'The Heart of Rock and Roll' reviews prove "fun" musicals work
(Photo: Matthew Murphy)
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
In a world where musical theatre often delves into serious themes and complex narratives, "The Heart of Rock and Roll" is a refreshing reminder of the sheer joy and exhilaration that can be found in a lighthearted, feel-good production. This musical, inspired by the music of Huey Lewis and the News, delivers a high-energy, toe-tapping experience that’s been leaving audiences and critics cheering for more.
The reviews that came out on the opening night were exactly what I expected them to be - this show doesn’t take itself seriously and doesn’t break any new ground artistically, but it is really fun.
Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Times said,
“The Heart of Rock and Roll” is not going to be the subject of think pieces and graduate theses, but its easygoing good spirits are bolstered by solid craftsmanship, and it’d be silly to turn up our noses at that. “Have a good time,” Huey Lewis once sang, wisely quoting Curtis Mayfield. “’Cause it’s all right.”
Gillian Russo of New York Theatre Guide said,
"Then again, I didn't attend The Heart of Rock and Roll for its politics and I'd wager most people aren't, either. Nor does the show want you to. Your willingness to overlook this and the show's many plot contrivances will likely be proportional to your interest in either or both of the crowd-pleasers named at the start of this review. But I must say, your level of fun likely won’t. I am neither an ‘80s kid nor a person with any outsized interest in Cott’s rugged good looks, but I had a good, old-fashioned great time for 2.5 hours.”
Even Johnny Oleksinki of the New York Post, who is usually incredibly cynical in his reviews said,
“Rolled out modestly, little “Heart” is also a lot more fun and proudly frivolous than any of its sober-minded neighbors. It’s perhaps the first time in my life that I’ve been happy to see a confetti cannon at curtain call.”
And these folks aren’t alone. I’ve heard from several people who have seen the show and read other reviews, everyone seems to feel the same about this show.
One of the standout aspects of "The Heart of Rock and Roll" is its infectious energy. From the moment the curtain rises, audiences are treated to a non-stop parade of hits from the iconic catalog of Huey Lewis and the News. From classics like "The Power of Love" to crowd-pleasers like "Hip to Be Square," each song is expertly woven into the story’s fabric. As someone who listens to Huey Lewis when I need a pick-me-up, I can see why audiences are eating this show up.
Yet, there is an attitude among some that dismisses certain musicals as shallow or frivolous simply because they prioritize fun over weighty themes or complex narratives. I can’t stand this.
Some critics and theater “purists” often dismiss musicals, prioritizing fun over more serious themes or artistic experimentation. They argue that these productions lack depth or intellectual sophistication and do not merit the same level of critical acclaim as their more "serious" counterparts. This attitude perpetuates elitism within the theater community and ignores the diverse range of experiences and emotions that musical theater can evoke.
It’s essential to recognize that the primary purpose of musical theater is to entertain.
Fun musicals have the power to entertain, inspire, and unite audiences in shared celebration and enjoyment. Rather than dismissing them as shallow or frivolous, we should celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and joy they bring to the stage.
"The Heart of Rock and Roll" is a must-see musical that showcases why fun productions are worth your time and money.