Step Behind The Stage
Rock & Roll Man
The Arts Theatre, Cambridge - 19/03/26
Review by Daniel Marshall
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
Rock & Roll Man is a high-energy new musical that brings to the stage the story of one of the most influential and, at times, controversial figures in music history, Alan Freed. Widely credited with popularising the term “rock and roll”, Freed played a pivotal role in championing a new sound that would go on to define a generation. Blending era-defining hits with some original songs, the production looks to capture not just the man himself, but the wider cultural shift he helped ignite.
Constantine Maroulis takes on the role of Freed, fully embodying the charismatic DJ. It is a performance that carries both presence and personality, anchoring the production as it moves through different stages of Freed’s life. Biographical musicals can often feel disjointed, jumping from moment to moment without much cohesion, but Rock & Roll Man avoids this through a clever framing device. By presenting the story as Freed imagining himself in the court of public opinion, a nod to the legal troubles that followed him later in his career, the show is able to shift seamlessly between times and places without ever losing clarity. It is a smart structural choice that keeps the narrative focused while still allowing it to cover a wide scope.
Another common pitfall of biographical jukebox-style shows is forcing well-known songs into narrative moments where they do not quite fit. Here, that is handled with far more care. Alongside the era’s biggest hits, original songs with music and lyrics by Gary Kupper are woven into the story, carrying key narrative beats and allowing the more recognisable tracks to do what they do best, setting the tone and atmosphere of the time. The balance works well, giving the show both storytelling strength and musical impact.
Within the courtroom framing, Freed is defended by Jairus McClanahan’s Little Richard, one of the standout performances of the night. It is a role that brings both humour and power, with McClanahan delivering some genuinely hilarious moments alongside commanding vocals. Little Richard is just one of many iconic figures brought to life throughout the show, with the mulit-talented cast taking on the likes of Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and LaVern Baker. The inclusion of Baker is a particularly strong choice, giving space to an artist whose influence is often overlooked, whereas here she is given a presence that feels fully deserved.
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
The sheer versatility of the cast is one of the production’s greatest strengths. Dominique Scott, who also serves as Musical Director, Orchestrator and Conductor, and Joe Bence exemplify this best. Both move seamlessly between performing as legendary artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly before returning to their positions within the band at the back of the stage. Scott’s performance of ‘Great Balls of Fire’, in particular, was one of the night's most memorable moments, capturing the energy and chaos of the original in a way that feels electric within the theatre. This fluidity between performer and musician adds an extra layer to the production, reinforcing the sense that the music itself is at the heart of everything.
That same sense of versatility extends across the wider company. Shelby Speed, the show’s Dance Captain, takes on multiple roles throughout, embodying key figures in Freed’s life while also leading Stephanie Klemons’ choreography. The movement of the show is consistently engaging, helping to bring the energy of the era to life and adding momentum to the storytelling.
Telling a story rooted in the 1950s and 60s naturally brings with it a number of social issues, particularly around race and the actions of some of the figures involved. Rock & Roll Man does not shy away from this. Instead, it acknowledges these elements in a way that feels considered and purposeful. The production never glosses over the more uncomfortable aspects, but equally does not allow them to overshadow the wider story. It strikes a careful balance, ensuring these moments are present and recognised without becoming overly heavy-handed, allowing the audience to reflect on them within the broader context of the show.
At its core, Rock & Roll Man is a celebration of the long-term cultural impact of rock and roll, and the role Alan Freed played in bringing it to the forefront. It presents a figure who was instrumental in breaking down barriers and shaping a musical movement, while still acknowledging the more complicated parts of his story. The result is a production that feels both entertaining and reflective, packed with humour, mesmerising performances and, of course, incredible music. The show is currently in the midst of a week-long residency at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge, giving audiences the chance to step into the birth of rock and roll in an intimate setting that suits the energy of the piece.
Cast on the Night:
Constantine Maroulis – Alan Freed
Joe Bence – Buddy Holly, Joe, Stage Manager, Bailiff & others
Marquie Hairston – Jay Hawkins, Frankie Lymon, Quartert & others
Joey James – Chuck Berry, Quartet, Newsboy & others
Jairus McClanahan – Little Richard, Quartet
Mark Pearce – J. Edgar Hoover, Mr Lawrence, Mr Murphy, Southern Preacher, Cop & others
Cherece Richards – LaVern Baker & others
Dominique Scott – Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boone, Dick Clark, Bob, DA Hogan & others; Musical Director, Orchestrations, Conductor
Shelby Speed – Jackie, Alan's Mother, Cathy Lawrence, Alana, Bob's Daughter & others; Dance Captain
Anton Stephans – Bo Diddley, Judge, Nate. Quarter & others
Gary Turner – Leo Mintz, Morris Levy