Cast revealed for new musical Rock & Roll Man, including Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis

Casting has been announced for Rock & Roll Man, a new musical that will tour from February to March, opening at Salisbury Playhouse.

The show charts the life and influence of Alan Freed, the Cleveland radio DJ credited with popularising the term “rock & roll”, and explores his role in bringing Black and white artists to shared audiences during the early years of the genre.

Constantine Maroulis will play Freed. Maroulis originated the role of Drew in Rock of Ages on Broadway, for which he received a Tony Award nomination.

He is joined by Gary Turner as Leo Mintz and Morris Levey, while Jairus McClanahan will appear as Little Richard, with Joey James playing Chuck Berry. Marquie Hairston takes on the role of Frankie Lymon, Cherece Richards plays LaVern Baker, and Joe Bence appears as Buddy Holly. Mark Pearce plays J Edgar Hoover.

Dominique Scott joins the cast as Jerry Lee Lewis and also serves as musical director, leading the onstage band. The ensemble includes Shelby Speed and Anton Stephans, with Xorael Harrison, Jessica Ncube and Grant Zavitovsky as understudies.

The musical is written by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak and Rose Caiola, with direction by Randal Myler. The score combines original songs written for the production with music associated with artists featured in the story. Choreography is by Stephanie Klemons, with Christian Knight as associate choreographer.

Set design is by Morgan Large, with lighting design by Tim Mitchell and sound design by Tony Gayle. Casting is by Harry Blumenau. The production is produced by Wiltshire Creative, Rose Caiola for Caiola Productions and Julian Bird for Green Room Ents.

After Salisbury, the show moves to Windsor, Cambridge and Poole.