Rock musical 'Rolling Thunder' to play off Broadway this summer

The show, which blends concert and documentary elements to honor the Vietnam War era and the people who lived it, will play a limited run at New World Stages.

Rolling Thunder, a new rock show set to the music of the '60s and '70s, will play a limited Off-Broadway engagement at New World Stages this summer. Performances begin July 10 ahead of a July 24 opening.

Part rock concert and part documentary, Rolling Thunder tells the stories of the young soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War and the protest movement against the conflict. The show brings together stories inspired by Vietnam veterans and their families with music from iconic artists of the period, including Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Roberta Flack, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Gladys Knight, Curtis Mayfield, and more.

More than 20 songs are included in the show, like “All Along the Watchtower,” “Born to be Wild”, “Black Magic Woman,” “Gimme Shelter”, and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”

The premiere of Rolling Thunder off Broadway coincides with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The show previously premiered in Australia before coming stateside.

Rolling Thunder features a book by journalist and writer Bryce Hallett and direction by Kenneth Ferrone (The Wanderer, Prelude to a Kiss, Cruel Intentions). The cast and remaining creative team have yet to be announced.

“Rolling Thunder has been a labor of love for many years and salutes Vietnam and contemporary veterans," said producer Rebecca Blake in a statement. "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.”

Check back for information on Rolling Thunder tickets on New York Theatre Guide.