Rocky the Musical – Location, Tickets, Reviews
Rocky the Musical is the hotly anticipated musical adaptation of Sylvester Stallone’s classic 1976 film of the same name. The story of a third-rate South Philly boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance at glory is translated to the stage by composer Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime) and director Alex Timbers (Here Lies Love, Peter and the Starcatcher) with a startling multimedia set design and a tricked-out championship bout finale that takes over the Winter Garden Theatre.
Maxamoo
Rocky, under the bold direction of Timbers, is a spectacle. Callbacks to the movie take center-stage and create some thrilling moments. In particular, the training montage (complete with those famous museum stairs, Eye of the Tiger thumping, and a glass full of raw eggs) is an inventive bit of theatrical magic.
At the heart of Timbers’ three ring circus, are two compelling lead performances from Andy Karl as Rocky and Margo Seibert as Adrian. Seibert in particular brings poise and heart to Adrian’s timidity, serving as the show’s subtle emotional anchor, while Karl deserves credit for distancing himself from Stallone’s personality while paying homage to the original Rocky. Every “yo” feels both familiar and his own.
The major problem with Rocky is that it never justifies itself as a musical. The limp, lifeless score adds nothing to the story, and the songs often feel like an unnecessary detour. But that’s not the point of this production.
The final, fabled match between Rocky and Apollo Creed is the point of this production. The complex set morphs into a boxing arena (the first several rows of audience members from the orchestra move to seats at the rear of the stage and the boxing ring whirs into the audience). But once the theater reaches its fever pitch, the show sputters. The drama of the fight – and what it means for Rocky – is completely lost in the chaos of lights, noise, video screens, and sparkly, scantily clad showgirls, and you can feel the tension wheeze out of the room, like helium from a balloon.
That’s the best metaphor we can think of to describe Rocky the Musical. A beloved story of heart, hope, and triumph is swallowed by a directorial vision that occasionally wows, but is far too often garish flash. Those looking for eye-popping theater will adore Rocky, but the rest will leave unfulfilled.
Public Opinion
Rocky received plenty of praise on Twitter and, at least, one dead-pan dig:
@emmurphpants: Rocky the Musical was unexpectedly AMAZING! Now wheres my sweet and simple muscley guy? #yoAdrian #RockyBroadway
@matthewmont96: Rocky the musical was actually pretty good
@misterpatches: There’s a musical number in Rocky called “My Nose Ain’t Broken.” It gets a reprise.
Have you seen Rocky? What did you think? Comment below or tweet to us at @maxamoo.
Critic’s Reviews
Reviews for Rocky are mixed, but nearly everyone praises technical achievement and raw energy of the final 20-minute bout. But those songs? Eh:
Swinging at Fighters and Serenading Turtles
‘Rocky’ Predictable Until It Gets Puzzling
New York Post
‘Rocky’ musical scores an unexpected knockout
Time Out New York
For every loser, lover and fighter out there, good news: Rocky is total theater and a total rush; it goes the distance.
Huffington Post
‘Rocky’ is a Broadway Knockout
TheaterMania
You’ll cheer and wince along with the rest of the crowd as you submit to the artistry of the production and the heart of the story.
New York Magazine
Why Rocky Doesn’t Fly Now
New York Theater
The Italian Stallion on Broadway
Variety
“Whatever your expectations going into ‘Rocky,’ you come out rocking the technology.”
Entertainment Weekly
“Rocky delivers edge-of-your-seat thrills — particularly in the final 15 minutes — that underscore the fact that fans of boxing and live theater share some DNA”
LOCATION
Winter Garden Theatre
1634 Broadway
New York City
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RUNNING TIME
2 hours 40 minutes, including 1 intermission
TICKETS
$79-$250 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Open run
NEWS
The New York Times
Yo Adrian! I’m Singing!
CAST & CREW
(partial list)
Book by Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone
Lyrics by Lynn Ahren
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Directed by Alex Timbers
Featuring Andy Karl, Margo Seibert, Terence Archie, Dakin Matthews