Rocky The Musical

Walnut Street  Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street,  is presenting ROCKY, The Musical through November 6, 2022. A unique Philly saga with additional musical numbers and dance routines from the 2014 Broadway hit, ROCKY, The Musical, has made its premiere on Walnut Street’s mainstage. The show is fabulous on many levels. The curtain opens to the music of “Rocky FanFare”  as the audience sees two people boxing in a ring and ensemble members surrounding it. Set Designer Roman Tatarowicz  has multiple sets  that change easily. After the boxing ring disappears,  a skating rink ascends from the ceiling. Other sets subsequently whirl across the sides of the stage to form a pet store or a home interior. In the Second Act, the audience cheers as a replica of “The Rocky Steps” from the Philadelphia Art Museum ascends from the ceiling  and Rocky runs up and down the steps. Familiar numbers “Eye of the Tiger” and “Gonna Fly Now” are only a small part of the 22  musical numbers offered during the show. Mathew Amira delights the audience in his portrayal of Rocky Balboa with his physical stamina, as demonstrated when he works out prior to a fight and in the ring, and with his incredible voice. Rocky has four occasions to have a solo. Rocky  also sings many duets with love interest, Adrian, portrayed by Gianna Yanelli who has some strong solos  of her own. The Second Act has some endearing scenes with Rocky and Adrian and  a strong appearance by Fran Prisco who plays her brother Paulie. The  biggest scene is in the ring with the championship fight between Apollo Creed (Nichalas L. Parker) and Rocky. It is beautifully orchestrated. Musical numbers abound throughout this show as do delightful ensemble dance routines. There are so many things to love about this show that you just must get a ticket and see it for yourself. For tickets call  215-574-3500 or visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org