rocky Musical Sets Dates at the Winter Garden Theatre". broadway.com. 26 August 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  35. ^ "Fight Night is Delayed! Rocky Pushes Back First Preview Performance". broadway.com. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  36. ^ "First Broadway Preview of New Musical Rocky Canceled". playbill.com. Playbill. 11 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  37. ^ "'Rocky' Casting Is Announced for Broadway". The New York Times. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  38. ^ "Terence Archie, Dakin Matthews and Danny Mastrogiorgio Join Broadway Cast of Rocky". playbill.com. Playbill. 5 November 2013. Archived from the original on 22 December 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  39. ^ "Neil Patrick Harris, Idina Menzel, Sutton Foster, Sting, Fantasia, Wicked, Rocky and More Will Perform on Tony Awards". playbill.com. Playbill. 29 May 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  40. ^ "'Rocky' to close on Broadway". USA Today.
  41. ^ "ROCKY - Das Musical Hamburg". hamburg.de. Hamburg. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  42. ^ ""Rocky" musical heading to Broadway". cbsnews.com. CBS News. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  43. ^ a b "Rocky". ibdb.com. Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  44. ^ "Complete Cast and Creative Team Announced for Rocky on Broadway". playbill.com. Playbill. 25 November 2013. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  45. ^ Grund, Stefan (18 November 2012). "Jetzt schlägt er wieder unschuldige Rinder". welt.de. Die Welt. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  46. ^ "'Rocky' proves a knockout in Hamburg". variety.com. Variety. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  47. ^ "Review Roundup: ROCKY das Musical". broadwayworld.com. Broadway World. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  48. ^ ""Rocky"-Premiere in Hamburg". spiegel.de. Der Spiegel. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  49. ^ "So spektakulär ist die Rocky-Bühne". mopo.de. Hamburger Morgenpost. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  50. ^ a b c d "Tony awards 2014 nominations in full". The Guardian. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  51. ^ a b c d e f g "'Gentleman's Guide' Racks Up 12 Nominations for Drama Desk Awards". variety.com. Variety. 25 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  52. ^ a b c "The 80th Annual Drama League Award Nominations Go to Patrick Stewart, Daniel Radcliffe, Kelli O'Hara, and More". theatermania.com. Theatermania. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  53. ^ a b c d e f "'Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' Slays the Competition in the Outer Critics Awards Nominations". variety.com. Variety. 22 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
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