Could ROCKY Musical Find a New Home in Philadelphia?

ROCKY the musical, based on the 1976 movie, closed last August after just five months on Broadway. Philly.com entertainment writer Chuck Darrow shared an idea today to bring ROCKY to Philidelphia as a permanent attraction.

The well-known story is set in Philly, and the musical's script makes many references to local landmarks and attractions. Perhaps most recognizable are the steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There is even a Rocky statue close by. The movie is clearly a source of pride to the city. "Has any city ever adopted a fictional character as its cultural avatar with as much fervor as we have claimed Rocky Balboa?" Darrow writes, "There's no question we Philuffyans see ourselves in him: beaten up, beaten down and disrespected - but ultimately triumphant thanks to grit, perseverance and a heaping helping of addytood."

The musical may already have a following in Philly - according to the musical's producers, Stage Entertainment, around 10 percent of ROCKY's audience on Broadway was from the Delaware Valley.

Darrow suggests hotels and conventions could offer ticket deals. As for venues, his top choices are the Forrest Theatre, the University of the Arts' Merriam Theater, or Prince Music Theater.

This pairing does seem like the perfect opportunity for both the musical and the city to find success.

Read the original Philly.com article here.