The Musical: How It Began
The Heart of Rock and Roll
Jonathan Abrams (Book Writer of The Heart of Rock and Roll musical): The project came to me over a decade ago. Tyler Mitchell, a movie producer who I worked with and am friends with, met Huey socially through his father-in-law. Tyler broached the idea of creating a "Mamma Mia" style musical using the Huey Lewis & The News catalog.
Huey said, if Tyler created a story using the band's song catalog that is coherent, he would be happy to listen… kind of daring him to try. As Huey would later tell me, a lot of people had approached him about creating a musical, but no one could come up with a story that was even remotely worth telling.
Huey also said, which I think is really fascinating, that he was never bullish that anyone could do it. Because when he writes a song, it's supposed to exist on its own. Some artists create concept albums, but not concept catalogs. Each HLN song is its own story. They're not connected.
So I dove in headfirst. I am such a fan of the band's music and of Huey as a person and an artist. I grew up in San Francisco, where no one was a bigger celebrity in the 80s than Huey Lewis. Except maybe Joe Montana. I desperately wanted to meet Huey. I thought, if I can meet him, it's worth all the work I would do trying to come up with this story.
Touring production to start traveling the US in 2025
I am so happy for Huey Lewis and the News, all of them, for many reasons including the fact that their music is just so good and enjoyable. Great to know that there will be a musical, a history and just more about the band. I lived in Larkspur near where the band practiced in Madrone Canyon. I knew the manager. I saw Huey and band mates in Marin including at Branson School and at the civic center for various performances including Ray Charles. I just keep clapping for all of them. Great people.
I usually cringe when they "Broadway" rock 'n Roll, especially my beloved '80s music. But this appeals to me.