Broadway Alum Drew Sarich Set for Rocky Musical in Germany
American actor Drew Sarich will enter the ring as Rocky Balboa in the previously announced world premiere of Rocky the Musical in Hamburg, Germany. Dutch actress Wietske van Tongeren will co-star as Adrian, Rocky’s girlfriend. Featuring a score by Tony winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, a book by Tony winner Thomas Meehan and directed by Alex Timbers, the production will premiere this fall. Rocky the Musical will be co-produced by original Rocky film star and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone and Stage Entertainment. No theater or start dates have been set.
Based on the 1976 Oscar-winning film of the same name, Rocky is the story of an underdog boxer in Philadelphia who fights to win the title of heavyweight champion. The film starred Stallone as Rocky Balboa and Talia Shire as Adrian Pennino. A reading of Rocky the Musical was held in 2011 starring Andy Karl (Jersey Boys) as Rocky and Lisa Brescia (Mamma Mia!) as Adrian.
Sarich’s Broadway credits include Lestat and Les Miserables. In Germany, Sarich has appeared in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Jesus Christ Superstar and Dance of the Vampires.