Power Balladz, Featuring Rock Anthems, Opens Off-Broadway Aug. 19

By Andrew Gans
19 Aug 2010

Dieter Bierbrauer and Scott Richard Foster
Dieter Bierbrauer and Scott Richard Foster
Photo by Carol Rosegg

Following a sold-out premiere at The LAB Theatre (formerly the Guthrie Lab Theatre) in Minneapolis, the new musical Power Balladz officially opens at Off-Broadway's Midtown Theatre Aug. 19 following previews that began Aug. 5.

The 90-minute tribute to the rock anthems of the '70s, '80s and '90s features direction by Mike Todaro. The cast comprises Dieter Bierbrauer, Scott Richard Foster and Mary Mossberg.

Audiences can expect tunes by Guns 'N' Roses, Journey, Heart, Queens, Bon Jovi, Styx and more.

Power Balladz was created by Todaro, Dan Nycklemoe with Peter Rothstein, and written by Todaro and Nycklemoe. 

At Power Balladz, press notes state, "you can celebrate the best music of the '70s, '80s and '90s and liberate the rock star inside of you. The formula is simple: start with some blood-pumping arena rock songs by Motley Crue, Poison, Guns 'N' Roses, Journey and other kick-ass arena bands, add some talented rock singers, give them a full band, lots of lights, a fog machine, a video projection screen, plenty of leather and long hair, and you've got a concert, indeed an extravaganza. And while the Power Balladz band knows how to rock, the show takes an unexpected turn when the high school sweetheart of one of the musicians stumbles into the show after ten years apart, raising the question — will he be man enough to finally score the girl of his dreams?"

The design team features Bradley Clements and Hilary Noxon (lighting design), Alex Ritter (sound design), Abbi Stern (costume design) and Dan Nycklemoe (media design). Jason Loffredo is the music supervisor.

The evening begins 30 minutes prior to curtain with interactive trivia games, rock trivia contests and an opportunity for the audience to socialize. Following the performance, ticket holders have access to a live-band rock anthem karaoke show during which they are welcome to perform on stage.

Show times are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9 PM and Saturdays at 6 PM and 10 PM.

Beginning Aug. 23, the new weekly performance schedule is Mondays & Thursdays at 9 PM; Fridays at 7 PM & 10 PMm; and Saturdays at 6 PM & 10 PM.

Midtown Theatre is located at 163 West 46th Street. Tickets, priced $69.99 (general admission/cabaret seating with drink service) or $89.99 (VIP seating directly in front of the stage, two complimentary drinks and a souvenir), are available by calling (212) 352-0255 or by visiting www.powerballadz.com.