Rolling Thunder tickets

By: Bryce Hallett
Songs by: Artists including Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Roberta Flack, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Gladys Knight, Curtis Mayfield, and others
Director: Kenneth Ferrone
Cast list: Drew Becker (as Johnny), Cassadee Pope (as Linda), Justin Matthew Sargent (as Thomas), Daniel Yearwood (as Andy), Courtnee Carter (as Lauren and others), Deon’te Goodman (as Mike and others)
Sets: Wilson Chin
Costumes: Andrea Lauer
Lighting: Jake DeGroot
Sound: Mike Tracey
Other info: Video design by Caite Hevner, arrangements and orchestrations by Chong Lim AM and Sonny Paladino, U.S. music supervision and music direction by Paladino

A new musical that's part documentary, part jukebox, and part concert, Rolling Thunder brings together legendary songs of the period of the 1960s and ‘70s to telegraph a raw and potent story inspired by Vietnam veterans and their families. That era of United States history was full of sweeping changes: the draft, combat, Civil Rights, and homecoming are all evocatively explored in this intimate yet epic new work.

The conflict, the world’s first televised war, gave rise to some of the most blistering and lyrical songs of the twentieth century, which are all heard in this new musical: some of the hits from that time coming to New World Stages include “The Letter," “Black Magic Woman," “Gimme Shelter," “Help Me Make it Through the Nightt," and “Eve of Destruction."

At its center, Rolling Thunder is a deeply moving portrait: a distinctly American love story of courage, longing, loss, and hope.

What to watch for

• Journalist Bryce Hallett wrote this story, and Kenneth Ferrone, an Emmy nominee who poduced the live TV musicals of Rent, Grease, and Annie, directs.
• 60s and 70s songs heard in the musical include "Killing Me Softly with His Song,”“We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water."
• The show was first staged in Australia in 2014 and revived in 2023.
• “Rolling Thunder has been a labor of love for many years and salutes Vietnam and contemporary veterans," said producer Rebecca Blake in a statement.

Important information

• Children under 4 years old will not be admitted.
• No weapons permitted on the premises. No outside food or beverages, electric scooters, e-bikes, or battery-powered transportation devices, except when medically necessary.
• All items are subject to inspection. Anything brought into the theatre must fit on your lap or completely under your seat without blocking any aisles. Avoid bringing packages, luggage, and backpacks. Some items must be checked.
• The use of cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices during the show is strictly prohibited by law, except when used for accessibility services.