Archie (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity), who originated the role of heavyweight champ Apollo Creed in the Hamburg world premiere of Rocky, will repeat his work in the Broadway production. He will exit the Hamburg production Nov. 24. Rocky will also feature Matthews (A Man for All Seasons) as Rocky's trainer, Mickey, and Mastrogiorgio (Lucky Guy, Golden Boy) as Adrian's brother, Paulie.
As previously reported, Andy Karl and Margo Seibert will star as Rocky Balboa and Adrian, respectively.
Featuring a score by Ragtime Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Rocky will begin Broadway previews Feb. 11, 2014, at the Winter Garden Theatre. It officially opens March 13. It has a book by Tony Award winner Thomas Meehan (Annie, Hairspray). Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Peter and the Starcatcher, Here Lies Love) directs.
Here's how it's billed: "Rocky brings to life the iconic and inspiring story of struggling small time Philly boxer, Rocky Balboa, who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to go the distance against heavyweight champ Apollo Creed. Both an adrenaline-infused spectacle and a surprising story of blossoming romance between two lonely outsiders, Rocky is a heart-stopping and viscerally theatrical new musical for everyone brave enough to follow their dream."
"Rocky" creator/star Sylvester Stallone produces the stage production along with Stage Entertainment. Karl has appeared on Broadway in Jersey Boys, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer, Wicked and Saturday Night Fever.
Seibert will make her Broadway debut as Adrian. She will appear in the Prospect Theatre Company production of Tamar this fall. Her regional credits include Candide at the Goodman Theatre, In This House, Orestes: A Tragic Romp at Two River Theatre Co. and Pregnancy Pact at the Weston Playhouse.
The musical premiered in Hamburg, Germany, last fall. The Hamburg production is performed in the German language, but was first written in English by its American writers. A cast album is currently available.
The production has choreography by 2012 Once Tony Award nominee Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages).
Click here to read Playbill.com's coverage of the German premiere.
Tickets are available at Telecharge.com. Visit RockyBroadway.com.
Here's a look at the show:
