Theater News

New Roy Rogers Musical, by Jersey Boys Book Writer Marshall Brickman, Aiming for a 2015 Broadway Opening

The Tony-winning playwright hopes to bring some Roy Rogers wholesomeness to the Great White Way.

New York City

Marshall Brickman
Marshall Brickman
(© Tristan Fuge)

The Roy Rogers Family Entertainment Corporation, Happy Trails, LLC, and the Spangler Group have announced plans to mount a new Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of American singer and iconic cowboy actor Roy Rogers. Academy, Tony, and Olivier Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Marshall Brickman (Jersey Boys, Annie Hall) has signed on to the project, which is aiming for an early 2015 Broadway arrival, with preview performances beginning in late 2014.

Roy Rogers, his wife, Dale Evans, his golden palomino, Trigger, and his German shepherd, Bullet, were featured in over 100 films throughout his career. From his first big-screen appearance in 1935, Rogers’ career centered on all-American Western pictures, a niche that transformed him into one of the most merchandised stars of his era.

“I’m excited to be able to introduce Rogers to a new generation — and to reintroduce him to his older fans,” said Brickman. “At the height of his popularity, Roy had millions of fans worldwide and reigned for decades as the embodiment of simple, honest American values. It will be interesting to contrast that ideal with the current environment of ambivalence and moral uncertainty.”