‘Rolling Thunder VNM’ opens July 10 in New York City and brings together legendary songs of the period of the ‘60s and ‘70s with storytelling inspired by Vietnam veterans and their families.
Producer Rebecca Blake has announced that the powerful rock journey “Rolling Thunder VNM” will make its U.S. premiere for a limited engagement this summer at off-Broadway’s New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) with performances starting on July 10 in advance of a July 24 opening night. Tickets are on sale now here. For all information, go to www.rollingthunderus.com.
And in support of The American Legion, Blake Entertainment is offering Legionnaires a discounted ticket price. Legionnaires can purchase tickets at the discounted rate by clicking here. Those attending the musical also will have the opportunity to donate to The American Legion both at New World Stages and after viewing the musical.
“Rolling Thunder” was originally developed and produced in Australia by Blake Entertainment, helmed by Blake. The book is by journalist/writer Bryce Hallett. This new U.S. production will be directed by Kenneth Ferrone (“The Wanderer”, “Prelude to a Kiss”, “Cruel Intentions”). Casting and creative news will be forthcoming.
Part rock concert, part documentary, this exhilarating and moving show tells the heartfelt stories of young soldiers caught in the abyss of the Vietnam War and the galvanizing protest movement that sought to end it.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with the fall of Saigon on April 30th, 1975, when North Vietnamese Army tanks rolled through the gates of the Presidential Palace.
“Rolling Thunder VNM” brings together legendary songs of the period of the ‘60s and ‘70s, raw and potent storytelling inspired by Vietnam veterans and their families. The draft, combat, civil rights movement, and homecoming are evocatively reawakened in this intimate and epic work. At heart, it’s a deeply moving love story of courage, longing, loss, and hope.
Celebrated in Australia with numerous engagements and tours, critics have hailed it as “a musical and dramatic triumph” that “reaches deep into the soul” and a show “that brings alive the pulse, character, uncertainty and urgency of a generation on the brink of a revolution”.
The conflict - the world’s first televised war - gave rise to some of the most blistering and lyrical songs of the 20th century. “Rolling Thunder VNM” showcases more than 20 rock classics, including ‘A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall’, “All Along the Watchtower”, “Born to be Wild”, “People Get Ready”, “The Letter”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Gimme Shelter”, “Help Me Make it Through the Night”, “Eve of Destruction”, “Killing Me Softly with His Song”, “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.
The show encompasses the musical influence and legacy of many of the most notable songwriters, including Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Roberta Flack, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Gladys Knight, Curtis Mayfield, among others.
Blake said producing, ““Rolling Thunder VNM’ has been a labor of love for many years and salutes Vietnam and contemporary veterans. It is bursting with energy and passion and has the invigorating atmosphere and feel of a rock concert. It also has tremendous energy and heart.”
The show is a proud supporter of The American Legion. The spirited production appeals to a broad audience whilst seeking to give back to the veteran community. Blake says “I have no doubt that audiences in New York will be touched and inspired. More than anything, “Rolling Thunder VNM” is a plea for peace.”
- News