‘Rocky’ Sings Its Way to Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre February 2014

“Rocky the Musical,” based on the classic movies staring Sylvester Stallone, is coming to Broadway next spring.

Previews will begin at the Winter Garden Theatre in February 2014, with the official opening following March 2014. Exact dates, as well as casting, are expected to be announced soon.

The musical premiered last fall in Hamburg, Germany, and features a book by Tony Award winner Thomas Meehan. The score is by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, also both Tony winners.

Stallone, who also is the “Rocky” creator, will produce the musical along with Stage Entertainment.

“I couldn’t be more proud or more excited about this production and how my original story of Rocky Balboa has been brought to spectacular life onstage,” Stallone said in a statement. “The story of Rocky was very much like my life at the time – starting out with nothing, having to fight for roles and recognition. So I put those feelings into the body of a boxer and I had no idea there were so many millions of people that felt the same way. Alex Timbers and the entire creative team have not only honored that original impulse, but have made his story as exciting, heart-breaking, and inspiring as it was when Rocky first went the distance on screen.”

The musical adaptation generally follows the storyline of the first “Rocky” movie, and Stage Entertainment CEO Bill Taylor says he expects the musical to appeal to tourists and regular theatergoers.

“The title has very high recognition, so I’m sure tourists will want to see it, but we wouldn’t bring it to New York if we didn’t think it would appeal to traditional theatergoers,” he said. “I’m aware that ‘Rocky’ might be perceived as an odd choice for a musical, and there will be some raised eyebrows, but I think what people see will not be what they are expecting.”

For anyone wondering, “Eye of the Tiger” will be included in the musical.