Huey Lewis tells 880 working on a Broadway musical 'is very demanding and therefore very rewarding'

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — Ahead of Broadway previews later this month for the Huey Lewis rom-com musical “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” the music icon spoke with WCBS 880’s Drive Time with Michael Wallace to discuss the show, his passion for Broadway and his struggles with hearing loss as a result of Ménière's disease.

The musical, which will feature Huey Lewis and the News megahits like “The Power of Love” and “Stuck with You,” revolves around a struggling musician who gets a chance at industry success just as he’s moved on with his life.

Lewis, 73, told WCBS 880 that the show’s lead, Bobby, “goes from a rock star to a box star” when he takes a job at a cardboard company, falls in love with the boss’ daughter and begins to rise in the ranks. But, when opportunity for his band knocks, Bobby attempts to juggle both parts of his life.

“He tries to do both things without letting anybody know. And it gets real squirrely, and I won’t blow the ending for you,” Lewis, who was born in New York City, said.

The show’s story is by Tyler Mitchell and Jonathan A. Abrams, with music by Brian Usifer, while Lewis serves as a producer on the project.

Lewis has been involved with the show since the beginning, and said he has worked to bend his songs to develop the story without compromising their integrity.

Since the show's inception nine years ago, Lewis has suffered hearing loss caused by Ménière's disease, and has had to turn some trust over to Usifer.

“I know the music because, well, not only is it mine, but I’ve heard his arrangements back before I lost my left ear seven years ago. But, yeah, it is a little frustrating, but it’s probably easier on Brian,” Lewis said.

The star is still able to hear speech while using hearing aids, as it occurs in a much more narrow frequency than music, he said.

Bobby will be played by Corey Cott while his love interest, Cassandra, will be played by McKenzie Kurtz. The two are experienced Broadway stars, appearing in shows like “Newsies” and “Wicked,” respectively.

Lewis’ interest in Broadway began when he played Billy Flynn in "Chicago" in 2006. His music is also featured heavily in "Back to the Future."

“I fell in love with all things Broadway, especially the people because, you know, it’s a very collaborative art form obviously and it’s very demanding and therefore very rewarding.”

Previews for “The Heart of Rock and Roll” begin at the James Earl Jones Theater on March 29, with opening night set for April 22.