‘Rolling Thunder VNM’ Making U.S. Premiere at New World Stages

“Rolling Thunder” will make its U.S. premiere for a limited engagement this summer at off-Broadway’s New World Stages. Performances of the show, which is described as “part rock concert, part documentary,” start on July 10 in advance of opening night on July 24.

“Rolling Thunder” was originally developed and produced in Australia by Blake Entertainment, helmed by producer Rebecca Blake. The book is by journalist and writer Bryce Hallett. This new U.S. production will be directed by Kenneth Ferrone (“The Wanderer”). Casting and creative news will be forthcoming.

The show tells the stories of young soldiers caught in the abyss of the Vietnam War and the protest movement that sought to end the carnage. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when NVA tanks rolled through the gates of the
Presidential Palace.

According to an official description, “Rolling Thunder” brings together “legendary songs of the period of the ’60s and ’70s” and “raw and potent storytelling inspired by Vietnam veterans and their families.” The synopsis continues: “The draft, combat, civil rights movement and homecoming are evocatively reawakened in this intimate and epic work. At heart, it’s a deeply moving love story of courage, longing, loss and hope.”

The conflict is often considered to be the first televised war, and the peace movement it inspired gave rise to some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. “Rolling Thunder” showcases more than 20 rock classics, including “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Born to Be Wild,” “People Get Ready,” “The Letter,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Eve of Destruction,” “Killing Me Softly,” “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

The show encompasses the musical influence and legacy of many of the most notable songwriters including Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Roberta Flack, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Gladys Knight and Curtis Mayfield, among others.

“‘Rolling Thunder’ has been a labor of love for many years and salutes Vietnam and contemporary veterans,” Blake said. “It is bursting with energy and passion and has the invigorating atmosphere and feel of a rock concert. It also has tremendous energy and heart.”

The show is a proud supporter of The American Legion. The production says it hopes give back to the Veteran community.

“I have no doubt that audiences in New York will be touched and inspired,” Blake said. “More than anything, ‘Rolling Thunder’ is a plea for peace.”