Rockin’ the Stage: Top Rock’n’Roll Musicals from Broadway and the West End
As the world celebrates International Day of Rock’n’Roll, we take a look at some of the top rock’n’roll musicals from Broadway and the West End that have captured the essence of the genre and left audiences singing and dancing in the aisles. From classic hits to legendary bands, these shows have paid tribute to the enduring power of rock’n’roll music and have become fan favourites for their infectious energy and catchy tunes.
- “Rock of Ages” (Broadway)
“Rock of Ages” is a jukebox musical that premiered on Broadway in 2009. Set in the 1980s, the musical tells the story of a small-town girl who moves to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer. Along the way, she falls in love with a bartender at the legendary Bourbon Room and becomes embroiled in a battle to save the club from being torn down by a greedy developer. The show features classic rock anthems from the era, such as “Don’t Stop Believin'”, “We Built This City”, and “I Want to Know What Love Is”.
- “We Will Rock You” (West End)
“We Will Rock You” is a jukebox musical based on the songs of the legendary rock band, Queen. The show premiered in the West End in 2002 and has since played in over 20 countries worldwide. Set in a dystopian future where rock music is banned, the musical follows a group of rebels who seek to overthrow the oppressive regime and bring rock n roll back to the world. The show features some of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Are the Champions”, and “Somebody to Love”.
- “Jersey Boys” (Broadway)
“Jersey Boys” is a biographical jukebox musical that tells the story of the rise of the iconic 1960s rock band, The Four Seasons. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show features classic hits such as “Sherry”, “Walk Like a Man”, and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, and has become a fan favorite for its infectious energy and catchy tunes.
- “Sunny Afternoon” (West End)
“Sunny Afternoon” is a jukebox musical that tells the story of the legendary British rock band, The Kinks. The show premiered in the West End in 2014 and won four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. The musical follows the band’s rise to fame in the 1960s and their struggles with the music industry, as well as their personal relationships. The show features some of The Kinks’ most iconic hits, such as “You Really Got Me”, “Waterloo Sunset”, and “Lola”.
- “American Idiot” (Broadway)
“American Idiot” is a rock opera based on the music of the punk rock band, Green Day. The show premiered on Broadway in 2010 and was nominated for three Tony Awards. The musical follows the story of three young men who are searching for meaning in a post-9/11 world and features some of Green Day’s most iconic hits, such as “Holiday”, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, and “Wake Me Up When September Ends”.
Rock’n’roll has proven to be a fertile ground for musical theatre, with shows like “Rock of Ages”, “We Will Rock You”, “Jersey Boys”, “Sunny Afternoon”, and “American Idiot” bringing the energy and spirit of the genre to the stage. These shows have not only entertained audiences but also served as a tribute to the enduring power of rock n roll music.
