ROCKY On Broadway is a TKO: Theatrical Knock Out

 I admit it, when the idea to bring the story of the fabled Italian Stallion to the Great White Way was announced the cynic in me howled bloody murder.  It was enough that the zenith of the theatrical universe has become a Disney playground and thus opened the door to a slew of pop culture favorites designed solely for their marketability as oppose to their theatrical credibility. Never in all my life have I gladly eaten crow.  Rocky on Broadway is a must see.

The artistry of the creative team, led by director Alex Timbers that brought the tale of the Philly slugger to the stage was just as captivating as the actors themselves.  An argument can be made that the set, designed by Chris Barreca might very well be the star of the show.  Of all the theatrical experiences I’ve known, few have ever brought the audience into the world it attempts to convey like Rocky and the very mobile, well choreographed, finely constructed set which includes those famous stairs Rocky ascends, literally draws you in. You can almost smell the stench of Mickey’s Gym, dressed to the nines, surrounded by stunning beauties and posh digs, you have no doubt that Apollo Creed is the Heavyweight Champion of the world, Rocky’s training sequence is as galvanizing as it is on celluloid and the climatic championship fight between Creed and Balboa evoked one of the most frenzied exaltations from a theater audience I’ve ever seen. We were at a fight. From the commentators positioned on a giant screen, to the ring announcer to the first four rows of the audience being ushered on stage to sit “at ringside,” to the fighters’ respective and flamboyant ring walks, to the ring being positioned in the audience to the meticulously choreographed fight itself, with Ring card girls, frantic corner men and “blood” Rocky on Broadway delivers a TKO: Theatrical Knock Out. 

Much like the fight game timing is everything. This theatrical event, as lyrical as the story of Rocky is, would not be possible with out the accessibilities of today’s technology.  Yet, much like the original story the heart and soul are its characters.  To take on such a universally recognized icon such as Rocky Balboa is a mammoth undertaking and Andy Karl pulls it off brilliantly.  Not to be out done is Margo Seibert who completely embodies Adrian. She floored the audience with one of the show’s most soul stirring selections, “I’m Done,” where she famously let’s Paulie have it after he attempts to ruin their Christmas in one of his famous, jealous, drunken stupors. Other endearing scenes include the duet, “The Flip Side,” between Rocky and Adrian during their first date at the ice skating rink and Rocky’s rousing “Fight From the Heart.” That one was so inspiring I bought the $15 mug that read “Fight From the Heart” at the concession stand. 

Rocky triumphs in every conceivable aspect, in particular, it reminds us once again and quite emphatically, that boxing is alive and well.  Run don’t walk to a Knock out night of theater.

©  2014

*Available at Boxing.com

http://www.boxing.com/rocky_on_broadway.html