Sylvester Stallone’ infamous movie Rocky is getting the Broadway stage treatment, according to The Hollywood Reporter, who revealed that a stage musical of the boxing drama is all set to hit Broadway in February 2014. The show will open at the Winter Garden Theatre and is being presented via a collaboration between Sly Stallone himself and Stage Entertainment USA.

On board to get the production together is the Tony award-winning writer Thomas Meehan, who has previously worked on The Producers and Hairspray, as well as the composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens. Flaherty and Ahrens have previously worked together on several occasions, notably on the musical Ragtime. Directing the musical will be Alex Timbers, who is currently busy in New York with the acclaimed new musical from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love. The production, simply called Rocky, will have both a fight choreographer (Steven Hoggett – Once) and a dance choreographer (Kelly Devine – Rock of Ages).

Stallone has spoken of his excitement at getting the production off the ground, saying “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… 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. The production already received its premiere last year in Hamburg, Germany, where it received enthusiastic reviews and continues to fill theatres. 

Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone: taking Rocky musical to Broadway