Huey Lewis and the News Musical Heart of Rock and Roll Officially in the Works
(© Jauerback / Wikimedia Commons)
A new musical inspired by the songs of Huey Lewis and the News is currently in development. Titled Heart of Rock and Roll, the show will feature a book by Jonathan Abrams, based on an original story by Tyler Mitchell and Abrams, along with a collection of the group's chart-topping hits including "The Power of Love," "Stuck with You," "Hip to Be Square," "If This Is It," among others. Gordon Greenberg will direct, with music supervision and arrangements by Brian Usifer.
Lewis made the announcement this morning via a Rolling Stone video featuring Jimmy Kimmel, who apparently has his heart set on quitting his hosting gig and taking on the role of Huey Lewis in the brand-new musical. Unfortunately for him, Lewis confirmed that he will not be a character in the story — the only plot detail we've been afforded so far.
Huey Lewis and the News achieved international fame in the early 1980s with the release of their album Sports, and went on to produce 19 Billboard Top Ten singles through the '80s and '90s, three of which went to No. 1, including "The Power of Love," which was nominated for both an Academy and Grammy Award. All five albums released by the band between 1982 and 1991 are certified Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum.
