An electrifying cast ignites Rock & Roll Manon its UK tour, opening at Salisbury Playhouse. This bold new musical celebrates the life and legacy of Alan Freed, the Cleveland DJ who coined the term “rock & roll” and transformed music history forever. More than an innovator, Freed shattered barriers, uniting artists and audiences across racial lines through the power of music. A fearless visionary and rebel, he sparked a cultural revolution that helped pave the way towards desegregation.
Award-nominated Broadway star Constantine Maroulis will lead the company. Best known for originating the role of Drew in Rock of Ageson Broadway – a performance that earned him a Tony Award nomination – Maroulis brings both powerhouse vocals and deep rock credentials to the role of the DJ who gave rock & roll its name. He first rose to international fame as a finalist on American Idoland has since built a celebrated career across Broadway, touring and recording.
Joining him is acclaimed stage actor Gary Turner widely recognised for his portrayal of Frankie Valli in the West End and international productions of The Bodyguardas well as playing Carlos Diaz in Emmerdale.
The cast also includes Jairus McClanahan (Hamilton, West End) as the flamboyant pioneer Little Richard, Joey James (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, West End) as Chuck Berry, Marquie Hairston (Disco Inferno, UK Tour) as teen sensation Frankie Lymon, Cherece Richards (Shrek the Musical, UK Tour) as rhythm and blues powerhouse LaVern Baker and Joe Bence (Death Comes To Pemberley, UK Tour) as Buddy Holly. Mark Pearce (Groundhog Day, Old Vic) appears as J. Edgar Hoover, representing the forces determined to silence a musical revolution.
Dominique Scott joins the production as Jerry Lee Lewis and Musical Director, leading the live onstage band that drives the show’s explosive sound and authentic rock & roll energy.
The ensemble is completed by Shelby Speed (Blippi, World Tour) and Anton Stephans (Little Shop of Horrors, UK Tour), with understudies Xorael Harrison, Jessica Ncube and Grant Zavitkovsky.
Written by acclaimed musician Gary Kupper, journalist and music producer Larry Marshak, and Tony award winning producer Rose Caiola, and directed by Tony award nominee Randal Myler, Rock & Roll Mancombines original songs written for the stage with iconic hits from the legends who shaped a generation
Stephanie Klemons leads the choreography for Rock & Roll Man. She is renowned as the Associate Choreographer and Original Dance Captain of the Broadway hit Hamiltonand was an original cast member and Dance Captain of In the Heights. Christian Knight serves alongside her as Associate Choreographer.
Having designed the set for the UK tour of Dear Evan Hansenand Midnightat Sadler’s Wells, among other credits, set designer Morgan Large brings his visionary design to Rock & Roll Man.
Rock & Roll Manis a high-octane celebration of the sound, the struggle and the cultural revolution that changed music, and society, forever. This is the original musical about a musical original – the man who gave rock & roll its name and inspired the generation that changed society forever.
The show is produced by Wiltshire Creative, Rose Caiola for Caiola Productions and Julian Bird for Green Room Ents.
This post was last modified on January 16, 2026 9:10 am