A musical adaptation of Sylvester Stallone‘s the Oscar-winning 1976 film is headed to Broadway next year. This stage interpretation of Rocky brings together Tony Award-winning writer Thomas Meehan (The Producers, Hairspray) with composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens, whose many collaborations include the musical Ragtime.

Directing the production is Alex Timbers, who is currently directing the David Byrne-Fatboy Slim musical, Here Lies Love, and the musical-play hybrid Peter and the Starcatcher. Fight choreography is by Steven Hoggett (Once), with dance choreography by Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages).

The musical will tell the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who works day-in and day-out as a collector for a loan shark and fights in sleazy clubs as a small-time boxer. When heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed chooses Rocky as his opponent in a title fight, Balboa realizes he has the chance to prove he isn’t just a “bum.” With the support of Adrian and Mickey, his trainer, Rocky steps into the ring for the biggest fight of his life.

Presented by Stage Entertainment USA and Stallone, the Rocky musical had its world premiere last fall in Hamburg, Germany, where it opened to rave reviews and continues playing to packed houses. Rocky will begin previews on Broadway in February at the Winter Garden Theatre, with an official opening in March. Exact dates and cast have not yet been announced.

[Source: THR]