We Will Rock You

Is this the real life?

Is this just fantasy?

Actually, it’s a fantasy come true, especially for theater lovers and ’70s rockers…as We Will Rock You premieres at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. The hit musical, based on the music of the rock group Queen, has only been performed in the U.S. once before.

“Bicycle Race,” “Fat-Bottomed Girls,” “You’re My Best Friend” — they’re all accounted for, in a spectacular extravaganza that would warm the heart of master showman Freddie Mercury himself. (In fact, the script was written by British comedian/author Ben Elton, in collaboration with original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.)

This is the story of a future Earth where globalization has eliminated all creativity and individuality. Everyone watches the same movies, wears the same clothes and thinks the same bland thoughts. It’s a safe and happy "Ga Ga" world where music is computer-generated by an evil corporation controlled by the Killer Queen.

All musical instruments are banned, although legend has it that the last of the freedom fighters — a rock band named Queen — once buried a stash of electric guitars somewhere. Now, a young hero named Galileo (aided by his feisty girlfriend Scaramouche) rises up to seek them. Will he find them…free the world…and be able to claim “We Are the Champions”?